By Forum staff writer
Member of Parliament for the Western Area Urban District, Hon. Osman Timbo, has raised serious concerns over whether constitutional procedures were properly followed in the tabling of the Constitution of Sierra Leone Amendment Bill 2025.
In a formal letter addressed to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Timbo questioned the legality of the Bill’s introduction in Parliament, specifically citing possible noncompliance with Section 108 subsection 2 paragraph a of the 1991 Constitution. That provision requires any Bill seeking to amend the Constitution to be published in at least two issues of the Gazette, with no fewer than nine days between the first and second publication, before it can be introduced for its first reading in Parliament.
According to Hon. Timbo, the Bill was published in the Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette on December 24 2025. However, he said that this was the only Gazette publication made available to him and other Members of Parliament ahead of the first reading.
He further explained that efforts were made to verify whether a second publication had taken place. These efforts included searches at the Government Printing Department and the Government Bookshop, but no evidence of a second Gazette publication was found.
“In the circumstances, it appears that prior to the first reading, the Bill was not published in at least two issues of the Gazette as required by section 108 subsection 2 paragraph a of the Constitution,” Hon. Timbo stated in his letter.
The MP has formally requested the Attorney General to clarify whether a second publication was indeed made in compliance with the Constitution. He also asked that, if such a publication exists, a copy of the relevant Gazette be provided to confirm that the legal requirement was fulfilled.
Hon. Timbo emphasized that the constitutional safeguards governing amendment Bills are not optional. He warned that failure to comply with these procedures could undermine the legality and legitimacy of the proposed amendment process.
He further argued that strict adherence to constitutional provisions is essential to maintaining public confidence in the lawmaking process. According to him, constitutional compliance is critical not only for legal validity but also for national cohesion and trust in democratic institutions.
The MP went on to urge that if it is confirmed that the second Gazette publication was not carried out, the Bill should be withdrawn from Parliament until all mandatory constitutional requirements are fully met.
Legal analysts say the issue raised by Hon. Timbo highlights the importance of procedural compliance in constitutional reform processes. They note that any deviation from the prescribed process could expose the amendment to legal challenges.
As of now, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice has not publicly responded to the concerns raised. The matter is expected to generate further debate in Parliament as lawmakers and the public closely watch how the issue is addressed.
