By Henry Kargbo

Secretary General, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Alhaji Manika Kamara has stated that despite diplomatic efforts by SLAJ to bridge the divide, the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (SLPPG) remains a widely divided body.

He made this remarks on Tuesday 25 April 2023, whiles delivering a statement at the inaugural ceremony of the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery Media Awards and Symposium with the theme; “Assessing the Legislative Impact and Parliamentary Effectiveness of the Fifth Parliament of the 2 Republic of Sierra Leone.’’

According to SLAJ Scribe, some members of the SLPPG are divided and that would not bring out the good image of body in the house of representative. He registered SLAG’s disappointment though they have made serious diplomatic effort to settle the dispute, but proved futile.

Kamara furthered that despite several appeals by SLAJ to the Office the Clerk of Parliament to bring the two divided fractions together, as a formidable body but it yield no success. He described the long standing stalemate as a big shame on the part of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic dissolving and leaving a legacy of a divided press gallery. It is same that the 5^th Parliament of the Second Republic is dissolving.

He urged the two factions to unite and take responsibility to resolve their difference, which he said is the only way to achieve their collective goals, thereby earning the respect and trust that they deserved as professionals. “This occasion, as we celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding Members of Parliament, Committees, Staff of Parliament and Media House,” he said.

Kamara advised the selected categories for the awardees to work together and help build a vibrant and more resilient SLPPG, on the media landscape in general.

He described the theme for the symposium and media award as; “Assessing the Legislative impact and Parliamentary effectiveness of the 5^th Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.” as timely and commended the gallery for such a novelty that he said seeks to evaluate professionalism and excellence in representation and service delivery in the House of Parliament.

Kamara noted the role journalist played in a democratic state, ‘saying  journalists hold those in power accountable, shed light on trending critical issues that are unnoticed and provide a forum for robust debate. Discussions and reporting on the activities of our elected MPs help in informing the general public on decisions taken by MPs.

He registered the profound SLAJ’s appreciations to government for the repeal part five of the Criminal Libel Law that had frightens journalistic practice in the country over the years.

Various speakers made statements includes former Leader of Parliament, Hon. Saa Emmanuel Lamin of the Coalition for Change, Valnora Edwin Director and Chairperson of Africa Women Network and Executive Editor African Young Voices Media Empire, Samuel Wise Bangura among others.

The event climax by with the presentations of awards to deserving winners includes the AYV, as the best media reporting on Fifth Parliament of the 2^nd Republic of Sierra Leone, C4C Leaders, as the Best Staff of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Best Oversight Committee amongst the list is long.

Winners of the award thanked the SLPPG for recognizing them for their good works over the year.