By John Kelly Marah
The constitutional provision for Parliament of Sierra Leone is broadly described in section 73 sub section 3 of the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone which clearly states the mandate of Parliament, in which the legislative power of Sierra Leone is vested in Parliament.
Our parliament must serve as a beacon of peace, hope, democracy and good governance by making government work for the people, by giving a voice to the voiceless through law-making, transparency, accountability and equitable distribution of resources, integrity, inclusiveness, impartiality, and respect.
In addition to that we have seen the reverse in Sierra Leone Parliament, since the implementation of the proposed Finance Act 2024, which called for the increment of tax on rice, our staple food stuff including cement and iron rods that was later passed and became law in the noble House of Parliament.
This begs the question: Are our parliamentarians working in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone or for their own selfish desires of for their political parties?
Aside to that we are now on tollgate saga, in which the CRSG, is anticipating to review the toll agreement with the government of Sierra Leone, in which the Speaker of Parliament Dr. Abass Bundu put a hold for proper consultation and scrutiny before it becomes law.
If it becomes law will lead to increment of all products in town, including transport fare. Sierra Leoneans are right now at the fence of what would become the outcome of this debate because as it will be a betrayal of trust and transparency on the side of parliament.
Notably, 200 CSOs headed by Edmond Abu Jr. have urged parliament during a Works Committee session in parliament, for CRSG to unconditionally pull away one toll gate out of the three operating in the country and also asked for all blockades which CRSG created at the 3 tollgate areas.
Sierra Leoneans, are yearning to see the outcome of this saga, as they expect to be betrayed again by those calling themselves Honorables in parliament.