By: Mohamed M. Sesay
Honorable Members of the Final Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone have on Tuesday the 21st of February 2023, approved Rev. Shodanke B. E. B. Johnson as the Chairman for the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC).
Unveiling the Presidential Nominee to the Speaker and Members of Parliament, the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, recalled that the Nominee was interviewed on Tuesday, 07/02/2023, in Committee Room One, Parliament Building in Freetown. According to the Acting Leader, the nominee was interviewed based on specified criteria and procedures, not excluding the strict consistency of his educational background, track records, tax obligation, and vision for a nationally productive tenure amongst others.
Hon. Neneh Lebbie said the nominee is capable of manning the Peace Commission to the admiration of many citizens. She recalled that the nominee is a fervent Christian whose preaching inspired her to go to church.
She informed the House that the nominee is a household name and a father who has transformed many lives, especially in Bo District. She concluded by assuring the House that the nominee would deliver to the anticipation of the president and the people of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Rev. Sama Sandy thanked President Bio for appointing the nominee and recalled his relationship with Rev. Shocnaka Joshon .He said Rev. Johnson is a nationalist and religious man. He stated and counted the many institutions and churches the nominee had established nationally and globally.
Hon. Charles recalled his relationship with the Nominee and said that he is a leader and unifier. He stated that the Nominee deserved the elevation and revealed that the Nominee’s mission has gained process in the education landscape in his constituency. He assured the House that Rev. Johnson has all the attributes to unifier the country
Acting Leader of C4C, Hon Musa Fofana, reaffirmed that President Bio had appointed many fine Sierra Leoneans and Rev Johnson is one of them. He reiterated that the position is very critical, but expressed confidence that the nominee would achieve. He used the opportunity to appeal to the House to consider the budget allocation of the commission as the country is moving toward the upcoming elections.
In his congratulatory message, the Speaker of Parliament Hon.Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu congratulated Rev. Johnson for his appointment and approval.
Speaker Bundu spoke about national unity and cohesion and categorically admonished the nominee that his job is not an easy task. He therefore, wished the Nominee the very best in his new office.