By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In another remarkable journey towards maintaining commitment in promoting gender equality and inclusivity, the Parliament of Sierra Leone in its first meeting of the second session on Thursday 8th August 2024 approves Asma James, Fatmata Sawaneh and other Presidential Nominees going as ambassadors and other crucial positions.
The approval of the Presidential Nominees in the well of Parliament witnessed a momentous and highly spirited occasion.
This was as a result of prominent personalities including a celebrated and long-standing female journalist in the name of Asma James and a well-known grassroots and female leader of the incumbent SLPP, who were amongst the Presidential Nominees.
Asma James was approved as Deputy Ambassador to Brussel while Fatmata Sawaneh was also approved as Deputy Ambassador to Guinea, a neighbouring francophone country.
Prior to the approval of the Nominees, the President of the Female Caucus in Parliament and President for the Women and ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Kadie Sesay first of all thanked H.E President Bio for indeed adhering to the 30 percent representation of women in every decision he makes.
Affirming of being bias in her contributions, the Hon. Female Caucus Leader specifically zoomed in to the female nominees.
The Hon. started with Asma James as she expressed satisfaction over her resume, saying the President made no mistake in appointing Asma James as Deputy Ambassador to Brussel. The Hon. President of the Female Caucus continued with the Presidential Nominee going as Deputy Ambassador to Guinea, Fatmata Sawaneh.
Hon. Kadie Sesay said Madam Fatmata Sawaneh absolutely deserved the position as a reward to all her good work. She said despite they had been saying Fatmata Sawaneh was not an educationist but said at this point book has known her.
Hon. Kadie Sesay asserted that Deputies should not be seen as irrelevance, adding that they could do absolutely well if given the chance. She urged both Asma James and Fatmata Sawaneh to continue their good work for the people of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Kadie Sesay expressed great confidence in both Nominees and all others presented to them for approval.
She urged for their approval and wished them well in their endeavors. The Hon. Women Leader ended up singing the women’s song which resonates for the freedom of women.
Devoid of political lens, Hon. Latif Sesay an Opposition MP representing the people of Port Loko got attracted by the Presidential Nominees and made positive contributions, expressing their outstanding impacts, particularly of the female Nominees.
The Hon. specially called out almost all the Nominees presented for approval, speaking well about their industrious contributions to the society and wealth of experiences.
The Hon. however talked about the outstanding issues of electricity in the country and urged the Nominee going to that sector to use all his expertise and make a positive drive.
Hon. Latif specifically zoomed on Fatmata Sawaneh the Nominee going as Deputy Ambassador to Guinea. The Hon. sef forth that despite she had been a strong advocate for the SLPP but that did not mean he should not commend her vibrant work.
He also called on Asma James, the Nominee going as Deputy Ambassador to Brussel, acknowledging the great work she had been doing in the Sierra Leone media landscape and urged all the Nominees to work in the best interest of the country.
An MP Paramount Chief expressed satisfaction to all the Nominees presented before them.
The Paramount Chief place almost all his energy in showering praises to Asma James, the Nominee going as Deputy Ambassador to Brussel.
The Hon. Paramount Chief could recall almost all the portfolios of Asma James. He talked about her wealth of experiences and expressed no doubt in her capability to play a pivotal role in her new mandate.
Rounding off the approval proceeding, the Leader of the Opposition and of the Minority, Hon. Abdul Kargbo also expressed satisfaction over the Presidential Nominees, as he said he was happy for the appointment.
He singled out Lehbie Williams, proposed Chairman of the Civil Aviation. As he commended him for his promotion, he urged all other Nominees to prioritize compartment and create positive impacts in their offices.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo however made crucial contribution during the approval. He raised concern over the sustainability of government properties as he specifically made mention of the dilapidation of airport equipment.
The Hon. also spoke about the condition at which the former workers of the old Lungi International Airport found themselves, as he they have been subjected into cleaners and grass cutters.
He urged the Nominee going to the sector as Chairman to go and ensure that the right thing is done.
The Hon. generally admonished all the Nominees to go out there and serve in their various positions with equity.
He emphasized the need to treat all Sierra Leoneans equally and not to desegregate anyone, adding that they are all Sierra Leoneans devoid of their belonging. He wished them well and urged for their swift approval.
In his concluding response, the Leader of Government Business and of the Majority, Hon. Mathew Nyuma first of all reinforced all the concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition. He said his concerns would be taken in good faith as they had fully acknowledged the pre-eminence of working with the spirit of unity.
The Hon. Leader of the Majority then continue admonishing the Nominees and by extension to every Sierra Leonean. The Hon said going to university and attain a degree is not all but what mostly matters is delivering for the people of the country. The Leader started with Asma James and expressed his satisfaction with the resume of Asma James. The Leader spoke good about journalists and journalism as a profession and how journalists have been viewed in the country.
The Hon. Leader continued with Kabineh Kallon emphasizing his commendable work. He recalled some of the challenges Kallon went through and appreciated President Bio for recognizing the good work of Kabineh Kallon. He said Kallon had served in the United States of America and have a dexterity of professional experience. The Hon. Leader of Government Business emphasized the hardworking and committed nature of Fatmata Sawaneh. He talked more about the vision and big aspiration of Fatmata Sawaneh which he said she is famous not only in the SLPP but also in the SLPP, as some APC Hons. lauded the woman’s outstanding contributions.
The Hon. Leader reinforced the statement of the President during the state opening of the second session in relation to peace and unity. He said the Opposition is not there enemy but partner in development. He emphasized the need to leave out personal prejudices and work for the betterment of the country.
