By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In their maiden press conference, the sitting Members of Parliament from the All-People’s Congress (APC) affirmed their readiness to support the government under specific conditions.
The event, held at the APC party office on Old Railway Line, was the first of the ‘Parliamentary Monthly Press Conferences’ intended to function as a platform for checks and balances on government activities. Hon. Daniel Koroma, the Deputy Opposition Leader of Parliament, led the conference, pledging the party’s support to the government while emphasizing the need for adherence to good governance principles.
“The government should succeed to ensure it gets better standard of living; the government should succeed to ensure it provides affordable fuel and on demand,” Koroma asserted. He stressed that their support would be conditional, highlighting the necessity of combating any governmental missteps, particularly in the constitutional review process.
Koroma further declared the APC’s commitment to the people and the country, underscoring their intent to assist the government only in the context of beneficial policies. “On bad principles, we are here to highlight the skulls and ensure that they are nipped in the bud,” he stated firmly.
The press conference was a platform for the APC to articulate their stance on several critical issues. Koroma spoke at length about the need for constitutional changes that would strengthen democracy, women empowerment, rule of law, and good governance. He made it clear that the party would oppose any amendments not aligned with these values.
Koroma also lauded the democratic process involved in the recent election of the Parliament’s Speaker and Deputy Speaker, emphasizing its role in reinforcing the two-thirds majority requirement for significant legislative changes. He noted that this election process had set a precedent for future parliamentary proceedings.
Addressing parliamentary challenges, Koroma expressed concerns about the Business Committee’s recent inactivity. He highlighted that while the committee started its activities well, meetings had been suspended, posing a risk to its effectiveness. “It has not entirely gone out of hand, but we cannot allow it to go bad,” he warned.
The Deputy Opposition Leader also discussed ongoing legislative efforts, including the Criminal Procedure Bill. While praising the bill, he raised concerns about the jury system, advocating for reforms. He reiterated the APC’s opposition to the approval of the ECSL Commissioner for the Southern Region, a decision that had sparked controversy within the party.
The conference saw participation from other key APC figures, including the Deputy Chairman, Secretary General, former and current Leaders of Opposition in Parliament, and several executive members and parliamentarians. The leaders addressed various pressing issues, reflecting the party’s proactive stance on national development.
The APC’s initiative to hold monthly press conferences aims to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that government actions are scrutinized and that the party remains engaged with the public on important matters. The press conference underscored the APC’s dual commitment to supporting beneficial government policies while vigilantly opposing any detrimental actions.
