By: Mohamed M. Sesay
During approval of the newly appointed Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu, Members of Parliament yesterday the 4th of July 2022, lavished unprecedented praise on the new Inspector General of Police and also nursed the hope of inevitable and rapid reformation of the Sierra Leone Police Under the leadership of IGP Sellu.
The new Inspector General of Police was approved together with seven other Presidential Nominees which include; Mr. Ahmed Amadu Turay – Director General, Sierra Leone Correctional Services,
Mr. Amara Sheikh Sowa – Deputy Permanent Representatives (Political Affairs) to the United Nations, New York,
Mr. Sorie Fofana – Chairman Board of Directors, National Civil Registration Authority, Mr. Morris Sellieu Conteh -Member, Board of Trustees, National Social Security, and Insurance Trust, Mr. Musa Kargbo – Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, Dr. Sherman Kamara -Member, Board of Trustees, Sierra Leone Students Loan Scheme Fund and Colonel Sahr David Ngaujah -Deputy Director General, Sierra Leone Correctional Services.
In his debate, Deputy Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie thanked the President for appointing qualified Sierra Leoneans to serve the state. He added by advising the nominees to sever diligently for the interest of the nation. He also used the opportunity to outline the functions and responsibilities of Parliament, relative to law-making; representation, and oversight.
Hon. Sengepoh Soloman Thomas, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, said the nominees are hugely qualified and went on to advise them to go and do something different for the development of the nation.” We have a problem of mentality as a nation”, and went on to plead on the nominees to sever in the best of the state.
Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas cautioned the new IGP to do the needful and said “Any IGP that is popular with the people is not working”. He added that the IGP should tolerate lawlessness in any form.
The Leader of the Coalition for Change Party (C4C) disclosed that the IGP is a fine personality and prayed for him to succeed. He also encouraged him to distinguish between a misdemeanor and a felonious crime. He called on the new IGP to work in line with the laws of the state and assured him of Parliament’s support when needed.
The Leader of the Opposition Hon. Chernor RM Bah said a lot has been said about the nominees and said he knew many of the nominees and their performance. He said Sorie Fofana is a fine gentleman and advised him to serve well in the NCRA positions. On the other nominees, he hoped they would be delivered in the interest of the state. He said the incoming Director of the prison said he is a personal family member and encouraged him to deliver.
In concluding the debate, Leader of Government Business Hon. Sahr Nyuma said we should not forget about our history and went on to highlight the recent laws enacted by Parliament relative to the promotion of good governance and democracy. He said the Sierra Leone police deserved respect and encouraged the law to be respected.
Congratulating the nominees after approval, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu assured us that the nominee’s humility, honesty, and professionalism are credible to none. He also anticipated the performance of the nominees especially the IGP at the highest level of professionalism. He also praised the new IGP for ascending the ladder from a junior rank to the IGP.
“We hope you will leave to expectations and the House is proud of you and good luck”, he concluded.
