BY MOHAMED M. SESAY
The House of Parliament has yesterday the 22nd of February 2022, adopted the recommendations from the Committee on Appointment and Public Service for the approval of Dr. Victor Massaquoi, Chairman Independent Media Commission, Mr. Saffa Jobson Momoh chairman National Youth Commission, Mrs. Mariama Sarjay Yormah National Cyber Security Coordinator, and Mrs. M’Balu Binta Jalloh, Member National Youth Commission.
Presenting the committee’s report, the Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie disclosed that the IMC ACT of 2020 which was enacted by the House of Parliament makes the commission autonomous. Based on the criteria in section 8 of the IMC Act of 2020 as amended, the Acting Leader said the committee on Appointment and the Public Service noted that Dr. Massaquoi is above the required qualification to head the commission.
Hon. Bashiru Silikie also disclosed that Dr. Massaquoi played a pivotal role in the repeal and replacement of the criminal libel law in order to promote media freedom in the country. He added that Dr. Massaquoi is a seasoned media practitioner with over 30 years’ experience in policy development analysis, project development and conflict management. The Acting Leader intimated the House that Dr. Massaquoi holds a doctorate degree in development and social policy analysis from the United State of America.
Hon. Silikie added that Dr. Massaquoi also holds a master’s degree in organization management with special focus in marketing and communication from Ohio University of the United States of America. Until his appointment, the Acting Leader also revealed that Dr. Massaquoi was the Director for Technical and Vocational Education at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.
He assured Members of Parliament that the nominee met all the requirements set out in the IMC Act.
During the interview of the presidential nominee, Hon. Silikie disclosed that Dr. Massaquoi told the committee that journalists are poorly paid in the country which makes journalism very unattractive to the coming generation.
He said Dr. Massaquoi assured them to passionately work with National Non-Governmental Organization and Parliament in order to explore avenues for resources that will make the IMC fully meet its statutory obligations.
“Mr. Speaker Honorable Members, based on the aforesaid, I therefore move that the seventh report of the Fourth Session of the Committee on Appointment and Public Service be adopted by this house and that the recommendations therein be approved”, said Hon. Silikie.
The Leader of the National Ground Coalition Hon. Kandeh Yumkella congratulated the new IMC Chairman on his appointment. He however reminded Dr. Victor Massaquoi that despite the repeal of the libel law, he urged the Commission to properly regulate media house in terms publishing libelous articles against senior citizens.
The Opposition Whip Hon. Hassan A. Sesay reminded Dr. Massaquoi that he is going to an institution that has been starved for resources.
He said that Dr. Massaquoi is the Key to the successes of the IMC. He therefore, encouraged Dr. Massaquoi to go and create the needful impact and transformation in the IMC.