By: Aminata Sesay
On Thursday, Members of Parliament (MPs) gathered to pay heartfelt tributes to the late Honourable Ernest Dura Koroma, whose passing has been described as a significant loss to both his constituency and the nation. The tribute, delivered in the Well of Parliament, brought together leaders from both sides of the political aisle, all of whom spoke of his unwavering dedication, humility, and commitment to national service.
In a solemn statement, the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Abdul Kargbo, recalled Honourable Dura’s tireless devotion to his role as a legislator, describing him as “a man who lived for his people and worked relentlessly to improve their lives.”
“His death was a consequence of his never-ending work ethic,” the Opposition Leader remarked. “He was always engaged interacting with his constituents, initiating development projects, and fully participating in parliamentary business.”
Honourable Kargbo also recalled a recent discussion he had with the late MP and the Whip of the Opposition, where the three of them spent over an hour deliberating on national issues. He said this reflected Honourable Dura’s passion for collaboration and dialogue across party lines.
“He initiated many projects in his constituency. The question now is, who will complete them?” Kargbo said, adding that the loss was both personal and political.
The Deputy Leader of Government Business, Honourable Bashiru Silikie, also paid tribute to the late MP, highlighting his role as a unifying figure who transcended partisan politics. Silikie pointed out that both the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) leadership would attend the funeral of Honourable Dura, a gesture that demonstrated the late MP’s ability to build bridges across political divides.
“His passing shows that death knows no party colors,” Silikie remarked. “Honourable Dura was a friend to all, always present, always engaged, and deeply committed to the work of Parliament.”
Silikie further described the late MP as someone who often went above and beyond the call of duty, regularly attending committee meetings and community events, even when he was not directly involved. He praised Dura’s unmatched enthusiasm for national development and service to the people.
The Speaker of Parliament, in his concluding remarks, extended condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Tonkolimba. He noted that Honourable Dura’s contributions to national progress would be remembered for years to come.
“The people of Tonkolimba have lost a true son,” the Speaker said. “His legacy of service, humility, and hard work will continue to inspire us.”
The session concluded with a moment of silence in honour of the late Honourable Dura, as MPs reflected on his life of dedication and the void his passing has left in the legislature.