October 22, 2021
BY MOHAMED M. SESAY
The Fourth Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, has yesterday the 21st of October 2021, unanimously approved all the nominees who were appointed by President Julius Maada Bio to constitute the long awaited peace commission.
The following persons are the approved presidential nominees: Mr. Sheka Mansaray, Chairman Board of Directors, Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Ms. Valnora Anita Christiana Edwin, member Board of Directors Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Alhaji Sulaiman Bah, Board of Directors Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Hon. PC Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku Sonsiama Member Board of Directors Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Rev. Mrs Olivia Helen Iyesatta Fonnie, Member Board of Directors Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Ambassador Haja Alari Cole, Member Board of Directors Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Mr. Joseph Ahmed Turay, Member Board of Directors Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, and Dr. Shodanke Johnson, Board of Directors Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.
In his address after the approval of the presidential nominees, the Speaker of the Parliament Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu acknowledged that the establishment of the Peace and National Cohesion Commission is good and necessary for the Nation. He reiterated that the task of members of the commission cannot be underestimated describing it as a very difficult one.
He added that members who have just been approved will ensure that the people live with the confidence and trust the president has reposed in them.
Dr. Chernor Abass Bundu continued that the house of Parliament expect from them the highest standing of probity and the highest standing of performance.
“we have no doubt that from the names that we have all heard in the course of the debate constituting the membership of the commission will live up to our expectation”, he said.
Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu furthered that at this juncture of the creation of the Peace Commission, he said the nation will now pause and await the performance of all the presidential nominees of the peace commission.
He assured the presidential nominees that they stand ready to support the operation of the commission.
He encouraged them to also consider it very necessary to always call on members of Parliament whether collectively or individually. He concluded by wishing them all the very best in their work.
Seconding the approval of the nominees, the Opposition Whip, Hon. Hassan Sesay said the approval of presidential nominees was a national duty and went on to inform that it was of utmost importance to have the National Peace Cohesion. He recalled during the vetting process that he harked back of the past incidences that need to be addressed for peace and national cohesion to be sustained.
The MP also threw light on regional and tribal promotion of civil servants that would be addressed as well.
He used the opportunity to admonish the nominees of Commission For National Peace and Cohesion in light of addressing issues that would prevent conflict, enhance national cohesion and interest.
He Concluded by urging all of them to make Sierra Leone proud.
On his part, the Leader of National Ground Coalition (NGC) Hon Dr. Kandeh Yumkella said the nominees had huge task to execute.
He went on to remind them of certain sustainable development goals relative to peace and national cohesion. He recalled how Late President Kabbah initiated peace with his UN experience.
He advised the nominees to maintain integrity and impartiality, in light of their duties and responsibilities.
Hon Neneh Lebbie applauded the President for his commitment to peace recalling his military days and for establishing the Peace Commission.
She informed that parochially Sierra Leone continues to divide on partisan bases but with this Commission, conflicting issues would be addressed. She encouraged the nominees to unite the people.
“The youths of this country are being used by us, politicians” she maintained and urged the Commission to sensitize the youths in that direction.
She recalled the factors that triggered the war in Sierra Leone and advised the Commission to address them adequately.
The Leader of Coalition for Change (C4C) Hon Saa Emerson Lamina thanked President Bio for constituting Peace Commission and also appointing the Nominees.
The MP highlighted the importance of peace and the required fulfillments to be actualized before peace could reign in Sierra Leone.
He advised the nominees to focus on various factors that would enhance peace. He commended some of the nominees for their wealth of experiences and qualities. He asked them to consider certain theoretical issues that would engender peace and national cohesion.