June 30, 2021
BY MOHAMED M. SESAY
The Speaker of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone RT. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu has yesterday urged Members of Parliament to take the jab since the current situation of the Covid-19 virus is getting worse. He also speculated that government may soon declare a State of Public Health Emergency in order to combat the new strain of the virus.
Dr. Bundu further noted that he received two very senior government officials on Monday at his office and they apprised him about the thinking within government circle relating to the next step that government is contemplating on in combating the virus. He informed Members of Parliament that not too long, may be in the cause of this week, government will come again to parliament to let Members of Parliament know about the next government proposal in response to the fight against the Pandemic.
He added that he just thought it fit to alert Members of Parliament to know in advance that government is contemplating certain proactive measures in order to protect the lives of the citizenry of this country including them as members of Parliament. He encouraged the lawmakers to lead by examples by demonstrating that they as Members of Parliament are equally prepared to protect themselves and their families by being inoculated.
He reiterated that the current situation is very serious and expressed hoped there is not a single member of parliament who is in denial of the very existence of the virus.
He asserted that such denial will serve them and their family no good but to continue to endanger the lives of other countrymen.
“So pleased I am not forcing you, but encouraging you to be vaccinated as I have taken both jabs. Situation is not getting better not just for our country, but for Africa and beyond. It is getting very serious and the strain that we have now is even more aggressive than the one previously”, said Dr. Bundu.
He concluded that the covid-19 vaccine will not make someone totally immune from contracting the virus but at least it will boost one’s immune system as indicated by science adding that, he has no reason to disbelieve that opinion from scientists.
The APC Honorable Member of Parliament from Constituency 050 Tonkolili District Hon. Hassan A. Sesay affirmed that the current covid-19 situation as expressed by the Speaker of Parliament is indeed very serious and needs urgent attention in order to deal with the chain of transmission. He said they are very aware that the new strain of the virus is very aggressive and appreciate the speaker for putting them on notice that very soon government may come back to parliament for measures gearing towards combating the virus.
He however expressed hope that whatever covid-19 preventive measure to be instituted by in the context of State of Public Health Emergency should be consistent with law. He added that if any need arises for a pronouncement of the State of Public Health Emergency, it should be followed with the requisite regulations in ensuring that they are on the right track. He warned government not to repeat the previous mistake made in the first pronouncement of the State of Public Health Emergency; assuring that the opposition is prepared to support whatever measure government intends to implement as long as it is legal and the interest of the people they are representing.
The Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Nyuma said they have started discussion with the National Covid-19 Emergency Response Center (NaCOVERC) and that NaCOVERC is looking for ways wherein, Parliament will be incorporated into the fight by playing a pivotal role in combating the recent strain of the virus. He assured that government has instituted a very robust measures at all the border crossing points including the Lungi International Airport. He encouraged colleagues Members of Parliament to be vaccinated, maintain social and physical distance and abide by all other covid-19 preventive measures. He also encouraged Members of Parliament to go in for the covid-19 jab since a vaccination center has been established at the back of Parliament for members of Parliament.
The Leader of the National Ground Coalition (NGC) Party in Parliament Honorable Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella joined the speaker of Parliament in encouraging other members of Parliament to be vaccinated. He also encouraged government to work with members of parliament in terms of mobilization and awareness raising on the virus adding that, he has just concluded a tour in the providences and people are in total denial of the virus. He reiterated that they being the people’s representatives are very crucial in the whole fight against the pandemic.