By: Aminata Sesay
In a strong condemnation of dereliction of duty, the Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Parliament has rebuked Members of Parliament (MPs) for what he described as a disturbing trend of chronic absenteeism. Delivering a forceful address during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, the Speaker warned that habitual absentees will soon be publicly named and held accountable.
“We started very well, Honourable Members, but unfortunately we have started lagging again,” the Speaker lamented. “We are supposed to be in this well at 10 a.m. sharp. Upon my entry, I expect to see a full complement of this House.”
Expressing deep frustration, the Speaker criticized MPs who routinely fail to attend sittings despite receiving full salaries from the state. He labeled the behavior as “deliberate” and “disrespectful” to both the institution of Parliament and the citizens who elected them.
“There are Members of Parliament who have made it their business not to come to Parliament. Some deliberately refuse to attend, and yet they continue to receive salaries,” he said. “This is for the attention of the public. Because when Parliament decides to act, we don’t want civil society or journalists defending them.”
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Speaker announced that he has instructed the Clerk of Parliament to compile a list of MPs who consistently fail to attend sessions. That list, he added, will be made public.
“I will start naming those people,” he declared. “They may be your friends or relatives encourage them to come to Parliament, and to come on time.”
In contrast to his stern message, the Speaker took a moment to commend a number of MPs for their consistent attendance and dedication. He specifically mentioned Honourable Alpha Javi, Honourable Adama Bangura, and Honourable William Lamin as examples of diligence and commitment worthy of recognition.
“Parliament must reward those who take their duties seriously, just as it must expose those who neglect them,” he emphasized. “Whatever I say here goes to the public. You want your name to be known for something positive.”
The Speaker also indicated that at the end of the parliamentary term, he would formally communicate MPs’ attendance records to their respective political parties, urging them to reconsider the re-nomination of members who fail to uphold their responsibilities.
With his remarks, the Speaker signaled a firm shift toward enforcing discipline and restoring public trust in Parliament.
“The people of Sierra Leone deserve better,” he concluded. “We have been elected to serve not to stay away.”