By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In an effort to clarify some incorrect information circulating on social media, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, reaffirmed on Thursday, November 21st, 2024, during the first day of the budget debate, that no increment was made on the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget.
“This is to inform members of the general public that no increment was made on the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget,” the Hon. Speaker of Parliament reaffirmed to the general public as he issued a stern warning against deceptive social media posts.
During the debate, Parliament Speaker Segepoh S. Thomas used the opportunity to warn the general public, especially those on social media, about the consequences of publishing and circulating false information. He informed them about the relevant laws criminalizing such a deceptive act, mentioning section 95 and the other provisions in the Cyber Law. “You who publish and circulate will be brought to Parliament,” he assured.
The Speaker, therefore, went on admonishing the general members of the public that if they do not understand, they have free access to Parliament to ask questions. He encouraged the citizens to always go to Parliament and seek clarifications so they would be better informed on Parliament proceedings instead of sitting somewhere and circulating damaging information on social media.
“On the very first day I was elected Speaker of Parliament, I promised that the full effect of section 95 would be put into effect,” Speaker Thomas strongly assured the public about Parliament laws that speak about contempt of Parliament, which could also include publishing misleading information about Parliament proceedings.
The Sierra Leone Speaker of Parliament further informed that, unlike the Court, which has a limitation of punishment, the Parliament does not have one, adding that it is a key reason why the general members should be extremely careful when it comes to Parliament.
“This serves as a stern warning to members of the general public, especially those enjoying themselves on social media. You are free to come to Parliament and ask relevant questions. The office of the Clerk of Parliament is always open,” Sixth Parliament Speaker of Sierra Leone, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, warned