By Nasratu Kargbo
A little over a week after a leaked document from parliament indicating proposed lobby for increment in salary and allowances for members, made rounds on social media, attracting intense public debate, the Parliamentarians have expressed their right to improved welfare.
Speaking in Parliament on the 14th of June 2022, the Leader of Government Business Mathew Sahr Nyuma said they have the right as MPs to ask for improved welfare, and that if the document is brought to the house they will ensure that it goes through due procedures for debate. He noted that it will not be done in secrecy.
Nyuma read section 74 sub-sections 4, which states that “Members of Parliament shall be entitled to such salaries, allowance, gratuities, pensions, and such other benefits as may be prescribed by parliament”. The MP also mentioned Standing Order 61 of parliament’s book and said that they have the right but will not abuse it.
He explained that as MPs they have been forced to construct bridges, pay school fees or take care of funerals, even though those tasks are not their responsibilities.
Nyuma also made mentioned the wage bill which he said will ensure its complete harmonization.
Acting Leader of the Main Opposition Ibrahim Ben Kargbo said he was being asked by the public whether the Speaker of Parliament Chernor Abass Bundu was given approval by President Julius Maada Bio for the improvement of MP’s welfare. He noted that his response was that the speaker will not introduce a concept in the house that the president does not approve of, revealing that the president knows what they are doing and that he had once talked to them about their welfare whilst addressing them.
Kargbo stated that they will not allow anyone to blackmail them, stating that most of the things he reads on social media are tantamount to blackmail. He stated that they will not apologize for wanting to improve their welfare.
Leader for the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Kandeh Kolleh Yumkellah said he was in support of the two leaders and stressed the need to educate the people about what the constitution says and why the harmonization of the wages and salary is crucial for the country. “If you want the right people, you should have the right incentives”, he said.
“These matters relating to members of parliament should be subjected to a national conversation,” said the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Solomon Segepoh Thomas.
He explained that some of the people that are criticizing MPs earn far more than them, citing the example of people being paid forty-five million Leones or more per month. He said the salaries paid to those people are meant for them and their families, whilst claiming theirs is shared with the whole constituency.
Thomas mentioned that he would have been satisfied with his salary if he were not shared it with his constituents.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (15/06/22)
