By Nasratu Kargbo
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has for the first time in its history thrown two bills that were to be debated by the house back to the legislative committee, on the 15th March 2022.
The bills entitled ‘the Environment Protection Agency Act 2021 and The National Protected Area Authority and Conservation Trust Fund Act 2021’ were sent back to the Legislative Committee after the Deputy Speaker Solomon Sengpoh Thomas rose on Standing Order (SO) 57 which talks about “Re-Committal of the bill reported from the select committee”.
The Standing Order speaks on the house being dissatisfied with the legislative committee, thinking that proper scrutiny of the details had not been done.
MP Bashiru Silikie appreciated the committee’s work but said that they want the bill to be recommitted. He added that the committee has presented bills several times and that those bills have been accepted and debated, noting that if they were not satisfied with the one presented to them, the committee should not feel embarrassed.
Responding to the action taken by the house, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Daniel Koroma who had earlier countered the motion of the deputy speaker stated that MPs fail to attend committee meetings and make meaningful inputs, but would now express dissatisfaction with the work they have done.
Koroma advised his colleagues that the bill has been recommitted to the committee and called on all MPs to be present and make their contributions either orally or in a written form, and not wait till the bill was brought to the house to be recommitted.
Chairman of the Legislative Committee MP Abdul Marray Conteh called on the house to point out the areas that they are dissatisfied with, noting that it will serve as a guide.
Conteh promised that they as a committee will make sure to continue with the good work they have been commended for and mentioned that they will announce the date for the meeting.
The Speaker Chernor Abass Bundu said that such has never happened in the house of parliament and advised members of the committee and all MPs to do things in the interest of the nation and not for individual or group benefits.
He also appealed that MPs make contributions and suggestions, in order to avoid re-committal of the bill.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (17/03/22)
