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The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo of the All People’s Congress (APC), on Monday issued a firm warning as the Pre-Legislative Hearing on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 officially commenced, insisting that any constitutional reform must strictly comply with the law.
Speaking at the opening session of the hearings in Freetown, Hon. Kargbo made it clear that the APC is not opposed to constitutional amendments in principle, but will not support any process that violates established legal procedures. He stressed that legality, not political convenience, must guide the reform process.
“We are not averse to change, but every step must comply with national law,” Hon. Kargbo said, according to statements delivered during the hearing.
The opposition leader challenged earlier claims surrounding the Bill, stating that the proposed amendments include entrenched clauses. He explained that such provisions are protected under the Constitution and require more than parliamentary approval.
“Let us make it clear: entrenched clauses do not only require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, they also demand a national referendum,” he emphasized.
Hon. Kargbo warned that failure to follow the constitutional process would have serious consequences for opposition participation in the exercise. “If the changes are not in line with laid-down procedures, we shall recuse ourselves. If they are lawful, we will cooperate. If they are unlawful, we will not,” he stated.
His comments set a strong and cautious tone for the pre-legislative hearings, signalling that the opposition will closely scrutinise proposals affecting entrenched clauses and the broader constitutional framework of Sierra Leone.
The Pre-Legislative Hearing forms part of Parliament’s consultative process on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, which is expected to introduce wide-ranging changes.
