Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has accepted the retirement of the Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu as Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

In a letter dated 15th April 2024, the President expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Rt. Hon. Dr. Bundu for his leadership in enhancing a strengthened and productive relationship within and outside Parliament. “We certainly look forward to your continued support and wise counsel during your retirement,” President Bio stated.

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu conveyed his decision to retire from the position of Speaker of Parliament in a letter dated 15th April 2024. He expressed his profound appreciation for the extraordinary privilege to serve as Speaker of Parliament and thanked the President for the support provided to him throughout his tenure.

Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu has retired on health/medical grounds and his decision is effective 30 April 2024. He has served as Speaker of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic from 2018 to 2023 and in this Sixth Parliament since July 2023.

Meanwhile, His Excellency the President has been informed by The Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu that until Parliament elects a new Speaker, he shall withdraw from its regular sittings, allowing the Deputy Speaker, The Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to preside over all sittings of Parliament, except when the President is present pursuant to Section 79(7) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No.6 of 1991).