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Opposition politician and political commentator, Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has strongly challenged the handling of Sierra Leone’s Constitutional Amendment Bill, insisting that it has not yet become law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 11, Blyden criticised All People’s Congress (APC) Members of Parliament for walking out of Parliament during the proceedings.
She said the MPs should have remained in the chamber and abstained from voting, arguing that their presence would have maintained the required numerical strength while making it clear they had not voted ”Yes” to the proposed amendments.
Blyden also questioned the actions of Speaker Segepoh S. Thomas, particularly his decision to issue a ruling while subsequently seeking interpretation from the Supreme Court.
She argued that if the Speaker was uncertain about the correct constitutional position, proceedings should have been adjourned and the matter referred to the Supreme Court for clarification.
However, Blyden reserved her biggest question for President Julius Maada Bio.
She argued that the Constitutional Amendment Bill does not become law merely through its passage in Parliament, pointing to provisions including Sections 73 and 106 of the Constitution.
According to Blyden, the President must sign a duly passed bill before it becomes law and is subsequently published in the Gazette.
She therefore urged President Bio to wait for the Supreme Court’s interpretation before signing the bill, warning that his decision could have significant implications for his political legacy.
”Will H.E. Julius Maada Bio sign that Bill?” Blyden asked.
She concluded that the coming days will reveal whether the President chooses to sign the bill or await judicial clarification.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/soblyden/posts/1635855347897969
