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The Red Chamber of Parliament took on a tense and reflective tone on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, as lawmakers approved Ahmed Saybom Kanu as Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, amid concerns raised over regional representation in government appointments.
During the approval proceedings, Hon. Aaron Koroma, Member of Parliament for Tonkolili District on the ticket of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), delivered a strongly worded intervention questioning what he described as the limited inclusion of Tonkolili District in President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.
Speaking in the Well of Parliament, Hon. Koroma argued that despite Tonkolili’s consistent political contribution and history of producing national leaders, the district has not been adequately represented at cabinet level since 2018.
“Tonkolili produces leaders. Under Kabbah and under Ernest Bai Koroma, Tonkolili sat at the cabinet table. Under Bio, we have been left behind,” he stated.
He recalled that the only prominent ministerial representation from the district in recent years was Mohamed Orman Bangura, who served as Minister of Youth Affairs before his dismissal. He also referenced Ahmed Saybom Kanu, whose approval as Deputy Minister of Fisheries was being considered at the time of his remarks.
While acknowledging Kanu’s appointment, Hon. Koroma maintained that it was not sufficient to address what he described as an imbalance in political inclusion for the district.
Although speaking from the opposition benches, the Tonkolili lawmaker framed his remarks as reflecting broader sentiments within his district, suggesting that concerns over representation cut across party lines, including both APC and SLPP supporters.
He claimed that many residents, including farmers, traders, and young people across chiefdoms such as Kafe, Simiria, and Dasogoia, share similar frustrations about the level of national appointments allocated to the district.
“Tonkolili has men and women ready to serve. Most of them are SLPP. They are tested, loyal, and capable of becoming ministers. President Bio must be fair to the grassroots that stand with him,” he said.
As the debate unfolded, the parliamentary chamber reportedly grew subdued, with lawmakers listening attentively to the intervention.
Outside Parliament, supporters from across Tonkolili’s 19 chiefdoms had gathered in anticipation of Kanu’s approval, marking what many viewed as a celebratory moment for the district.
However, Hon. Koroma used the occasion to reiterate his call for greater inclusion, insisting that Tonkolili’s contribution to national politics deserves broader recognition.
“Tonkolili is not begging. Tonkolili is asking for what is right,” he concluded.
