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In a public statement released on Monday, 13th January 2025, Meivin Tejan Mansaray, a prominent Sierra Leonean journalist, political analyst, and social commentator, responded to the controversial ruling made by the Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Solomon Segehpoh Thomas, barring him from accessing the Parliament precincts.
On 10th January 2025, during the 26th sitting of the second session of the Sixth Parliament, Speaker Thomas announced that Melvin Tejan Mansaray would not be allowed Parliament building “until such time an entry into the when Parliament shall decide his fate.”
The ruling came after some allegations were reportedly made against Mr. Mansaray by certain Members of Parliament (MPs), although their identities were not disclosed.
Speaker Thomas, acting on these allegations, understandably issued the ban on the journalist without any formal hearing or the opportunity for Melvin to defend himself.
In his response, Melvin categorically rejected the allegations, calling it “vague, unfounded, retaliatory, and maligned” on his professional reputation. He emphasized his long standing career covering Sierra Leone’s Parliament, providing fair, balanced, and accurate reporting for over 15 years.
As a well-known TV personality and analyst, Melvin has consistently approached his political commentary in an impartial and independent manner, contributing constructively to public discourse on national issues, according to him.
Melvin Mansaray also expressed a key concern over the procedural shortcomings of the Speaker’s ruling. He noted that the decision was based solely on hearsay and did not adhere to natural justice principles, as he was not afforded an opportunity to be heard.
He argued that the Speaker’s action undermines both the rule of law and the tenets of democracy, particularly the principle of separation of powers.
According to Melvin, any complex constitutional matter, such as the interpretation of provisions in the Serra Leone Constitution, should fall under the purview of the Supreme Court, not the Speaker of Parliament.
Melvin was particularly critical of the Speaker’s reliance on unnamed MPs for the ruling and the failure to follow standard procedures such as consulting with relevant media bodies like the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) before taking action. Melvin applauded the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists for their timely statement on the matter, emphasizing that such unilateral decisions should be challenged in the interest of press freedom and democracy.
Furthermore, he expressed his unwavering commitment to truth and transparency, reiterating his role as an apolitical journalist focused on holding institutions, including Parliament, accountable for the public good. He clarified that he is not aligned with any political party, be it the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) or the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and reaffirmed his stance as a centrist voice in Sierra Leonean media.
In his conclusion, Mansaray appealed to President Julius Maada Bio, as the Fountain of Honor and Justice, to ensure the Speaker follows due process and international best practices. He also called on Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice to exercise judicial authority over the Speaker’s actions and safeguard constitutional integrity.
Melvin’s statement garnered support from various stakeholders, including civil society groups, international organizations, and his colleagues in the media. He acknowledged their solidarity, noting that their backing has strengthened his resolve to continue his work as a journalist committed to exposing the truth.
In the face of these developments, Melvin Tejan Mansaray has made it clear that while he will not demand the Speaker to rescind his ruling, he will continue to advocate for due process and transparency be dispensed.
He remains resolute in his belief that the integrity of Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and the rule of law must be upheld for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.
