The Parliament of Sierra Leone has unanimously approved The Second Report of the Committee on Appointment and Public Service, Chaired by Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma, who also doubles as the Leader of Government Business.

The following Presidential Nominees were approved by Parliament:

1. P. C. Dr. Mrs. Margaret Catherine Daboh, Member, Board of Trustees, Students’ Loan Scheme,
2. Madam Nyaibor Agartha Ngombu, Member, Board of Trustees, Students Loan Scheme,
3. Mr. Tommy Bull, Member, Board of Trustees, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT),
4. Mr. Edward Yarrimeh Kamara, Member, Board of Trustees, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT),
5. Mr. Muluku Sulaiman Tarawally, Member, Board of Trustees, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT),
6. Mr. Sahr Momoh Duwui, Member, Local Government Finance Committee and
7. Mr. Ahmed Chernoh Wurie, Member of Board of Trustees, Students’ Loan Scheme.

Presenting the nominees to the House, Leader of Government Business said the appointees went through procedure and interviews conducted by the committee. He informed that, all of them went through several probing questions on track records pertinent to declared assets, tax obligations, educational qualifications and visions for a sustainable and productive tenure. He said that other issues were also considered by the committee.

Seconding the motion, Leader of C4C in Parliament, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina said they were privileged to interview credible Sierra Leoneans and thanked President Bio for their appointments. He advised them to focus on various core values including strategic planning, creativity, ethics, and civic demonstration amongst others. He informed that, the nominees were all adequately qualified. The Leader recommended that, the loan be awarded more to Post-graduate students that are working to uphold the human capital development. He lauds some of the nominees for their outstanding records.

The Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon.Dickson Rogers said all the nominees were unanimously interviewed by the committee. He raised positive issues over the award of the Students’ Loan Scheme and lauded the Honourable Paramount Chief for her outstanding educational career . He advised the nominees to serve the nation well, after heaping praises on most of them.

Hon. Alusine Bash Kamara, while thanking the President for appointing Mr. Chernoh Wurie from Karena District, expressed hope that, the latter would work diligently to serve the nation.

Hon. Rebecca Y. Kamara described the nominees as fine citizens. She focused on the female appointees as women of substance and went on to assure, she had no doubt in their appointment to serving in the Students’ Loan Scheme. “These fine women would perform above the expectation of the one who appointed them” she maintained. The MPs also commended the other nominees.

Hon. Joseph Bash Kamara congratulated the nominees and eloquently hailed women among them. “I continue to capacitate the women” he revealed and went on to formally introduce P.C. Dr. Daboh and also commended the others.

While contributing to the debate, Hon. P.C. Prof.Macavoray representing Bo District said the nominated P.C. is very prominent and informed that Paramount Chiefs are now highly educated.

Hon. Keikura Vandy expressed his happiness over education and heaped praises on nominee, Madam Agartha Ngombu and P. C Dr for their track records. He used the opportunity to recall how the parents of one of the nominees tried hard to educate her and advised colleague MPs to emulate same to their daughters. He advised all and sundry to improve on the education of science and technology.

Hon. Emilia Lolloh Tongi, an independent MP from Kailahun District commended women and expressed that, the Paramount Chief deserved more. She advised her to be vigilant and make a difference in the designated office. “We the Female Caucus here in Parliament want women to succeed” she stated.

Also contributing to the debate, Hon. James Ozan Tholley told the nominees that they have challenges ahead and advised them to work in the interest of the state. Speaking on the privileges of the student loan scheme, he recalled the criteria of similar award in his college days and outlined the concerns that are now affecting the system. He advised the nominees designate to the Students Loan Scheme to work hard. He also encouraged the nominees for NASSIT to work diligently to serve the people, especially those seeking their benefits. He reiterated critical concerns.

Rounding up the debate, the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Chernor R.M. Bah applauded the female nominees and also the others. He expressed hope for their service delivery to the nation. The Leader emphasized that he was part of the committee that interviewed the nominees and went on to endorse them.

In concluding the debate, the Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma thanked colleague MPs for their various contributions. He related the resume’ of the nominees to the office environment and earmarked some of them for their track records and other qualities exhibited during the interview. He told Parliament that, the nominees were all fine citizens. The Leader emphasized on parliamentary oversight role, in light of supporting the Ministry, Department, and Agencies (MDA’s).

In his felicitation, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu informed that the House fully endorsed the nominees and thanked President Bio for nominating people with wisdom. He congratulated the nominees and wishes them well. Whilst informing the nominees that, the expectations of their service delivery were high, he encouraged them to execute their duties well.