Sierra Leone’s outgoing speakers of Parliament will now be able to retain one of their official vehicles, while one-term MPs will receive a one-off US$50,000 dollars as their pension, following the passing of the controversial Parliamentary Act 2023 by members of Parliament on Monday 24 April 2023.
The Act, which has sparked widespread outrage among Sierra Leoneans, was passed just hours before the dissolution of the 5th Parliament, leaving little time for public scrutiny and debate.
According to popular media personality, Vickie Remoe, the new Act is set to cost the government a staggering $6.6 million in pensions alone, and will require the purchase of 132 new vehicles for incoming MPs.
Many Sierra Leoneans have taken to social media to express their outrage at the passing of the Act, which they say is yet another example of the government’s disregard for the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Prominent journalist Amadu Lamarana Bah, who broke the news, has called on civil society organizations to challenge the Act in court, arguing that it is unconstitutional and a gross misuse of public funds.
The passing of the Act has also raised concerns about the state of democracy in Sierra Leone, with many observers questioning the accountability and transparency of the country’s political leaders.
As the country prepares for general elections later this year, the passing of the Act is likely to become a key issue for voters, with opposition parties and civil society organizations already calling for a repeal of the law.
The Parliamentary Act is good for all the outgoing parliamentarians of the 2018 to 2023 members. But the question we the people have for them is :”Where can the coming government get the money to pay them that amount?” The people of Sierra Leone are also suggesting that these parliamentarians should pay themselves before they leavr Parliament. I am sure the Parliamentarians know where the money is kept.
The whole thing is a plan set up by the current president, he knows that he will not succeed to rule for the second term. Maada Bio is bringing all difficult plans for the next president.. The Parliamentarians should ask Maada Bio to pay them before they leave the parliament. Our honorable members are not very interested in the people of this county but they are only interested in themselves. They know the country’s economic situation. Let us give them an opportunity to find the money to pay themselves.