Citizens from different regions in the country have accused Members of Parliament (MPs) of giving ‘fake’ promises.

They made this claim during a media outreach session held by the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (SLPG) that was transmitted on all radio stations in the North-West and South-East of the country.

Many called expressing frustration about the promises that have not been fulfilled by MPs. A Port Loko resident,Santigie Kanu said some of their MPs are nowhere to be seen after elections, emphasizing that MPs should avail themselves to their constituents

Kelfala Kamara also from Port Loko was keen to know who is to popularize the laws passed by parliament, noting that the MPs do not come back and explain to them the laws for their understanding.

He questioned the reasons why MPs from the government side never object to certain laws even when they believe they are bad, noting same for the opposition. He called on parliamentarians to do the right thing instead of being loyal to their political party.

The caller requested that MPs inform them when funds are given to councils in order for them to hold them to account and ensure that projects are actualized.

Parliament’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sulaiman Bah said that the duties of MPs are to make laws, perform oversight functions and to represent their people in parliament.

He explained that undertaking developmental projects is not the duty of the MP and that they are not funded to undertake such projects, explaining that it is the responsibility of councils which are funded for those ventures.

Bah explained that MPs that take on such ventures do so, due to the love and humanitarian feeling they have for their constituents, stressing that as per law, it is not mandatory for them to do so.

He stated that Sierra Leonean MPs are among the lowest paid in the West Africa sub-region despite the huge work they do.

Responding to the question of how open and receptive parliament is to the public, Bah highlighted the various activities by the institution, such as school- conducted tours which give the opportunity to school authorities to bring in the pupils to parliament to observe plenary sittings, livestreaming plenaries on television and Facebook, and sending press releases via different social media platforms.

Parliamentary reporter for Exclusive Newspaper Saidu Dumbuya emphasized the need for citizens to hold councils accountable and responsible for all developmental issues in their communities.

He stated that so much focus is given to parliament, noting that MPS should be held to account if they do not perform their duties.

Trumpet Newspaper’s Parliamentary Reporter, Melvin Tejan Mansaray highlighted several laws that have been enacted by the fifth parliament that could be good if implemented.

Mansaray spoke about the duties of MPs and noted that citizens holding their representatives accountable should also issue of poor attendance.

He cautioned the citizens to deviate from violence, noting that they should be tolerant and live in peace and unity.

The media outreach programme was held in the North-West and the South East regions with 14 Journalists, including two PR staff. The team engaged in educating the public on role of parliament in the country. The outreach programme which commenced on the 21st, will end on Saturday 26th November.