Speaker of Parliament of Sierra Leone, Dr. Abass Bundu has stepped down today from office.

Sierraloaded learnt that Bundu tendered a letter to proceed with retirement due to health reasons on Monday, April 15, 2024.

There has been ongoing discussion and speculation in the media about plans to oust him as Speaker.

About a week ago, the opposition APC Member of Parliament, Hon. Mohamed Bangura accused the Speaker of removing his name from the Sierra Leone delegation to the regional ECOWAS Parliament and threatened to take court action against him.

A source said Members of Parliament of the ruling SLPP weren’t happy about the action of the Speaker not to include Hon. Bangura’s name in the list and had a meeting with President Julius Maada Bio where they made their concerns known.

Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, the Deputy Speaker has been presiding over Parliamentary sittings lately.

Meanwhile, President Julius Maada Bio has accepted the retirement of the Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu as Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

Press Secretary, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi in a statement said the President expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Rt. Hon. Dr. Bundu for his leadership in enhancing a strengthened and productive relationship within and outside Parliament.

“We certainly look forward to your continued support and wise counsel during your retirement,” President Bio stated.

It was further learnt that until Parliament elects a new Speaker, Bundu shall withdraw from its regular sittings, allowing the Deputy Speaker, The Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to preside over all sittings of Parliament, except when the President is present pursuant to Section 79(7) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No.6 of 1991).