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Sierra Leone Speaker of Parliament, Hon Sengepoh Solomon Thomas has warned Members of Parliament (MPs) on deliberate absenting and their oversights functions.
The Speaker talked especially on Chairman of Committees who does oversight functions without his permission.
“Don’t go on oversight without my permission, if you do, you’ll be removed as chairperson, this action is affecting the effectiveness of parliament, look at the empty seats on my right, those on the left are doing quit well in terms of attendance,” he said.
The Speaker has in the past warned MPs to be punctual on setting in the Well of Parliament.
He said MPs should prioritize sittings in the chambers. “Attendance is still not impressive I’m putting together a package for MP’s who have not traveled.
He said there will be a study tour, incentives for re-orientation and training for MP’s who are punctual in settings attendance.
Hon. Dixon Rogers, Govt Chief Whip has called for the relieving of duty the Chairmen of Committees who go on oversight functions without permission from the Speaker.
MPs say some of their colleagues would sit in their offices while others are in the canteens deliberately refusing to attend proceedings in the chamber.
“MPs are deliberately absenting themselves from parliamentary sittings.” “Parliament is not a ghetto where people can just go out where they wanted. Penality will be instituted for former absentees.
Former speaker Dr. Bundu had warned MPs in the past.
But other MPs argued that they do not have offices in parliament, adding that the most of alternative offices for MPs are the canteen.
“Most of the MPs are doing their doing their work in the canteen. How do you expect MPs to effectively do their work when there is no office for them.”
“We go outside to do our research and come back to parliament.”
