Newly elected Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, addressed Members of Parliament (MPs) on Tuesday, thanking them for their confidence and pledging to represent all parties.

“My election wasn’t just by the SLPP, but by all parties,” he declared, emphasizing his commitment to unity.

Speaker Thomas assured MPs of his respect and vowed to address their concerns, including their well-being. He acknowledged the challenges they face, particularly the financial strain of supporting constituents on limited salaries.

“The people of Sierra Leone must understand the pressure MPs are under,” he stated, highlighting the sacrifices MPs make for their communities.

He called for a “national conversation” to raise public awareness of MPs’ circumstances and the financial burdens they shoulder.

“Many don’t know how MPs live,” he stressed. “We take loans to meet the needs of our people.”

Speaker Thomas also addressed concerns about his election, asserting that he secured enough votes for a two-thirds majority based on the current composition of Parliament.