By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter
On Monday, November 4, 2024, the Parliament commenced a Motion of Thanks to President Julius Maada Bio for his address during the State Opening of the Second Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic, delivered on August 6, 2024.
Leading the motion, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, the Leader of Government Business, emphasized the importance of national unity among citizens and within Parliament. He called for constructive criticism and solutions, reflecting on the government’s strides in promoting democracy, peace, and security. Hon. Nyuma highlighted significant improvements in food security through the government’s Feed ‘Salone initiative and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to enhance agricultural productivity.
He commended President Bio for increasing women’s participation in governance and reiterated the necessity of education for human development, as enshrined in the 1991 Constitution. Additionally, he acknowledged challenges in the health sector while assuring that the government is working to improve healthcare facilities and has increased the number of healthcare workers.
Hon. Nyuma also recalled the national responses to the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, mentioning the creation of 500,000 jobs aimed at empowering youth. He called on the opposition to support rather than criticize youth engaged in various economic activities, including car washing.
Seconding the motion, Hon. Neneh Lebbie focused on peace and progress. She praised President Bio for his honesty in outlining government achievements and urged colleagues to prioritize the Feed ‘Salone initiative. Hon. Lebbie also advocated for eradicating plastic usage to protect marine life and called for better urban planning in Freetown.
Hon. Dr. Unpha G. Koroma from the Western Area raised concerns about unfulfilled resolutions from the 2023 elections and criticized the increase in taxes on rice, a staple food in a country grappling with hunger. He emphasized the importance of human capital development for the youth.
Concerns about the government’s continuity of initiatives, such as the Mammah Projects, were echoed by Hon. Papa Bangura, while Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbeh highlighted the significant advancements in energy and infrastructure under the current administration.
Hon. Daniel Amadu Bangura criticized the government for failing to meet its promises amid rising inflation and youth unemployment. In contrast, Hon. Joseph Williams-Lamin defended the government’s taxation policies as essential for national growth, praising improvements in higher education and the Student Loan Scheme.
Hon. Ibrahim Barrie from Bombali District lamented the government’s unfulfilled promises, particularly regarding food security and the rising issues of joblessness and drug abuse. He called for urgent action to address these challenges.
Hon. Kankofa Farah Mansaray expressed optimism about the government’s agricultural initiatives and encouraged MPs to support the Feed Salone project. He noted improvements in electricity access in rural areas.
Conversely, Hon. Mabinty Taylor Bangura from Kambia District criticized the Feed Salone initiative for failing to yield positive results, suggesting that it is merely a facade amid rising food prices. She called for a State of Public Hunger Emergency and highlighted the need for genuine infrastructural development.
Hon. Musa Lahai from Kailahun District commended the government’s efforts in providing safe drinking water but acknowledged the challenges posed by the global economic downturn. He thanked President Bio for his leadership.
Lastly, Hon. Alpha Jalloh from Falaba District cited the President’s speech regarding agricultural advancements, expressing disappointment over the continued food insecurity in the country and the administration’s failure to uphold commitments to the Maputo Protocol.
The debate continues as parliamentarians weigh the government’s achievements against ongoing challenges faced by the nation.
