By Nasratu Kargbo
Member of Parliament representing Constituency 032 Mark Mahmoud Kalokoh has proposed that the House should stall all deliberations, if their welfare issues were not addressed.
Reacting yesterday to House Speaker Dr. Chernor Abass Bundu’s expressed dissatisfaction over parliament’s appropriation status, Kalokoh explained that parliament as an arm of government should not allow itself to be handicapped by another arm of government.
“When parliament’s welfare is not addressed adequately, it is our business to rise up on SO26 and stall all the process” said Kalokoh.
He noted that parliament, the executive and the judiciary are separate and distinct arms of government that are charged with the responsibility of working towards the good governance of the state.
SO26 (1) states that “A motion directly concerning the privileges of parliament shall take precedence to all other public business”.
The Speaker Dr. Bundu expressed concern in relation to their sitting fees and all other related expenses associated with the running of parliament, revealing that they are getting to the point where these appropriations will not be met.
He explained that after they are done with the second reading of the Appropriation Bill, and are to move to the committee of supply.
“I frankly cannot see myself authorizing that process to commence without being satisfied with the financial situation of this arm of government” said the Speaker. He asked the Chairman of Finance Committee Francis Kaissamba to ensure the message reaches its destination as quickly as possible.
“It is not a threat but it is a fact of life”, he said, explaining that it is his responsibility to ensure the smooth running of that arm of government
Speaking on the issue of SO 26 raised by the MP, the Speaker revealed that he received a draft and further explained that he has worked on it, noting that the document will see the light of day very soon.
Representing Constituency 132 Ibrahim Tawa Conteh stated that the announcement made by the Speaker is worrying and urged the Chairman of Finance Committee to channel the issues to the appropriate authorities.
He noted that it should be on record that parliament is ready to conclude the budgetary process within the slated time.
Speaking on conditions of MPs’ privileges, the parliamentarian representing Constituency 029 Rebecca Yei Kamara explained that most of their colleagues have fallen ill and have been unable to treat themselves due to the amount of money required for medical treatment.
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