Bernadete Lahai, MInority Leader
By Crispina Cummings, Parliamentary Correspondent
26 of the 42 opposition Sierra Leone People's Party members of parliament, who petitioned the continued leadership of Dr. Bernadette Lahai, MP, say they will not go back on their “wish and interest of the party”.
They told journalists in Freetown that they would stand by the party’s decision to remove Dr Lahai and replace her with Emma Kowa, MP from Bo district.
Habbib Munda, MP, of Constituency 17 in the eastern Kenema district told the presser that it was the greatest concern at the moment and one that was inspired by a high level of disappointment. He referred to Dr. Lahai’s leadership as “autocratic and arrogant”.
“Dr. Bernadette Lahai still poses as the minority leader, thereby inhibiting the smooth functioning of the opposition in parliament,” he complained, adding that they would stand by the party’s decision and would continue to do so until it was established in parliament.
As to whether their position did not amount to contempt of court, given that an injunction to prevent the party from holding any election for the said position was still in place, Dr Bubuakei Jabbie, MP, said that as a constitutional lawyer the petitioners’ action attracted no element of contempt of court and that the plaintiff continued to work in the office.
On whether that meant that the court still recognised the authority of Dr. Lahai as the minority leader, Mustapha Brima, MP, said answering that question would pre-empt the decision of the court.
When called up by Politico to respond to specific allegations against her leadership style, Dr. Lahai said she would not make any statement but promised that she would hold a press conference on Friday to provide detailed explanations.
(C) Politico 30/01/14
