By Nasratu Kargbo
Alfred Ayodele Thompson from Western Area Urban has gone against his party’s decision and taken the oath of office in parliament. Thompson was sworn in yesterday 8th August 2023, making him the second MP to boycott their party’s decision to not partake in all forms of governance.
In an interview with Thompson after being sworn-in, he said he decided to put his country first. Responding to why it took him this long to take the oath, he stated that after reflecting within, he decided to set his pride aside and assume his office for the betterment of the country.
“I thought about this over and over, it was just the right thing to do,” the MP said. He added that being an MP is a dream come true for him.
He explained that he engaged his people, revealing that some had advised him to take on his duty whilst others think he should stand firm with his party, but added that he chose to put his country first.
When asked why he signed on the list indicating that he would not partake in parliament, Thompson said that he had signed because he was under duress to do so.
The MP said he shares the same sentiments as his party regarding the credibility of the elections. “If you do not come here and say the elections are rigged, then you’re not doing the right thing. You cannot fight from outside” Thompson said.
The Speaker of Parliament Chernor Abass Bundu welcomed the MP and said that Thompson has earned their respect in the house, noting that he admires the MPs for his courage and fortitude.
He said he was looking forward to other MPs elect following his example, adding that the MPs elected have no valid reason for not assuming their offices and representing their people.
The Speaker heaped praises on Mohamed Bangura, stating that he has shown that he is faithful to the promise he made to his constituents. “From now on consider yourself to be under the protection of this house as you dully discharge honorius responsibilities and duties as a member of parliament,” Speaker said.
He said he is confident that there are many others that intend to go to parliament.
Thompson took the oath of office almost a month after MPs had their first sitting and were sworn in.
The total number of MPs that have taken the oath of office is ninety-seven, with eighty-one from the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), two from APC, and fourteen Paramount Chief Members of Parliament.
Mohamed Bangura is the first MP to boycott their party’s decision. According to the MP, their party’s National Advisory Committee (NAC) did not do a thorough consultation before taking the decision to boycott all forms of governance.
The numbers of APC MPs that are yet to take their oath of office are fifty-two. Sierra Leone’s Main Opposition in a press release dated 30th June 2023 had expressed their party’s position of not participating in legislative and local council governance if fresh elections are not conducted within six months.
The party made the decision after they had questioned the election results.
Politico could not get the party’s Publicity Secretary for their reaction despite several tries.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (09/08/23)
