By Ragan M. Conteh
The Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Sidie Tunis has said at the well of Parliament on Monday that, Parliament will not pass debate and pass the repeal of the 1965 Public Order Act into law.
The Leader of Government Business told a jam packed house that Government should first work towards strengthening the Independent Media Commission (IMC) to enable them carry out their functions of monitoring the media before thinking of repealing the 65 years old law
The Hon MP stated that they as MP’s not aware that the law has been of gazette ready for debate as the procedures demand.
This sad news was broke to the country and the media community in the presence of former President SLAJ and many other media activists.
Director of the Ministry of Information and Communications and newly appointed Board Member of Independent Media Commission (IMC),Emmanuel A. B Turay; Mr. Babatunde Williams proposed member; Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Sheik Dayphan Abass Massaquoi, proposed member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) and Mr. Christian Sawyer, Proposed Board member Political Party Registration Commission (PPRC) had faced the Committee on Appointment and Public Service Commission on Monday.
Mr. Turay of the Ministry of Information and Communications reported to Parliament that,to continue to rebrand the image of Sierra Leone and to bring it to speed with other countries in the globe, the Ministry of Information and Communications has gazetted the repeal of the 1965 Public Order Act that criminalizes teh work of journalists and other members of the public.
He also noted that, President Bio during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September, 2019 has told world leaders and diplomats that, his Government is almost on the verge of repealing the 65 years old law and that it is only waiting to be debated and passed into law by Parliament.
He said the 1965 Public Order Act is a notorious Act that criminalizes the practice of journalisim in the country.
Leader of Government Business while questioning the four presidential nominees stated that, Board members are key in steering MDAs towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and prudent governance and financial management policies.
The Hon.MP also further indicated that, they area also entrusted of making sure that state institutions have adequate resources to advance its mission and objectives.
Hon. Sidi Tunis warn Mr. Babatunde Williams, the proposed Member of Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) to work in tandem with the PPRC Act and the laws of the country. He entreated him not to succumb to political party pressure.
The nominees according to him, should be able to stand the test of time in terms of resolving conflicts for the overall development of their institutions and the country
A member of the committee, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo noted that, the functions of members of the Boards of Director’s is to ensure the prosperity of their various institution’s by collectively directing its affairs efficiently in the best interest of all and sundry.
Mr. Babatunde Williams proposed member, Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) said he is not a political party card carrier and promised the committee that, he will not working in the interest of any political party.
Emmanuel A B. Turay, the Proposed Board member, Independent Media Commission (IMC), pledged to take his expertise to the IMC and told the committee that, he has worked in the private sector for many years.
The four are expected to be approved later by the entire house.