By Ragan M. Conteh
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, on Tuesday 25 April 2023 bade farewell to journalists at a symposium organised by the Parliamentary Press Gallery.
‘I want to take this opportunity to say to you all that, I am going to retire now. I want to give the chance to the young people to replace us. I have served in so many capacities as President of SLAJ, Minister of Information, Adviser to the President and now a Member of Parliament. It is now enough and a convenient time to rest,’ Hon IB Kargbo said.
He made the submission while delivering his statement on the maiden edition of the award ceremony on the theme “Assessing the legislative impact and Parliament’s effectiveness of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone”.
Hon Kargbo took time to explain to the media and audience the importance of the role of the media and how the media should work towards concerted efforts.
He also explained how he brought a lot of people to the media profession, some have died and others are still alive.
He lauded the current government for the repeal of Part 5 of the Seditious Libel Law of the 1965 Public Order Act that was used by successive governments to jail journalists.
Hon Kargbo admonished journalists in the Press Gallery to work together, adding that even though he has retired from politics he was now ready more than ever before to settle the long standing impasse in the Parliamentary Press Gallery of Sierra Leone. He urged all to abide by the dictates of the code and work in the best interest of the state.
The Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Alhaji Manika Kamara, thanked the interim executive of the Parliamentary Press Gallery for the symposium and the awarding ceremony.
He said the maiden edition of award ceremony on the theme “Assessing the legislative impact and Parliament effectiveness of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone” resonates with the interest that binds the media profession.
He also thanked the Parliament administration for the support giving to the media in the last five years, adding that even though the maiden ceremony is a welcome idea he expressed dismay over the long impasse between members of the SLPPG.
Manika urged stakeholders to use the holiday to settle the gallery issue between the two factions, adding that SLAJ has urged the two factions but the issue is still not addressed.
He also took the opportunity to welcome MPs who will be coming to the 6th Parliament and say goodbye to those that will be leaving Parliament.
Giving his welcome address, the Interim President of the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery, Rev Vincent Jabbie Momoh expressed thanks and appreciation to dignitaries and the media for witnessing the symposium.
Momoh said the day was a great day to the Parliamentary Press Gallery for awarding well deserving individuals that have worked so much to ensure the development of Sierra Leone.
According to Momoh, journalists especially the Interim Gallery journalists have worked with the Parliament especially the administration to cascade information to the people of Sierra Leone.
Vincent Jabbie Momoh also highlighted the challenges faced by the Gallery, including the lack of office space. He said the gallery also lacks equipment to foster its progress.
The Parliamentary Press Gallery he said is also committed to strengthening the relationship between the Press Gallery and Parliament.
In his statement the Director of Programmes, Research and Partnership in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Gilbert N’habay, spoke on the assessment of a mutually beneficial relationship between the 5th Parliament of the 2nd Republic and the Civil Society Organisation and media.
The Director/Chairperson Africa Women Network Sierra Leone, Madam Valnora Edwin, spoke on “Women’s inclusion in governance processes through legislation: a key element in achieving a truly participatory and inclusive democracy society”.
A representative from the Clerk of Parliament, Sheku Turay, spoke on “An evaluation and assessment of the 5th Parliament of the second republic of Sierra Leone”.
According to Sheku Turay, the Parliament has so far completed 301 sittings, 85 bills, 64 statutory instruments, 208 loans, 51 protocols and 121 reports laid in the Parliament.
The African Young Voices Television (AYV) reporter, Samuel Wise Bangura, said, ‘The repeal of Part 5 of the Public Order Act is a commitment to promote press freedom and foster a culture of good governance and accountability in Sierra Leone.’
A member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, Melvin Tejan Mansaray, gave the overview of the maiden award. The ceremony ended by the awarding of deserving winners.
Meanwhile, Hon Rebecca Kamara from Kono won the best female debater in Parliament.
Hon Mario Conteh won the best MP of the year while the Mines Committee won the best committee of the year.
Other staff of the Parliamentary Service Committee also received awards.