By Tony Yayo
The former minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, Alpha Timbo, his Deputy and two others officials of the Ministry have been summoned by Parliament to answer to question to questions relating to the fifty thousand (50,000) bags of rice donated by the Chinese government to support the school feeding program across the country.
The parliamentary summoned was raised by Hon Daniel Brima Koroma of the main opposition APC representing constituency 46 in Koinadugu.
The APC MP has reside the motion pursuant to section 118 (7) which state that all gifts and donations made to the people of this country must be presented to parliament for verification, before final distribution by the relevant authorities.
Hon Koroma stated that the latest rice saga will have been averted should the former minister have followed the laws of the country.
He however further noted that since those laws were not adhere to, it is necessary for those that are been implicated in the fifty thousand (50,000) bags of rice saga to face Parliament and account for the rice.
The House of Parliament according to him must be able to use all its necessary committees and mandate with a view to get the people of this nation to know whether the rice was used for its intended purpose or for other activities other than what it was donated for.
Members of the ruling SLPP in Parliament were opposed to the motion raised by Hon Koroma.
Hon Basiru Sidike of the SLPP stated that the house must not summon the former ministers and others because the matter has been dealt with by the necessary state authorities. The request of the SLPP MP was not entertained by majority of other MPs.
Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon Mathew Nyuma, assured all that all those responsible for the rice saga should be brought before Parliament in accordance with law.
He ordered that a memo be sent to all other ministries, department and agencies for them to start complying with the law.