By Musa Paul Feika
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) over persistent absenteeism, threatening to publicly name those who frequently fail to attend parliamentary sittings while continuing to receive salaries and other benefits.
The warning came during his welcoming address to MPs on Thursday, 29th October 2026, following approximately three months of parliamentary recess, as Parliament resumed its legislative activities.
Expressing disappointment over what he described as poor attendance, Speaker Thomas said he was particularly concerned that he had to wait approximately ten minutes before the required quorum could be established to commence proceedings.
He reminded MPs that parliamentary membership was a full-time responsibility and not an honorary position that could be treated casually.
“Being a Member of Parliament is a full time job. If you know you can’t work as a Member of Parliament, then resign and get somebody after you to come in,” he cautioned.
The Speaker said he had previously warned MPs about their failure to attend sittings and disclosed that he was prepared to take the matter beyond parliamentary discussions by writing directly to their respective political parties.
In an unusually strong warning, he threatened to publicly disclose the names of MPs who regularly absent themselves from parliamentary proceedings, allowing citizens to distinguish between those who diligently perform their duties and those who fail to do so while receiving public salaries. “I will begin to call names publicly of those Members of Parliament who refuse to come to Parliament so that the public can judge those who are doing their work diligently from those who refuse to do their work diligently and yet collect salaries,” Speaker Thomas declared.
He further warned that, beginning from the next sitting, he would identify MPs who consistently arrive late or fail to attend parliamentary proceedings.
While the Speaker’s warning has drawn attention to the issue of absenteeism, it is equally important to recognise lawmakers who have consistently demonstrated commitment to their parliamentary responsibilities through regular attendance and participation in parliamentary proceedings.
Among the MPs identified for their commendable commitment to parliamentary sittings are Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin, Hon. Mohamed Kanneh, Hon. Julian Fatorma, Hon. Memunatu Jalloh, Hon. Paul Samba, Hon. PC Sahr Quee III, Hon. Musa Fofana, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, Hon. Mary Kamara, Hon. Abdullia A. Kamara, Hon. Ibrahim Koroma, Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawally, Hon. Tamba Kellie, Hon. Sarty Banya, Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara and Hon. Aminata Sesay, among others.
Their regular presence at parliamentary sittings deserves commendation, as it reflects a commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to them by their respective constituencies and the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
At a time when concerns are being raised about absenteeism among elected representatives, the dedication demonstrated by these lawmakers serves as a positive example of parliamentary responsibility, discipline and public service.
Their commitment to attending parliamentary proceedings is particularly important because Parliament remains a critical institution for debating national issues, scrutinising government policies, passing legislation and holding public institutions accountable.
Although attendance alone does not constitute effective parliamentary representation, consistent presence provides lawmakers with the opportunity to participate in debates, contribute to national decision-making and advance the interests of their constituents.
The people of Sierra Leone deserve representatives who take their responsibilities seriously, and those who consistently make themselves available to perform their parliamentary duties deserve recognition and encouragement.
Beyond attendance, Speaker Thomas also reminded MPs of their legal and civic responsibility to declare their assets in accordance with the country’s anti-corruption framework.
He disclosed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had written to him concerning asset declaration requirements and that the communication had subsequently been forwarded to parliamentary groups.
He urged MPs who had not yet complied to declare their assets promptly to avoid possible sanctions.
“Please declare your assets quickly, so that you are not sanctioned,” he appealed.
The Speaker emphasised that asset declaration was not merely an administrative requirement but an important responsibility attached to public leadership, particularly for elected representatives entrusted with managing and influencing matters of national interest.
In another part of his address, Speaker Thomas cautioned MPs against allowing themselves to be manipulated by colleagues or individuals pursuing personal, political or sectional interests.
He reminded lawmakers that they had been elected by their respective constituencies to provide leadership and exercise independent judgment in the national interest.
According to him, MPs should not allow political differences or personal interests to undermine their responsibility to the people they represent.
He described leadership as a spiritual responsibility, urging lawmakers to recognise the importance of their positions and exercise their mandate with integrity and independence.
Meanwhile, following his concerns over parliamentary attendance and other institutional matters, the Speaker announced a meeting scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 30th October 2026, in Committee Room One at the House of Parliament.He urged all MPs to attend the meeting, which he said would provide an opportunity for a clear conversation on matters affecting Parliament.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to address concerns surrounding attendance, discipline and the effective discharge of parliamentary responsibilities.
Speaker Thomas’s warning comes at a time when public expectations of Parliament remain high, with citizens looking to their elected representatives to provide effective oversight, debate national issues and ensure that government institutions remain accountable.
While the Speaker has threatened to publicly identify MPs who consistently fail to attend sittings, the commendable attendance record of lawmakers who regularly participate in parliamentary proceedings should equally serve as an example for their colleagues.
Ultimately, parliamentary membership is a public trust, and the salaries and benefits attached to the office come with responsibilities that must be fulfilled.
For the people of Sierra Leone, the expectation is simple: elected representatives must be present, participate actively and remain committed to the mandate entrusted to them by the electorate.