By Ragan M. Conteh
A leading contributor to debates in Parliament representing Constituency 059 in Kambia District, Hon Abdul Karim Kamara (AKK), has informed Nightwatch in an interview that he was recently attacked at midnight by a group of hooligans at his residence.
According to Hon AKK, before he was attacked, he received several threats from unknown sources, adding that he reported the said threats several times.
The MP said his and the lives of his family members are constantly being threatened despite his job as a lawmaker in the country, adding that the assailants were well armed when they entered his residence.
He said because the hooligans were unable to track him down, his house was damaged, as they pelted his home with stones, breaking some windows before they absconded.
The MP furthered that MPs are not enemies, adding that they do express themselves in the Well to represent their people, and not to discomfort anyone. He went on to say that opposition MPs experience threats from people representing different interests.
‘It seems as if people hate resourceful MPs who speak the truth on their behalf. What is better than speaking up for the welfare of your people?’ Hon AKK said.
He said MPs make a difference by creating laws and helping their constituents overcome problems, adding that in the parliamentary form of government we have, the function of Parliament is to legislate, advise, criticise, and ventilate the public’s grievances, while the function of Executive arm of government is to govern.
Hon AKK said it is time for MPs to be protected because such precedents will set the pace for the backwardness of the hard earned democracy that the country stands for.
‘Sierra Leone has gone far beyond such attitude. Attacking MPs cannot stop them from expressing their opinions or contributing for the national good. Such situations can just add to the many attacks we face as opposition MPs over the years,’ he said.
Hon AKK called on the leadership of Parliament to ensure that MPs are given the respect due them, adding that such attacks on him ‘is a complete mess and uncalled for.’