By Musa Paul Feika
The Opposition Leader in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has stated the historic importance of the ongoing constitutional review process, warning that the All People’s Congress (APC) will withdraw its participation if due process is not strictly followed.
Hon. Kargbo made this declaration on Monday, 26th January 2026, in Committee Room One in the House of Parliament during a pre-legislative engagement on the Constitutional Review process. He emphasized that the process must be consultative, inclusive, and transparent, stressing that Sierra Leone does not belong to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) or the APC, but to the people of Sierra Leone.
He further assured that the opposition supports broad stakeholder engagement, noting that civil society organizations, traditional leaders, political parties, and the general public must be actively involved to ensure public ownership of the process.
Addressing constitutional amendments, Hon. Kargbo stated that any alteration of clauses must be done through resolutions of Members of Parliament. He added that amendments to entrenched clauses, as provided under Section 108 of the 1991 Constitution, require a two-thirds majority in Parliament followed by approval through a national referendum.
He warned that any attempt to bypass these legal procedures would amount to treason. “When a crime is committed, if you are not judged at that very moment, do not assume you are safe. Sierra Leone is a country of records,” he cautioned.
Hon. Kargbo reaffirmed the APC’s willingness to participate in the review process, noting that the Tripartite Committee responsible for many of the proposed recommendations was jointly constituted by both the SLPP and the APC. He stressed that any amendments presented must reflect what was mutually agreed upon by both parties, as well as key recommendations submitted by the public.
“The country does not belong to the APC or the SLPP. The Constitution is the most sacred legal document of the Republic, and inclusivity and stakeholder participation are essential not optional,” he reiterated.
The opposition emphasized that two-thirds parliamentary approval and national referenda for entrenched clauses are mandatory, stressing that any unconstitutional alteration is null, void, and constitutes a serious offense against the State.
He argued that public officials remain accountable for constitutional violations even after leaving office and therefore amendments must reflect agreed outcomes, not unilateral changes.
He further called for order, legality, and discipline to guide the process at all times as posterity will judge Parliament by its respect for constitutional supremacy.
On the issue of entrenched clauses, Hon. Kargbo dismissed claims that such clauses do not exist, insisting they must be treated in accordance with constitutional provisions.
He concluded by stating that the APC’s cooperation remains conditional: full participation if the process is lawful, and total resistance if it is unconstitutional.
Responding, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma, assured lawmakers that the Sixth Parliament is committed to enacting progressive laws that advance national development. He stated that Parliament has demonstrated this commitment both locally and internationally through legislative reforms.
Hon. Nyuma emphasized that engagement with opposition counterparts has yielded positive outcomes, noting that the country can only move forward through progressive legislation that transforms Sierra Leone’s trajectory.
He cited the repeal of Part Five of the Public Order Act as a key example, explaining that despite widespread criticism, Parliament succeeded in repealing the law and earned international recognition for promoting freedom and democracy.
He further highlighted other progressive laws enacted under the current dispensation, including legislation on women’s empowerment, stressing that members of Parliament are sober-minded and committed to putting Sierra Leone first.