By Sulaiman Jalloh

Hon. Paran Umar Tarawallie has resigned from his role as Clerk of Parliament following his election as National Secretary General of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) on August 1, 2025.

In an appreciation letter dated August 4, 2025, Hon. Paran expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh, the leader and deputy leader of the SLPP, respectively, in fulfilment of my pledge, on Friday, August 1, 2025, I ceased to serve as Clerk of Parliament,” he stated, extending thanks to party members who supported his candidacy for the SLPP leadership role.

Hon. Paran’s resignation follows a period of controversy. Prior to his election as SLPP National Secretary General, he was placed on forced leave from his parliamentary position. This action was prompted by a boycott of parliamentary sittings by opposition All People’s Congress (APC) MPs, who argued that his candidacy for a political party position while serving as Clerk violated constitutional provisions.

Section 82(1) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6) stipulates that the Clerk of Parliament is appointed by the President in consultation with the Public Service Commission and is responsible for the administration of Parliament. The opposition’s concerns centered on the potential conflict of interest posed by Hon. Paran’s dual roles. Following Hon. Paran’s forced leave, Deputy Clerk of Parliament Gilbert Bosco N’habay was appointed acting Clerk. It remains unclear whether N’habay will be confirmed as the substantive Clerk of Parliament.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday,6th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)