By Sulaiman Jalloh

Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, has called for the immediate resignation of the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Paran Umarr Tarawally.

In a letter dated May 13, 2025, addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Hon. Kargbo, a Member of Parliament from the All People’s Congress (APC) party, accused Tarawally of violating constitutional and legal provisions by seeking a senior position within a political party  specifically, the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The opposition leader expressed deep concern over what he described as a serious breach of the law and a threat to the neutrality of Parliament.

Hon. Kargbo alleged that the Clerk openly declared his intention to contest for the post of Secretary General of a political party, an act that contradicts both Section 15(a)(ii) of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) Act and Sections 26(a) and (b) of Act No. 6 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, these provisions prohibit public officials from holding executive positions within political parties and bar them from participating in the management or affairs of any political party, these provisions are unambiguous in their intent to shield the public service from partisan political influence, especially within sensitive institutions such as Parliament,” the opposition leader wrote.

He further condemned recent public remarks allegedly made by the Clerk targeting opposition Members of parliament, describing the comments as derogatory and emphasizing their incompatibility with the Clerk’s duty to serve all MPs impartially, Such remarks are unacceptable and incompatible with his role, which requires him to serve all Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation, with impartiality, professionalism, and respect, Hon. Kargbo added.

The opposition leader warned that should the Clerk fail to resign or step down voluntarily, the APC will cease all engagement with the Clerk’s office and pursue additional parliamentary measures to protect the integrity and neutrality of Parliament.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 19th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)