By Sulaiman Jalloh
Parliament on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, unanimously approved three presidential nominees: Hon. Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bwaoh as deputy minister of information and civic education, Hon. Eng. Vandy James French as deputy director general of Sierra Leone Roads Authority and Hon. Aiah Nyakeh Amara as board chairman of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank.
Introducing the nominees to members of parliament, the acting leader of government business, Hon. Bashir Sidikie, said the parliamentary committee on appointment and public service examined and validated the nominees and therefore recommended for their approval by the house.
Hon. Sidikie showered praises on the nominees, analyzing their individual performances during their previous positions in the public sector, noting the committee on appointment and public service interviewed them on issues relating to their educational backgrounds and work experience, adding the nominees were also asked about their track records whilst in the public service and other pertinent working relations, declared assets, among others. He added the nominees were interviewed separately and that they answered questions posed to them, adding that they are competent to serve in their various positions of appointment. He therefore moved the motion for approval.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, the chief weep of the opposition in parliament, seconded the motion for the approval of the three presidential nominees and recalled how Hon. Eng. Vandy James French managed the road at Rotifunk in his district. He urged that the two roads that lead to the House of Parliament be reviewed.
He reminded the approved nominees about the importance of timely information, adding that they should be ready to respond to misinformation, especially in this age of digital advancement.
“When there is a delay in information, there is always a tendency for people to have various views” he said, adding the approved government officials should ensure that government information reach the people.
“Go and add more value to the commercial bank” he advised Hon. Aiah Nyakeh Amara, the approved board chair of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank.
Hon. Quentin Salia Konneh told the approved nominees that the President appointed them because he believed in them, while he urged them to serve and add value in their new capacities. He advised that they should positively change the narrative so that posterity will judge them well.
He stated that Sierra Leone lacks maintenance culture, something he said has affected the country’s development.
House Speaker Hon. Dr. Chernor Abass Bundu again reminded the approved nominees that the President has reposed great confidence and responsibility in them and that they should serve accordingly. He, on behalf of parliament, congratulated the approved presidential nominees, wishing them well in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The nominees were advised to do the needful for the success of the President and the development of the country.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, February 23rd, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
