PARLIAMENT APPROVES DIRECTOR GENERAL OF SLBC

The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, 7th March 2024 debated and approved with unanimity the Fourteenth Report of the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, Chaired by the Leader of Government Business, Hon.Mathew Nyuma.

The following Presidential Nominee was approved by the Parliament:

Madam Josephine Fatima Kamara- Director General, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC)

Presenting the Report, the Leader of Government Business, Hon.Mathew Sahr Nyuma told Colleague Members of Parliament that, the nominee was interviewed on pertinent issues including educational backgrounds, track records, declared assets, tax obligations, and other related matters.

Seconding the motion, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Daniel Koroma recalled the interview of the nominee and went on to confess to the House that the Director General performed very well. The Deputy Leader acknowledged the distinguished experience of the nominee at local and international levels and went on to express hope for more elevation in her life. He used the opportunity to heap praises on women especially those with exceptional records of service. He categorically informed the House that they were unanimous in the approval of the SLBC candidate. “She is more than fit for the position” he concluded.

Hon Tamba Johnny from Kono referred to the nominee as an impeccable character and heaped praises on her. He reminded the House of the difficult nature of the institution and advised the nominee to improve the coverage and structure of the national broadcasting station.
He advised the nominee to use her appointment as an example of women’s trustworthiness to gain support from the people in the future.

The Deputy Chief Whip 1, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay predicated her debate on women’s elevation to power and commended President Bio. “The woman is the most fitted” she disclosed and categorically stated that the nominee was qualified. She encouraged her to reintroduce programs that used to attract viewers and listeners.

Hon. Dickson Rogers Chief Whip of Parliament said the nominee was qualified and went on to relate the character of the nominee to Wanjama. “Madam Kamara please go and make us proud,” he said and went on to advocate for more budgetary allocations to the SLBC. He appealed to the House to speedily approve the nominee.

On his part, the Chairman of the Committee on Information and Civic Education, Hon.Unpha Gbessay Koroma from Western Area Urban related his debate to the various stages of development of the institution and advised all and sundry to support its operation. The MP said it was timely to give the requisite information to the people and act responsibly in teamwork. He also spoke on ensuring that Government programs should be broadcasted frequently and continuously. The MP assured the nominee of his committee support.

Deputy Chief Whip 2, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh expressed dismay over the backwardness of SLBC compared to other stations. “There is nothing at SLBC” he confessed and accused them of corruption calling for an investigation. He asked the Director General to look into matters of finances and other related matters and to also improve the institution. The MP admonished the authorities to be responsible and not to be arm-twisted by the Director General.

Hon. Mohamed Papa Bangura from Bombali District advised the nominee not to politicize the SLBC and encouraged her to bring her good experience home. He expressed dismay over the welfare of staff members and encouraged the Director General to do the needful in making SLBC distinct.

Hon. Joseph Williams-Lamin from Bo District used the opportunity to recall his working relationship with excellent women and thanked the President for the appointment. He expressed hope that the nominee would succeed. “I am sure that you will succeed in your assignment” and asked all to patronize the institution.

Deputy Majority Leader 2 of Government Business, Hon Emerson Saa Lamina related his debate on family and national ordinance and recalled his relationship with the nominee in Kono. He encouraged her to bring motivational skills to improve the welfare and capacity building of staff members.

The MP asked her to apply new ideas to improve on information in teamwork with MDA including the Independent Commission for Peace. He used the opportunity to ask the Director General to reintroduce programs in local languages to maintain the frequent speaking of the same.

Hon. Mohamed Tarawalie Fofana from Kambia District told the House the that nominee can deliver. “I have worked with her in the USA” he revealed. The MP also encouraged the Director General to use local dialect in programs.
“Please ensure that our people are informed” he informed the House and asked the nominee to expand the station and coverage.

Hon. Quinton Salia-Konneh related the Nominee to Jawie adding that, her behavior is a pure attribute of her Mother. He reassured the people of Sierra Leone that the nominee would perform with the support of teamwork
He strongly advised her to work in synergy and unity.

Hon. PC Marrah Thor Thor Sheku Terenah Tongos Neya Konkoroba Fanko Lai III from Falaba said they need SLBC in their district. He thanked President Bio. The Hon. P.C. used the opportunity to request for appointment of Falaba people into governance.

In rounding update the debate, Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo said it was timely to acknowledge the good attributes of good people, irrespective of their political party affiliations. “The nominee is good,” he said.The MP encouraged the nominee to improve the condition of service of staff members. He advised the Director General not to work in separation and ensure objectivity like his predecessor. He raised concerns about the deprivation of SLBC by MDAs comparatively with others. “You own a moral obligation to make all those who are relating themselves to you proud” he stated.
He spoke well of the nominee based on global experience, in light of transformation.
“Use your office to make President proud, use your office to make Parliament proud”.he concluded.

In concluding the debate, the Leader of the Government Business, Hon Mathew Sahr Nyuma thanked all Members of Parliament for their contributions.

The Leader trends on transformation of the institution based on the nominee’s experience. He commended the nominee for recognizing her colleagues and promising to improve the existing system. The Leader positively spoke about her acknowledgment of others and also huge support for the profession. He recalled the nominee’s school days at the Government Secondary School Kenema and her distinguished work during the war. He used the opportunity to speak on the performance of women and the improvement of SLBC.

He spoke eloquently about objectives, good services, consultation and teamwork, and building national relationships through SLBC.
“There is nothing wrong with SLBC, but the people” and went on to outline the nominee’s wealth of experience.

The Acting Speaker of Parliament Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas congratulated the approved nominee and requested her to go and serve. He wished her well in her pursuit.

In another development, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Thursday 7th March 2024 debated the Bill entitled “The Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Financing of Terrorism and Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act, 2023”.

The Bill seeks to provide for the Transformation of the Financial Intelligence Unit into an autonomous and independent body to be known as the Financial Intelligence Agency which would serve as the national central authority for the receipt, analysis, and dissemination of financial information, to provide for the criminalization of money laundering, financing of terrorism and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other related matters.

After a strong debate on the Bill, it was unanimously agreed that the Bill be committed to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny.

The Deputy Minister of Finance, Madam Kadiatu Allie piloted the Bill .