The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament has issued a strong and urgent call for the immediate resignation of the Clerk of Parliament, citing grave breaches of legal and constitutional provisions that govern public officers in Sierra Leone.In an official communication released today, the Opposition Leader expressed deep concern over what he described as the Clerk’s “serious breach of the law and undermining of the expected neutrality” of his office.
Central to the allegation is the Clerk’s public declaration to contest for the position of Secretary General of a political party — a move the Opposition argues flagrantly violates Section 15(a)(ii) of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) Act.
That section explicitly bars public officers from holding executive positions in political parties. Additionally, Section 26(2)(b) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone prohibits any public officer from participating in the affairs or management of political parties.
“These provisions are unambiguous in their intent to shield the public service from partisan political influence, particularly within sensitive institutions such as Parliament,” the statement emphasized.
The Clerk’s conduct, the Opposition Leader argued, poses a direct threat to the impartiality of Parliament, especially given the Clerk’s control over parliamentary resources and information that must be handled without any suspicion of bias.
To compound matters, the Opposition claims the Clerk has recently made derogatory public remarks about members of the opposition, further undermining his credibility and violating the principle of impartiality that should guide his office.
“Such remarks are unacceptable and incompatible with his role, which requires him to serve all Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation, with professionalism and respect,” the statement added.
Opposition Leader has unequivocally demanded the Clerk’s immediate resignation. He warned that failure to do so would result in the opposition ceasing all engagement with the Clerk and pursuing further parliamentary measures to protect the integrity of the legislature.
“I will no longer recognize his authority in that office,” the Opposition Leader declared.
The statement concludes with a call for urgent attention and swift action to uphold the credibility and neutrality of Parliament.
