By: Amb. Penpusher

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has formally communicated to the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, that President Julius Maada Bio has acted on concerns raised regarding the conduct of the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally.

In a letter dated 1st June 2025, the Speaker informed Hon. Abdul Kargbo that President Bio has directed the Clerk, Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally, to proceed on leave effective 20th June 2025, while deliberations are ongoing regarding the next steps concerning the Office of the Clerk of Parliament.

This follows an earlier letter from the Opposition Leader, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, dated 5th May 2025, in which he accused the Clerk of engaging in political activities, including publicly vying for a position within his party—actions deemed to be in direct violation of the non-partisan nature of his role.

Hon. Kargbo subsequently demanded the Clerk’s immediate resignation, citing professional misconduct and a breach of parliamentary ethics.

The Speaker acknowledged the gravity of the matter and urged the Opposition to continue fulfilling its legislative responsibilities in service to the nation.

This development marks a critical moment in the ongoing debate around institutional neutrality and accountability within Parliament.