The Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Abass Bundu, on Friday 7th August 2020, announced names of members for the Fact Finding Investigative Committee on the alleged use of excessive force by security personnel which led to the loss of lives of 6 youths in Makeni. He maintained that considering the violence that took place in Makeni, leading to the loss of lives and damage to private and public property, it was necessary for Parliament to consider sending representatives to attend the funerals of the deceased youths. Members of the Committee include, Hon Paramount Chief Sahr Youngai Kontanday Mbriwa II-Chairman of the Committee, Hon Daniel Brima Koroma, Hon Dr Ibrahim Bun Kamara, Hon Moses Andrew Edwin, Hon Samuel Genewai Panda, Hon Musa Fofanah and Hon Foday Mario Kamara-all as members.
According to the Speaker while addressing Members of Parliament in the Well, the members of the fact finding Committee are not representing any political party but the House of Parliament to ascertain the truth of the matter that will help them reach a perfect conclusion on the issue. He assured that the membership list was put together after consultation with leaders of the various political parties in Parliament, adding that the terms of reference of the Committee will be determined in consultation with him.
On the area of avoiding duplication of work already done or that is currently being done by the Executive arms of government on the same issue, he maintained that they will try to verify the areas that have already been looked into and see if there are other areas that require further attention which their Committee will handle. The Motion for the approval of the Committee list was moved by the leader of the Opposition Hon Chernor Maju Bah and was seconded by the leader of Government Business, Hon Mathew Sahr Nyuma, and unanimously approved by the House of Parliament. AMK/11/08/2020
By Alhaji Manika Kamara