Felicitations for the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker started with the minority leader in Parliament, Honorable Momoh Pujeh (SLPP) who in a friendly mood stated “We are a minority party not a party in opposition”
He went on “This house will be the first house that will show true independence in this country. Once we have taken the oath of office we will serve the people of Sierra Leone without fear or party affiliations,”
Honorable Momoh Pujeh stressed that the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) cannot be an opposition to the people of Sierra Leone, and that no Member of Parliament can be in opposition to the people of Sierra Leone.
The SLPP Minority leader pointed out to the Speaker that from the counting of the votes he should see that he has support from the minority.
He expressed similar sentiments for the Deputy Speaker of the House, Victor Chukuma Johnson and pledged their support to both of them.
Honourable SBB Dumbuya representing the All People’s Congress Party added his voice in congratulating the new Speaker of the House.
He stated that he had no doubt Justice Abel Stronge “will discharge his duties impeccably as an impartial arbiter” and humbly admonished him to be fair and uphold what is true even if heaven fall.
Members of the other political parties in Parliament expressed similar sentiments.
The Deputy Speaker assured all that he will live up to the expectations of all Sierra Leoneans.
Responding Justice Abel Stronge said that he was moved by the sentiments. He pointed out that they should all work together for progress and improvement.
In a stern tone the new speaker told Parliamentarians to respect appointments stating “the people of Sierra Leone are watching, we should not let them down.”
Earlier Honourable Ibrahim Sorie (APC) who disclosed that he was performing his last function as the former Chief whip of the All People’s Congress announced that it has pleased the President Ernest Bai Koroma who in consultation with the party has appointed Honorable Edward Mohamed Turay as the Majority leader of the APC and leader of government business in the house; Deputy majority leader and leader of government business is SBB Dumbuya; Honorable Ibrahim Bundu was appointed as the Chief whip and his Deputy is Honorable Alieu Sankoh .Marie Jalloh was appointed as the Assistant whip (I) and Assistant whip (2) is Salamatu Turay.
Honourable Elizabeth Lavalie representing the SLPP announced that in consultation with the leadership of the SLPP and the members of the Parliamentary caucus, the Honorable Momoh Pujeh has been appointed as the Minority Leader of the SLPP in Parliament, Honourable Emmanuel Tommy as the Deputy Minority Leader. Honourable Komba Koidoyoma as the Chief whip and Honorable Elizabeth Lavalie was appointed the Chairperson of the Parliamentary council.
Honourable Legacy Sankoh announced that Thompson I Mansaray is the leader of the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) and he (Legacy Sankoh) is the Deputy leader of the Party in Parliament.
Parliament was adjourned to Thursday 27th September 2007