Makeni City Council Administrator Summoned for Defying Parliamentary Oversight
Parliament’s Oversight Committee on Transparency, chaired by Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby, has accused the Chief Administrator of Makeni City Council, Mr. Daniel Kpukumu, of obstructing its lawful mandate. The committee described his conduct as a violation of Section 95 of the 1991 Constitution, which clearly outlines acts considered as contempt of Parliament.
The controversy erupted this morning when the committee embarked on a scheduled oversight visit to the Makeni City Council. Upon arrival, members of the committee were reportedly met with disappointment as Mr. Kpukumu was nowhere to be found. According to the lawmakers, this is not the first time the administrator has failed to honor official summons, a move they interpret as deliberate defiance of parliamentary authority.
The Oversight Committee on Transparency has been carrying out inspections across local councils pursuant to the Local Governance Act of 2022 (as amended). The exercise is designed to strengthen accountability systems, evaluate service delivery, and promote good governance at the local level. Lawmakers say Mr. Kpukumu’s absence undermines not only their work but also public confidence in the governance process.
Following his no-show, the committee immediately directed him to appear at the Bombali District Council Hall later today. Committee members have made it clear that any further act of non-compliance will trigger punitive measures, including the possibility of arrest, as provided for under parliamentary procedures.
Hon. Lebby emphasized that Parliament is determined to exercise its constitutional mandate without fear or favor. He stressed that public officials entrusted with state resources must be transparent, accountable, and willing to cooperate with oversight bodies. “No individual, regardless of position or office, is above the law,” he declared.
Observers note that this development could heighten scrutiny of how local councils across the country are managed, particularly at a time when citizens continue to demand greater transparency in the use of public funds. The outcome of the committee’s engagement with Mr. Kpukumu is expected to set a precedent for how Parliament deals with public officials who disregard its authority.
The committee reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance, reiterating that such values remain the cornerstone of democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
