Speaker Thomas Draws the Line: Lazy Committees to Face Sanctions
By Musa Paul Feika
The Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has issued a strong warning to parliamentary committees that failed to carry out oversight duties during the recent two-month recess, stating that such committees will not be allowed to undertake any oversight activities in the new parliamentary session.
Hon. Thomas delivered the stern message on Thursday, October 9, 2025, as Parliament reconvened after its recess. His remarks came amid rising concerns about the poor performance of some parliamentary committees, particularly their failure to submit oversight reports despite the provision of public funds and logistical support for such activities.
“Honourable Members, before the House went on recess, I instructed all parliamentary committees to undertake oversight activities and table their reports in the Well for debate. I expect all committees to table these reports. Any committee that fails to carry out oversight should not be allowed to perform any oversight in this session,” the Speaker declared emphatically.
The Speaker’s statement drew attention to what many observers view as a growing culture of complacency within Parliament, where some committees reportedly collect funds for oversight but fail to deliver tangible results. Oversight functions are a critical part of parliamentary democracy, allowing lawmakers to scrutinize the operations, expenditures, and effectiveness of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Accountability as a Constitutional Duty
Hon. Thomas reminded Members of Parliament (MPs) that oversight is not a privilege but a constitutional responsibility. He emphasized that Parliament’s credibility depends largely on its ability to monitor the Executive and ensure that public funds are used efficiently and for their intended purposes.
“Accountability and diligence are non-negotiable responsibilities of every Member of Parliament,” the Speaker stressed. “When committees neglect oversight, they fail not only the House but also the people who elected us to represent their interests.”
The Speaker’s comments reflect broader public frustration with institutional inefficiency and the misuse of taxpayer resources. Despite repeated calls for transparency, reports suggest that several committees failed to conduct field visits or submit reports after receiving financial allocations before the recess.
While expressing disappointment in certain committees, Hon. Speaker Thomas also noted with satisfaction that many Sierra Leoneans have recognized the increasing seriousness with which the current Parliament is addressing national issues.
“I have received numerous calls from citizens commending the work of this House,” he said. “People are observing that Parliament is taking its oversight role more seriously, and that should continue.”
The Speaker’s balanced tone—acknowledging progress while demanding accountability—was seen by many as an attempt to restore discipline and public trust in the legislative arm of government.
Non-Compliance and Press Involvement
It will be recalled that prior to the recess, Speaker Thomas instructed all committee chairpersons to conduct oversight visits in the company of journalists from the Parliamentary Press Gallery (PPG-SL) to enhance transparency and public awareness. The move was intended to ensure independent verification of oversight activities and promote openness in parliamentary operations.
However, reports indicate that several committees did not comply with this directive, and some failed to undertake any oversight visits at all. This non-compliance, despite the disbursement of oversight funds, has raised questions about accountability mechanisms within Parliament.
Political analysts say Speaker Thomas’s statement is a clear indication that he intends to enforce stricter standards in the Sixth Parliament. It’s an attempt to clean up the system and ensure that parliamentary oversight is not reduced to a routine or symbolic exercise,” one parliamentary observer noted.
By taking this hard line, Speaker Thomas appears determined to instill a culture of responsibility and performance among lawmakers. His insistence that delinquent committees will be barred from future oversight is not only a disciplinary measure but also a signal of institutional reform within the legislative branch.
Observers note that this approach aligns with ongoing national efforts to strengthen governance, transparency, and the rule of law core priorities under Sierra Leone’s democratic framework.
Civil society organizations have often criticized Parliament for weak oversight and inadequate follow-up on audit findings, which they argue contributes to corruption and poor service delivery.
Speaker Thomas’s warning, therefore, may be seen as a direct response to those criticisms and a step toward rebuilding confidence in Parliament’s watchdog role.
As the Sixth Parliament resumes business, all eyes will be on how the Speaker enforces his warning and whether delinquent committees will indeed facing sanctions.
In addition, in the coming weeks will reveal whether the House of representatives embraces this call for renewed discipline or whether old habits will continue to undermine parliamentary integrity.
In the words of Speaker Thomas, “Habitual non-performance undermines the credibility of this House and erodes public trust. We must hold ourselves to the same standards of accountability that we demand from others.”
With this declaration, Parliament has been put on notice: the era of lax oversight may well be coming to an end.
