Thompson Urges MPs to Prioritize Unity Over Politics

By Benjamin S Conteh 

Hon. Alfred Ayodele Thompson, an APC Member of Parliament representing Western Area Urban, has called on members from both benches of the Sierra Leone Parliament to prioritize national unity and put the interests of the country above party lines. He emphasized the need for a “National Unity Program” that unites MPs from all political backgrounds, urging them to work together for the common good of Sierra Leone rather than focusing solely on party agendas.

Hon. Thompson made this appeal on Thursday, November 7, 2024, during the fourth day of debate on the President’s special speech at the opening of the Second Session of the Sixth Parliament of Sierra Leone. He stressed that the role of parliamentarians is to build a better future for Sierra Leone and called for a shift in focus from past conflicts to constructive action for the country’s future.

In his speech, Hon. Thompson highlighted specific policies that he believes would support national unity and benefit Sierra Leoneans. For example, he urged President Bio to remove the 5% tax on rice, arguing that the tax hinders the success of the “Feed Salone” initiative. “If Feed Salone is to succeed, we need to eliminate barriers like the rice tax,” he said, emphasizing the importance of accessible staple foods for achieving food security.

Hon. Thompson also emphasized the importance of a long-term vision for unity in Sierra Leone, proposing that MPs work towards establishing a foundation of national unity that spans the next ten to twenty years. “We need to think beyond the immediate challenges and set a foundation of unity that will last,” he asserted.

Reflecting on the nature of governance, he pointed out that it should not be treated like a competition between rival sports teams. “Governance isn’t a Manchester or Arsenal game,” Hon. Thompson remarked. “When we’re outside the Well, regardless of political affiliation, we call each other brothers and sisters. That same spirit of unity should extend to our work within Parliament.”

In his closing remarks, Hon. Thompson urged all parliamentarians to embody the spirit of patriotism and prioritize the Constitution of Sierra Leone above partisan interests. He encouraged his colleagues to adopt a mindset of collaboration and mutual respect to strengthen Sierra Leone’s democracy and ensure a better future for all citizens.