Freetown, Sierra Leone, May, 2025– The Leader of the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, representing the All People’s Congress (APC), Hon. Abdul Kargbo has called for the immediate resignation of the Clerk of Parliament, Hon Paran Umarr Tarawally, accusing him of violating constitutional and legal provisions by pursuing a senior position within a political party.
In an official letter dated 5th May 2025, addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the APC opposition leader expressed deep concern over what he described as a “serious breach of the law” and a threat to the neutrality of Parliament. He alleged that the Clerk had openly declared his intention to contest for the post of Secretary General of a political party, an act that, according to the opposition, contradicts both the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) Act and the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
Specifically, the opposition cited Section 15(a)(ii) of the PPRC Act, which bars public officers from holding executive positions in political parties, and Section 26(2)(b) of the Constitution, which prohibits public officers from participating in the management or affairs of any political party.
“These provisions are unambiguous in their intent to shield the public service from partisan political influence, particularly within sensitive institutions such as Parliament,” the letter reads.
The APC also condemned recent public remarks allegedly made by the Clerk targeting opposition Members of Parliament, describing them as “derogatory” and “unacceptable” for someone tasked with serving all MPs impartially.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, the APC opposition leader demanded the Clerk’s immediate resignation. He warned that failure to step down would result in a cessation of all engagement with the Clerk’s office and the pursuit of additional parliamentary measures to safeguard the institution’s integrity.
As of press time, the Speaker of Parliament had not issued a public response to the letter.
