By Jariatu S. Bangura
Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas and journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray are at odds
Presiding Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Sixth Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on Friday, January 10, 2025, issued a ruling indefinitely barring journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from accessing the parliamentary precincts.
The Speaker accused Mansaray of engaging in unprofessional journalism and spreading misinformation about parliamentary decisions.
Mansaray, a parliamentary journalist for Epic Radio, International Desk Officer of the Interim Executive of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, and publisher of the online platform Parliamentary Update Group, was accused of maliciously criticizing Parliament’s December 20, 2024, decision to remove the Auditor General and her deputy over allegations of misconduct.
Speaker Thomas told the House that complaints about Mansaray’s conduct had come from Members of Parliament (MPs) across both sides of the aisle. He alleged that Mansaray misled the public regarding the procedures and transparency of the parliamentary vote on the matter.
“I tried my best to ensure that the processes and procedures were transparent,” Speaker Thomas said, adding that the vote was conducted openly in full view of the gallery. “The Clerk of Parliament even approached the opposition side during the process to promote transparency.”
The Speaker noted that dissatisfied parties were encouraged to seek interpretations of parliamentary decisions through the Supreme Court, as outlined in the 1991 Constitution. He criticized Mansaray for undermining the process by publicly attacking Parliament’s ruling and accused him of consistently opposing parliamentary decisions.
“In the circumstances, I hereby rule that Melvin Tejan Mansaray shall not have, henceforth, any access to the precinct of Parliament until such time when Parliament shall decide.”
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo acknowledged Standing Order 42, which prohibits challenges to the Speaker’s decisions, but urged the matter to be referred to the Independent Media Commission (IMC) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) for investigation.
Hon. Mohamed Bangura also questioned the decision, asking whether the Speaker’s ruling was temporary and highlighting concerns about freedom of speech.
In response, Speaker Thomas noted that while 90% of journalists practice responsible journalism, the actions of a few individuals tarnish the profession. He agreed to consider the recommendations of the opposition MPs but insisted on maintaining the integrity of Parliament.
The Parliamentary Press Gallery pledged to investigate the Speaker’s claims, including Mansaray’s alleged remarks on various media platforms.
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has expressed concern over the Speaker’s ruling, emphasizing the need for a thorough review to ensure an amicable resolution that upholds both press freedom and professional standards.
