MPs argue over SLPMB transfer asset

Freetown July (SLENA) – Parliament last week ratified the bill to transfer assets from the defunct Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Board (SLPMB) to the newly established Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company (SLOMC).

Speaking during the legislative hearing last Thursday, Chairman of Legislative Committee, Hon. Ajibola Manly Spain said the committee has gone through the bill and found it non-controversial. “The memorandum of objects and reasons are very clear on the rationale for the promulgation of the bill into law,” he said, explaining further that the bill seeks to transfer the interests of the Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Board to the Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company.

“This involves the transfer to the company of the assets, liabilities, staff, etc with the board as part of Government majority share contribution to the company.

After the reading, the Speaker of the house, Justice Abel Stronge sought the opinion of members of the house on ratification of the bill.

The deputy minority leader, Hon Ansumana Kaikai observed that the company has no constituted board, but the committee chairman, Hon Manly Spain disagreed, saying there is an interim board presently overseeing the operations of the company.

The issue led to a heated debate as the opposition member disagreed with the chairman, arguing that the board issue should have been included in the document.

Adding her voice to the argument, minority leader, Hon. Bernadette Lahai also argued that the idea of an interim board should have been included in the bill.

Clarifying the issue, the deputy speaker of the house, Hon Chernor Bah explained that in the setting up of a company you don’t set up the board at once. “It is after the setting up of the company and has transferred assets that another bill will be brought to the house to be ratified to set up a board for the new company”.

The report reflects the consensus opinion of honorable members of the legislative committee at committee stage.

SB/HOP/SLENA

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