A failing parliament in a failing Democracy??

Parliamentarians have a stake in the socio-economic and political development of the state. The sustainability of democratic values depends on the concerted efforts of all and sundry and to this end; Parliament and the other two arms of government are of great importance.

Take for instance; if my people in my constituency in Bombali, precisely in the Safroko Chiefdom are not effectively represented in Parliament as they are likely seeing now, it becomes disastrous for our young democracy. It is only when people’s views are articulated in the well of parliament that we know our democracy is at work. When parliament is robust, the other arms of government will also live up to expectations.

Granted that the role of Parliament is very crucial in the growth of a country’s democratic credentials, it is also true, that it depends on how they are capacitated to perform, that they can meet the challenges of the time. 

We need not deny the point that the success of a given government also rests on how that particular government is being checked by people, and to this end, the current APC government could only succeed when other state institutions like Parliament and the Judiciary are seen effectively performing their duties and responsibilities. Parliament serves as an organ that checkmates the other two arms of government, so the role of parliament could not be downplayed.

Last Saturday, I came in contact with one of our lawmakers in the person of Hon Robin Fallay of constituency 07 in the Kailahun district.  In less than ten minutes, I had asked him questions relating to state security, the role of parliament and also on whether they have been getting all they need to be able to adequately perform.

Now to me, it was a good opportunity to get his view, not just because he is a Member of Parliament but one representing an opposition party in Parliament and I said to myself, ‘My God, this gentleman must have critical views and suggestions on how to address national issues which a member of the ruling party may have but not want to state’.

On the issue of armed robbery, he categorically stated that, the issue should ‘be taken with all seriousness’ and that even the police, under the leadership of Brima Acha Kamara must be seen acting tough. He believes, the ‘current spate of armed robbery will drive investors away…’ but however cautioned that when addressing the issue, people should not ‘politicize it’

There is every need for us to be collaborating with state institutions when tackling national problems like the current armed robbery and this is also the view of Robin Fallay who sounded very patriotic in his response to my questions.  He said, the ‘current armed robbery issue should be a challenge to the Police force under Brima Acha Kamara’. And I also hold such a view. It is a challenge for them.  My area in Kissy recently experienced a brutal attack from armed robbers.  

There is a Fullah business man, who trades in foreign exchange. He was brutally attacked on the 8^th with gun shots all over the area; none of his neighbors could come out and when the Police at Kissy Mess were called upon, they could not respond promptly. The business man in question was put under gunpoint, and later handcuffed, before the operation could be commenced.  This is unfortunate for us as a people, and I think the authorities must act. Where are these arms coming from, and where are robbers getting handcuffs 

So I asked Robin Fallay what should be done to rescue the current situation. He thinks there should be more of the political will from the national leadership.   He  paid tribute to the President for coming out with a statement but was however concerned that the decision to call in the Military has created some fear and stress among citizens, that the situation had gone out of control, thus leading to the President evoking the MACP Protocol. “It is distressing that military has been asked to come into the issue and that has created tension and fear among people”, he said.

Last week, I wrote that one of the causes of this spate of armed robbery is the rate of unemployment amongst the youthful age. This is also supported by Hon Fallay who said, he recently visited his constituency only to be confronted by unemployed youths seeking help. This is a course for concern, and if we are to tacking the current problem, I think the government should be thinking of actually addressing the problem of unemployment.

When the spate of armed robbery stated few months ago, there have been several allegations from citizens that police officers have been conniving with the robbers. Read Peep Magazine of Friday and learn of a confession of a prisoner at Kissy Mess Mess.  Even the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western Area was quoted last Friday by Premier News as saying that he cannot deny police involvement but however called on citizens to give out relevant information leading to the prosecution of those police offices. These are some solutions to the problem   

But what more should be done? I asked Hon Robin Fallay; ‘Absolutely’, he said, ‘there is need to effect change within the police leadership. Acha has not been outspoken in recent times, and he has always preferred to be defensive for most times…’ Hon Fallay thinks, Brima Acha Kamara has not been listening to people.  But it all depends on President Koroma to decide. And indeed, Robin Fallay thinks ‘President Koroma should make a decision now regarding the leadership of the Police force…’

I most often would commend Acha Kamara especially for taking the police force to its current position. He has done well in whatever shape or form one may want to look at him. To lead a police force for six years and more is just too unbelievable especially for a post conflict country like ours. But I have also conducted my investigations and it would appear that there is some element of disgruntlement within the police force, and government should take note of that.  I think some police officers are anticipating a change in the whole police leadership structure. Acha can also make a good foreign representation in our foreign missions.

Let us also take a look at another issue I discussed with Hon Robin Fallay; I asked whether they have been getting the needed logistics to carry out their functions properly. This is because; the success of democracy will only come about when all the arms of government are made to work effective. All Ministers who are not even democratically elected have official vehicles. So what is bad if those elected carry official vehicles as well? 

 It would appear Parliament is not well equipped, especially when it comes to performing their oversight functions. Robin Fallay spoke of the conditions of service. Pay them well and see if they cannot perform. Poor conditions of service will lead to a corrupt political system. Take for instance, if a drug lord wants to get his way through into the country, with just one hundred thousands of dollars, he can succeed in giving tokens to our Parliamentarians to ensure a law in favor of drug trafficking is enacted. So there is every need to ensure our Parliamentarians get good conditions of services.  Our democracy should not fail and it won’t fail if we don’t have a failing parliament. 

I raise the issue of official vehicles being given to Ministers. Inasmuch as I appreciate that, what about the Parliamentarians, one may want to ask? How many of our parliamentarians could boast of having official vehicles that could be used to make visits to their people regularly? It seem we have not be able to appreciate the true meaning democracy, because we could have realized the full potential of our law making body, and then give them the required support. There will be no true democracy without an effective Parliament and Judiciary. This is just too practical. From what I am seeing, we are having a failing Parliament in a failing democracy.  

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