The excerpt of the Eight Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by the Leader of Government Business has been approved by Parliament.
Rev. Shodanke B. E. B. Johnson is one of the Presidential Nominees approved by Parliament as Chairman Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC).
Presenting the Presidential Nominee, the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie recalled that the Nominee was interviewed 7th February, 2023, in Committee Room One, Parliament Building in Freetown.
According to the Acting Leader, the Nominee was interviewed based on specified criteria and procedures, not excluding the strict consistency of his educational background, track records, tax obligation and vision for a nationally productive tenure amongst others.
Seconding the motion, Hon P. C. Mambu Pewa recalled that he was part of the Committee that interviewed the Nominee. The Hon. P.C. told the House that after going through the credentials of the Nominee, he discovered that the latter was qualified for the job.
Hon. Neneh Lebbie said that the Nominee is not a stranger to Parliament and that he is capable of carrying out the new job. She recalled that the Nominee is a fervent Christian whose preaching inspired her to go to church. She informed the House that the Nominee is a household name and a father who has transformed many lives, especially in Bo District. The MP assured the House that the Nominee would deliver to the best of his ability.
Hon. Rev. Sama Sandy thanked President Bio for appointing the Nominee and recalled his relationship with him. “Rev. Johnson is a nationalist and religious man”, he stated and counted the many institutions and churches the later had established nationally and globally. He spoke many good things about the Nominee.
Hon. Josephine Makieu said that President Bio did not make any mistake of appointing the Nominee and went on to heap praises on him, for his developmental orientation and for being upright. She expressed hope that the Nominee would be able to move the institution forward.
Hon. Charles Abdulai recalled his relationship with the Nominee and said that the latter is a leader and unifier. He stated that Rev. Johnson deserves the elevation. The MP revealed that the Nominee’s mission has gained prowess in the educational landscape of his constituency.
He assured the House that Rev. Johnson has all the attributes to unifier the country.
Acting Leader of C4C, Hon Musa Fofana, reaffirmed that President Bio had appointed many fine Sierra Leoneans and Rev. Johnson is one of them. He reiterated that the position is very critical, but expressed confidence that the latter would achieve. He used the opportunity to appeal to the House to consider the budget allocation to the commission as the country is moving toward the upcoming elections.
The Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, thanked colleague MPs for their contributions. He said President Bio has a lot of confidence in the Nominee and similarly a lot is expected from him as the Country approaches the General Elections. He spoke on a lot of political conflict related issues which would be envisaged from now onward, up to the upcoming General Elections and the Commission is expected to address them.
In his felicitation, the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu congratulated Rev. Johnson and stated that Parliament endorsed his nomination. He spoke about the importance and critical nature of the Commission, in light of national unity and cohesion. The Rt. Hon. Speaker categorically stated that the job is not an easy task and wished the Nominee well in his new office.
