Sierra Leone: Parliament clears former minister of information and broadcasting

Parliament Friday approved the nomination of former minister of information and broadcasting, Prof. Septimus Kaikai as the first chairman board of trustees of the Sierra Leone broadcasting corporation, SLBC. He will hold the position for a renewable three-year term.

The motion on the erstwhile SLPP minister was put forward by chairman committee of appointment and majority leader in parliament, Hon. Sheku B.B Dumbuya of the ruling All People's Congress, APC. He informed the house that Prof. Kaikai's appointment by President Ernest Bai Koroma was not a mistake, as he has a wealth of experience in communication management with the then Sierra Leone People's Party, SLPP.

"We hope Kaikai will use his experience to the best of his ability to manage the new SLBC board," he said. Hon. Dumbuya said it was their fervent hope that the professor would not let down members of parliament and the government in the discharge of his responsibilities. Minority leader in parliament, Hon. Emmanuel Tommy of the SLPP, was also full of praises for Prof. Kaikai and expressed hope that he would deliver on his promises.

It could be recalled that in September 2009 parliament passed the SLBC Act 2009, thereby establishing the first legally independent national broadcaster charged with the responsibility of providing information, education, entertainment and above all reflect all shades of opinion throughout the country. Parliament also approved former minister of mines and mineral resources, Alhaji Abu Bakarr Jalloh as the country's new ambassador to Libya.

- March 29, 2010 by Ibrahim Tarawallie

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Source: allafrica.com/stories/201003300839.html (accessed on 30.03.10)