Parliament Warns Social Media Users Of Contempt Of Parliament

By Desmond Isaac Macauley
Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Thomas, has Cautioned social media users of Contempt of Parliament.
Speaker stated that obstructing Parliament in executing its duties is a contempt of Parliament and that using the 1991 Constitution aided by the Cyber Law offenders can be prosecuted and be found guilty.
The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuama criticized the way and manner in which some people are using social media to cause unnecessary mayhem across the country.
He referenced Section 95 of the 1991 Constitution which protects the obstruction of Parliament and its officials.
He cited that the section is not to stop people from expressing their views but to protect Parliamentarians and officials of the noble house.
“The public should understand that we don’t want them to say we are trampling on their civic rights but to be aware that there are others whose rights need to be protected,” he said.
He added that, Parliamentarians are doing a lot for the country and their communities, and therefore, people should give them the respect they deserve.
“We are public figures but that does not mean people should not respect us. We are also fathers and Mothers,” he said.
Leader of the main opposition APC, Hon. Abdul Kargbo also supported Nyuaman and emphasised that most of what was on social media about the Finance Act that was passed recently in Parliament was misinformation.
Hon, Abdul Kargbo said it was a unanimous agreement for the 5% tax to be added for the importation of rice, and that the 5% which would have taken effect next year has been deferred to January 2026.
He said that the 5% on rice importation was done to boost the feed Salone initiative.