On Thursday 15th June 2017, the Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Hon. Nanette Thomas paid a courtesy call on the Ombudsman of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Melron C. Nicol-Wilson Esq.
The Minister of Political and Public Affairs in her statement congratulated the Ombudsman on his appointment and further spoke extensively on the Ministry’s statutory mandate and policy objectives.
She advised the Ombudsman to maintain his independence and should not in any way be allowed to be muzzled.
In his response, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Melron C. Nicol-Wilson Esq thanked the Minister and her delegation for the wonderful visit and promised to work closely with the Ministry.
The Ombudsman highlighted the challenges since he took up office on the 2nd May 2017 and pledged to discharge his duties effectively.
In closing, the National Coordinator on Public Mobilization, Ousman Sankoh and the Coordinator on Outreach, Mucktarr Tejan-Cole commended the energetic lawyer for his resilience in the justice system in Sierra Leone and they expressed their belief that he will bring about change in achieving the set goals.
The courtesy call was climaxed with a conducted tour around the office.
In another development, the Minister of Political and Public Affairs also paid courtesy call on the Chairman of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Hon. Justice Patrick O. Hamilton and the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), Rev. Dr. Usman Jesse Fornah.
Whilst at the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), the regulatory body for political parties in Sierra Leone, the Minister used the opportunity to congratulate the New Chairman, Hon. Justice Patrick O. Hamilton for his appointment and look forward in working with the Commission.
The Minister further highlighted the Ministry’s two important variables which are “Political and Public” and since we are approaching the elections, the Ministry and the Commission should work closely to enhance a peaceful election.
The Chairman of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Hon. Justice Patrick O. Hamilton in his response commended the Minister and her team and most importantly, he commended the efforts of his predecessor, the Late Hon. Justice M.E. Tolla Thompson and pledged to push the commission forward without any political interference.
The Minister ended her visit at the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone where she held a fruitful meeting with the Newly Appointed Chairman, Rev. Dr. Usman Jesse Fornah and team.
She also congratulated and informed him that the Ministry of Political and Public Affairs is a people’s Ministry and the conduit through which the Government and the citizens of the country communicate which each other with the view to address concerns that affects the general peace and development of the country.
The Chairman and other Commissioners commended the Minister for the good job and look forward in working with the Ministry.
