Speaker Bundu resigns, citing Health Reasons

The Speaker of the Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, the Right Honorable Doctor Abass Chernor Bundu, has submitted a formal letter of retirement to the President, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

In a formal announcement made today, President Bio acknowledged the receipt of the retirement letter from the Speaker. The decision was communicated in a letter dated April 15, 2024, in which President Bio commended Dr. Bundu for his exceptional leadership and contributions to fostering relationships within and beyond the parliamentary sphere.

Expressing anticipation for Dr. Bundu’s continued guidance even in retirement, President Bio acknowledged the valuable support rendered by the outgoing Speaker throughout his tenure. In his retirement letter of the same date, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu reflected on the privilege of serving as Speaker and expressed gratitude for the unwavering backing received from the President during his term of office.

Citing health reasons, Dr. Bundu’s retirement will take effect on April 30, 2024. Notably, he held the position of Speaker in both the Fifth and Sixth Parliaments of the Second Republic, spanning from 2018 to 2023 and subsequently from July 2023.

Furthermore, following Dr. Bundu’s retirement, the Deputy Speaker, the Right Honorable Segepoh Solomon Thomas, will assume the responsibility of presiding over parliamentary proceedings until the election of a new Speaker. This arrangement was mutually communicated between President Bio and Dr. Bundu, ensuring a seamless transition in accordance with Section 79(7) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991).

SARAH KALLAY BLOG

President Bio Accepts Retirement of Speaker Abass Bundu

17-04-2024 | 17:20

Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has accepted the retirement of the Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu as Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

In a letter dated 15th April 2024, the President expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Rt. Hon. Dr. Bundu for his leadership in enhancing a strengthened and productive relationship within and outside Parliament. “We certainly look forward to your continued support and wise counsel during your retirement,” President Bio stated.

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu conveyed his decision to retire from the position of Speaker of Parliament in a letter dated 15th April 2024. He expressed his profound appreciation for the extraordinary privilege to serve as Speaker of Parliament and thanked the President for the support provided to him throughout his tenure.

Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu has retired on health/medical grounds and his decision is effective 30 April 2024. He has served as Speaker of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic from 2018 to 2023 and in this Sixth Parliament since July 2023.

Meanwhile, His Excellency the President has been informed by The Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu that until Parliament elects a new Speaker, he shall withdraw from its regular sittings, allowing the Deputy Speaker, The Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to preside over all sittings of Parliament, except when the President is present pursuant to Section 79(7) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No.6 of 1991).