Chief of Defense Staff amongst ten who received parliamentary approval in Sierra Leone

(R-L) Brima Abdulai Sheriff;Mrs. Daphne Olu Williams and Mr. Brima Kebbie with commissioners of the NHRC after the approval in parliament

(L-R) Minister of Defence-Palo Conteh, Chief of Defence Staff-Brig. General Samuel Umaru Williams and the military legal adviser after the approval in parliament

The House of Parliament approves today ten presidential nominees to serve as commissioners and members in various public service commissions in the country.

The acting Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier-General Samuel Umaru Williams, is now the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Amnesty International Sierra Leone director, Brima Abdulai Sheriff; former electoral commissioner- Mrs. Daphne Olu Williams, and the former Director of Public Prosecution-Mr. Brima Kebbie, were approved to serve as commissioners at the National Human Right Commission.

The following six nominees that were also approved today are:

Mr. Fredrick Kamara- representing people with disability National Human Right Commission

Rugiatu Kamara-Diengh- Member National Tourist Board

Joseph Bangura- Chairman Local Government Service Commission

Mr. Leonard Taylor- Corporate Affairs Commission

Rose-Marie I.B. Cole- National Tourist Board

George M. K. Massaquoi- Southern representative National Youth Commission

The People Movement for Democratic Initiative (PMDC) Member of Parliament, Hon. Sheka Sama, while commending the nominees implored the new Chief of Defense Staff   to be mindful of the welfare of his personnel and ensure the ranks within the military are managed in the best interest of the country.

“There was a time in our country when we bad and good soldiers. I implore you to take that into consideration and ensure personnel are treated fairly,” he said.

He said based on the experience of the CDS, he is optimistic he will use his professionalism to boost the morale of the military and restore back their respect in society.

He said the recruitment of bad people into the army is giving the sector a bad image and hope the CDS will ensure enrollments into the army are made according to the principles of the army and not by individual recommendations.

The Sierra Leone Peoples Party member and minority leader in parliament, Hon. Emmanuel Tommy, also emphasized the role of the Chief of Defense staff in sustaining the peace process, reiterating that ‘managing the military well is vital to getting good soldiers’.

By Alpha B Kamara in Freetown