AG: Parliament's Bill Procedures Are Beyond My Jurisdiction
- Grace Bangura
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has stated unequivocally that his office lacks the jurisdiction to assess Parliament's compliance with its internal procedural rules concerning the First Reading of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
In correspondence dated 19 February 2026, addressed to the Honourable Osman Timbo, Member of Parliament for Western Area Urban District, Mr. Sesay underscored that the adherence to parliamentary procedures is the exclusive responsibility of Parliament. He cited Section 94 of the 1991 Constitution, which grants Parliament the authority to regulate its own proceedings and establish Standing Orders.
"Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution or any other law, no decision, order, or act relating to parliamentary procedures shall be inquired into by any court," the Attorney General wrote, thereby reinforcing the constitutional separation of powers and the autonomy of the legislative branch.
The Attorney General recommended that inquiries regarding procedural compliance be directed to the Clerk of Parliament or the Speaker, who are the appropriate authorities for guidance on internal legislative processes. Mr. Sesay further noted that Members of Parliament had the opportunity to raise procedural objections as part of their due diligence prior to the Bill's First Reading.
He acknowledged the successful receipt of the Gazette publications for the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, dated 24 December 2025 and 2 January 2026, which satisfies the requirements stipulated in Section 108(2)(a) of the Constitution. Copies of the relevant Gazette issues were appended to the letter.
In conclusion, the Attorney General reiterated that his office's guidance is strictly governed by constitutional fidelity and the rule of law, emphasizing that the oversight of internal legislative processes rests with Parliament, not the Ministry of Justice.
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