Parliamentary Protocol Under Scrutiny: Melvin Tejan Weighs in on First Lady Controversy

The recent State Opening of Parliament has sparked an intense debate on parliamentary decorum and constitutional compliance, following an incident involving the First Lady and a derogatory song.

Melvin Tejan has shared his insights on the unfolding situation, where the First Lady was allegedly subjected to an insulting song, leading to her refusal to stand for President Bio and Vice President Juldeh Jalloh upon their entry into the parliamentary chamber, and her apparent use of an earpiece during the President's address.

Tejan points out that Section 13 of the constitution requires respect for the national flag and anthem, but not specifically for the President's entry.

He observes that the First Lady reportedly stood for the national anthem at all ceremonies, thus fulfilling her constitutional duty, but did not stand for the President's arrival.

Regarding parliamentary protocol, Tejan suggests that the protocol itself may have been breached.

He asserts that standard parliamentary practice requires State House officials to coordinate seating and entry procedures with Parliament well in advance of the President's arrival.

He emphasizes the First Lady's claim that she was hurried into the chamber, rather than being taken to the Speaker's office for the customary pre-session discussion, indicating a deviation from established tradition.

Tejan encourages critical reflection from observers, questioning whether the First Lady's actions represented a protest against this perceived oversight.

Tejan firmly asserts that the First Lady's actions were indeed a protest against her experience.

He raises the question of whether protesting within Parliament constitutes a criminal offense, challenging anyone to identify a specific section of the constitution or parliamentary standing orders that deems such an act illegal.

Furthermore, Tejan dismisses the idea that the Speaker of Parliament protected the First Lady. Instead, he attributes responsibility to the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), criticizing their initiation of the "coco roast" song without intervention from party leadership, resulting in a public incident that remained unaddressed.

The debate surrounding this singular event continues to overshadow the traditional state opening, a presidential address that reviews government activities based on prior commitments and similar statements.