The Natural Successor
By Maada Lans
With the voluntary departure of Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu from the helm of the 6th Parliament, attention swiftly shifts to Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis as a potential successor.
As the former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Sidie Tunis brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for exemplary leadership to the table, positioning him as a frontrunner for the esteemed role in the national Parliament.
A distinguished lawmaker representing the Pujehun District, Hon. Sidie Tunis has long been regarded as one of the most seasoned and capable legislators within Sierra Leone People’s Party.
His tenure as Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament garnered widespread acclaim, with numerous world leaders, including President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, commending his unwavering dedication to the democratic journey of the regional body.
Within the corridors of the Sixth Parliament, Hon. Sidie Tunis is not only respected for his legislative acumen, but also revered as a mentor to a new generation of lawmakers. His influence transcends party lines, earning him admiration and support from members of both the governing SLPP party and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
In an exclusive interview, a former opposition lawmaker, speaking anonymously, hailed Hon. Sidie Tunis as a seasoned statesman with a gentle demeanour and unparalleled experience—a testament to his ability to foster unity and consensus within the Parliament.
As speculation mounts regarding the election (selection) of the next Speaker, supporters from various political factions rally behind Hon. Sidie Tunis as a unifying figure capable of leading the Parliament with integrity and effectiveness.
With his track record of bipartisan collaboration and dedication to democratic values, Hon. Tunis emerges as a beacon of hope for a Parliament poised for progress and renewal.
Before his ascendancy to the ECOWAS Parliament as Speaker, Hon. Sidie Tunis served as Leader of Government Business in the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic.