Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, Leader of the DIB Movement and flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), has urged President Julius Maada Bio to withhold assent to the recently passed constitutional amendment bill until the Supreme Court determines the constitutional questions arising from Parliament’s proceedings.
In a statement dated 14 August 2026, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura said he had closely followed parliamentary proceedings relating to the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which he believes raise serious issues concerning the country’s constitutional order, democratic governance and institutional stability.
He welcomed the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an advisory opinion, arguing that the process should proceed without unnecessary delay.
“Given the significance of the questions at stake, I respectfully urge that this process proceed without unnecessary delay,” he stated.
According to Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, an authoritative interpretation from the Supreme Court would provide clarity on the constitutional requirements governing amendments to Sierra Leone’s supreme law and help guide the country through the current dispute.
He endorsed the APC’s position that further action on the amendment bill should be suspended while the Court considers the issues raised. He also supported the party’s intention to seek legal redress before the Supreme Court.
“It would be prudent for all concerned to allow the Court to pronounce on these important constitutional questions before any irreversible steps are taken,” Dr. Ibrahim Bangura said.
He maintained that allowing the judiciary to determine the issues before the bill receives presidential assent would protect constitutional order, reinforce public confidence and demonstrate respect for the rule of law.
Beyond the legal dispute, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura called on political leaders, party supporters and citizens to exercise patience, restraint and respect for national institutions. He warned that political disagreements should not undermine the constitutional framework established for their peaceful and lawful resolution.
“Whatever our political differences, our shared responsibility is to ensure that the Constitution remains the foundation for the peaceful, lawful resolution of those differences,” he stressed.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura argued that constitutional amendments should not be treated as ordinary legislative measures because they can have far-reaching consequences for governance, citizens’ relationship with the State and the constitutional legacy passed on to future generations.
He said any attempt to alter the Constitution must therefore meet the highest standards of consultation, transparency, due process and national responsibility.
“Doing so strengthens, rather than weakens, our institutions and helps sustain citizens’ confidence in our democratic system,” he noted.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura made three specific appeals to President Julius Maada Bio. First, he urged the President to withhold assent until the Supreme Court has interpreted and determined the constitutional questions that have emerged.
Second, he called on the President to support broad consultations involving the APC, other political parties, Civil Society Organisations, legal experts and key national stakeholders. He said such engagement would help build the widest possible consensus on any proposed constitutional changes.
Third, he appealed to the President to safeguard the sovereign will of the people by ensuring that the final outcome commands broad national confidence, possesses constitutional legitimacy and serves Sierra Leone’s long-term interests.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura also urged APC members and supporters to remain united, calm and disciplined while pursuing lawful and constructive engagement.
“Our party is greater than any individual and the future of Sierra Leone is greater than any political party,” he stated.
He cautioned against reducing the dispute to a purely partisan contest, stressing that the national interest must remain above the interests of any individual or political organisation.
According to him, the APC should demonstrate principled leadership and engage constructively with relevant stakeholders as it seeks to defend the Constitution and Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura described the Constitution as the bedrock of the Republic and maintained that any process intended to amend it must inspire confidence in both its legality and legitimacy.
He said constitutional reform should not be pursued for political advantage but treated as a solemn national responsibility requiring careful deliberation, inclusion and respect for democratic principles.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura further observed that responsibility for protecting Sierra Leone’s constitutional order does not rest with the Supreme Court alone. He said Parliament, the Executive, political parties, Civil Society Organisations and citizens all have a duty to ensure that the country’s long-term interests remain paramount.
“At moments of constitutional significance, our responsibility is not merely to consider what may be possible today, but what will best serve our country tomorrow,” he said.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura concluded by calling for wisdom, restraint and respect for the institutions of the Republic. He expressed hope that the eventual outcome would strengthen democracy, preserve the integrity of the Constitution and serve the lasting interests of the people of Sierra Leone.
