At least 11 members of the national parliament died from different causes including COVID-19-related complications since beginning of last year, says the Speaker of Parliament Jemma Nunu Kumba.
Nunu said that the late MPs whose names she did not disclose, passed away due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other health hazards.
The speaker said the lawmakers died while performing their “noble duty” of serving the country.
“Before I can proceed, allow me at this juncture to pay special tribute to all the fallen colleagues from the national legislature who left us during the past cession of the parliament,” she said.
Nunu said this in her speech during the inauguration of the parliament first session earlier today.
“Those members of parliament died when performing their noble duty in service of our country, indeed due to the Covid 19 pandemic and other health hazard. The August house lost eleven of its member last year and this year, may their souls rest in peace.”
In October last year, national members of parliament received $15,000 dollars each as part of their medical allowances for the financial year 2022.2023.
They are expected to receive the remaining half of the health allowance totaling 9,750,000 US dollars this year.