Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications, Social Security Court, Freetown, 17th March, 2022: The Tribunal that was set up by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to inquire into a case for stated misconduct against the Auditor General-Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce and the Deputy Auditor General-Tamba Momoh, has commenced on Thursday.
The Chairperson of the Tribunal, Justice Nyawo Matturi-Jones outlined the mandate of the Tribunal whilst referencing Sections 137 & 119 of the Constitution.
The Auditor General-Lara Taylor Pearce was represented by Rowland Wright Esq. and the Deputy Auditor General-Tamba Momoh was represented by Mohamed Pa-Momoh Fofanah Esq. The Auditor General and the Deputy Auditor General were in attendance.
Representing the Auditor General, Rowland Wright Esq. raised a jurisdictional issue, stating that they have filed papers to appear before the Supreme Court for relevant Constitutional interpretations.
On his part, Pa Momoh Fofanah Esq referenced Section 4 of the Audit Service Act of 2014, stating that the Deputy Auditor, “Tamba Momoh is not covered by the provision in the Constitution that set up this Tribunal.”
Court of Appeal Judge, Hon. Justice Ivan Sesay said that the tribunal is not a social media inquiry but one for which, “we are mandated to conduct an inquiry for alleged misconduct.” He therefore encouraged the general public to allow due process or the right thing to be done.
He continued, “help us to maintain justice and good practice. We have a purpose so please allow us to do justice.”
“Please allow us to do our work as prescribed for by the Constitution applicable to this Tribunal,” said Hon. Justice Ivan Sesay. He said the matter itself has not properly started to warrant the submissions of both lawyers. He reiterated that they will develop Rules of Procedures to guide the entire process.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawally reassured of an impartial process, adding that “it is not a witch hunt.”
The matter comes up on 7th April, 2022.