The Director of Education and Outreach of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Patrick Sandi, has expressed satisfaction that former President Ernest Bai Koroma presented himself to be interviewed on allegations of corruption whilst he was President of the country from 2007 to 2018.
According to a press statement, the interview took place at one of the Commission’s “Safe Houses” on Monday November 23, 2020.
He made this statement during an interview he gave to Radio Democracy 98.1 on Tuesday November 24, 2020.
According to Sandi, the Commission was satisfied about the trend the investigation is taking, and for that he thanked former President Koroma, and hoped the same spirit on another date agreed between the ACC and his President lawyers for the continuation of the interview.
He revealed that only 20% of the questions the Commission wants to ask the former President was asked, adding that the greater part of the matter would be discussed on subsequent sessions.
He admonished members of the public to be patient with the ACC until it completes the interview, and reassured the general public of its determination to continue discharging its mandate as provided for in the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008 as Amended in 2019.
“Therefore, we cannot disclose integral information to the public because the matter is still under investigation in a bid to protect the integrity of the investigation,” Sandi said.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, lead counsel in defense for the former President, also expressed satisfaction over their client’s compliance, adding that his client had always said that he is willing, ready and able to participate in an interview with the ACC.
He said that the former President was in good spirit and is willing to defend his innocence by proving that his decision during his presidency fall within the confines of the law while exercising his discretion judiciously in the best interest of the nation.
Kamara Esq, said that the rules of the game were perfect; the interview went as planned in a peaceful and secured atmosphere with the former President been cooperative.
“No money laundry and foreign based accounts questions were put to him. What we witnessed on Monday was that the questions were answered truthfully and satisfactorily by our client. We are just worried that some of the questions were related to the Commission of Enquiry (COI) which has already been investigated by the ACC claiming that government referred the alleged matter to the COI, who investigated and produced a judgement which is currently tabled at the court, but yet we see the same issues arising,” Kamara Esq said.
He dismissed a claim that the former President had not been put on bail before he was released by the ACC, adding that former President went freely while the process ended peacefully.
He said they there were challenges before because they were very much concerned about the peace and security of the country and their client.
By George M.O. Williams
26/11/2020. ISSUE NO: 7958