The Renaissance Movement Sierra Leone (RMSL) has on Tuesday March 16, 2021 urged President Maada Bio to reassure the public of the independence of institutions and assures heads of these institutions of his support, as part of his vision to end graft and impropriety in public service.
The Movement made this call in a statement following the recent developments in the country relating to accountability, corruption, and the independence of critical State Institutions, and the discussion following conclusion of an investigation into corruption allegations against Members of Parliament and Parliamentary staff by Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh.
Renaissance Movement said that they are particularly concerned about the communications between the Auditor General, Financial Secretary and other government officials relating to payments of fees into a revenue account as well as threats to withhold the salaries of staff at Audit Service Sierra Leone.
The movement urged the national leaders and the public to show respect for and refrain from bullying, and interfering with the work of sacred national institutions including the Office of the Ombudsman, Audit Service Sierra Leone, and the Anti-Corruption Commission to name but a few.
The Movement reiterates the public trust in the leadership, independence, and integrity of the nation’s Auditor General, Ms. Lara Taylor-Pearce. “We strongly condemn all unnecessary attacks, threats and intimidations on her person and her institution. We urge Ms. Taylor-Pearce and the Auditor General’s office to continue their patriotic service of shedding light on violations of processes and malfeasance in the public sector, without fear and favor,” the Movement said in a statement.
On the matter of Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh and allegations of graft in Parliament, the Movement thanked the ACC for delving into the allegations of corruption in Parliament and for sharing their findings with the public.
The Movement commended Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh for blowing the whistle and speaking truth to power despite the personal consequences he has had to endure.
The Renaissance Movement noted that it is only when people break ranks with dubious dealings that the sanctity of public coffers and resources could be maintained.
The Movement urged the leadership of Parliament to swiftly clean up its act and put in place systems and processes that would be worthy of the people’s house. “We call on them to protect the free speech rights of all its members.”
The Movement acknowledged the ACC’s findings on lack of systems of accountability in Parliament and welcomed their proposal to support Parliament on strengthening its internal processes geared towards more transparency and accountability. “We urge the ACC to do so swiftly and to hold accountable anyone found wanting for breach of even the smallest violation of the law, and systems and processes. No one should be above the law,” the Movement said. “We urge the ACC to take the necessary steps to reassure the public not to be discouraged to come forward as whistleblowers in exposing incidences of corruption and to ensure their protection.”
By Stephen V. Lansana
19/03/2021. ISSUE NO: 8024