The investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission into allegations against Hon. Paran Tarawally and his wife, Abibatu Paran Tarawally, has uncovered a staggering misuse of public funds. The recovery of Le 151 million Old Leones, paid as salary to Mrs. Tarawally for nineteen months without her presence in Parliament, not only exposes the dubious conduct of a public official but also sheds light on the larger problem of entitlement within Sierra Leone's political family.

The Parans' case is not isolated; it is emblematic of a larger problem within our political system. It reflects a prevailing attitude of over-entitlement among politicians and their families across successive regimes.

The Pervasive Indifference to corruption and abuse of office

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the Parans of our political landscape are symptomatic of a deeper malaise—a pervasive indifference to corruption and an acceptance of abuse of office as a norm.

At a recent meeting with SLPP Parliamentarians, members chanted, "We want we clerk!" "Paran!" "We want we clerk!" "Paran!" This underscores the alarming degree of indifference within our political society. The delayed response from the State House to the issue, followed by the deafening silence of the opposition and civil society, highlights a lack of urgency in addressing corruption concerns. Even the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu, made a candid admission, acknowledging the presence of corruption within the administration of Parliament. Subsequently, he offered apologies, signaling a rare moment of transparency and accountability within our political institutions.

The word is the Paran case only surfaced because he dismissed staff and stepped on the toes of others in Parliament. This further suggests that corruption might have persisted undetected without such events and that accountability is driven not necessarily by ethical considerations but by revenge and anger. 

A damning indictment of our nation 

The Paran Tarawally affair is not just a scandal involving a single public official; it is a mirror reflecting the wider malaise afflicting our political family and that, as a society, we have become immune to the corrosive effects of corruption and abuse of office.

For far too long, the fight against corruption and abuse of office has been reduced to mere campaign slogans. The apparent ease with which individuals exploit their positions for personal gain suggests a systemic failure in our political culture, where accountability takes a backseat to self-interest.

Whether the Parans are indicted or not, the affair serves as a damning indictment of our country's political class and our nation as a whole. 

Beyond investigations and apologies 

The rot within our political institutions demands more than just an investigation into specific cases or an apology. The pervasive issues within our political institutions necessitate a comprehensive overhaul.

We must initiate systemic changes and reforms within Parliament, aiming for a complete transformation that bolsters transparency, accountability, and efficiency. While Parliament serves as an oversight body, there is an imperative need for an external entity to act as a check on parliamentary activities—a mechanism to "police the police."

On a societal level, the prevailing acceptance of corruption as a viable recourse must be addressed. We have a collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity of our public institutions. This requires a departure from entitlement-driven behaviors that compromise the proper functioning of these institutions and a conscious effort to refrain from incessantly exerting pressure on them, seeking undue favors, contracts, or employment opportunities based on personal connections, such as spouses, friends, relatives, or constituents.

Basita Michael: Lawyer, Former ICL Lecturer FBC, Founder Sierraeye Magazine and Sierraeye Debate, Former President SLBA, Governing officer ILRAJ

Sierra Leone attorney Basita Michael has continually challenged the government on grounds of unconstitutionality, violations of democracy, and breaches of the rule of law. She has been insulted, harassed, and threatened by the male-dominated government, but she continues to speak out in favor of her fellow citizens’ rights and support of the disadvantaged and marginalized.

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