Sierra Leone is an Open Casino Now
On Friday, December 20, 2024, our nation experienced a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. They [Members of Parliament] swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, promote democratic accountability, and safeguard the institutions vital for transparency. Yet, in a collective failure, members of parliament let down the people of Sierra Leone.
Theo Edwards for YAME
The removal of the Auditor General Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce
On Friday, December 20, 2024, our nation experienced a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. The Members of Parliament swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, promote democratic accountability, and safeguard the institutions vital for transparency, in a collective failure, they let down the people of Sierra Leone.
Governance in Sierra Leone is strongly influenced by political ideology and party loyalty rather than a strict commitment to ethical principles. Institutions are seen as tools for political agendas and lack the commitment to uphold democratic principles even amid challenges.
“A Tribute to Lara Taylor-Pearce: An Enigma and Role Model to Sierra Leone”
The two dominant pillars of our political framework have solidified ethno-regional divides, leading to political loyalty that prioritizes ethnicity and regional identity over the quality of policy and governance.
A proverb/parable in Krio ‘Yu fohdohn foh mi, a fohdohn for yu,’ in parallel.
If you are too afraid to call things by their real names, you should take a moment to reflect on why you lack the courage to do so. When injustices prevail in society, grievances become widespread and unavoidable. Those with reason and integrity must step forward and tackle these issues, shedding light on the manipulation of power that fuels them.
It would seem that government-appointed officials now have the winning hand. With oversight institutions weakened, corruption emboldened, and accountability sidelined, Sierra Leone risks sinking further into uncertainty.
Sierra Leone has become an open casino
Citizens must have the courage to question the fundamental credibility of their parliamentary representatives, without fear of political backlash.
How can we claim to value integrity and credibility when the very jurists and Members of Parliament—especially those entangled in serious corruption scandals—are the very ones positioned to dismiss the auditor general who bravely exposed misappropriations tied to travel expenses? This alarming reality calls into question their genuine commitment to accountability and justice.
Transparency is vital for maintaining trust in institutions and agencies. It serves as a strong deterrent against corrupt behavior. When processes are open and verifiable, they not only demonstrate institutional integrity but also strengthen public trust in these entities.
Lara, you've done SaLone well and made us proud. Your diligence has helped to further expose the ills of our elected government officials and entitled you to a crown from the Lord and the world at large. Go on and continue to conquer. YOU ARE A WINNER!
Theo Edwards for YAME
President Bio Spent Over Le832 Billion in 5 Years
President Bio, who once touted his anti-corruption efforts when he first took office, has proven to be the most corrupt leader in our country's history. Sierra Leoneans cannot idly stand by and allow these corrupt individuals to undermine and damage our nation.
Embrace the NEW DIRECTION—
July 18, 2024
Over US$470 million (four-hundred-seventy million United States dollars at the current exchange rate.)
“Corruption Undermines Social Development and Stymied Inclusive Economic Growth.”
President Bio, who once touted his anti-corruption efforts when he first took office, has proven to be the most corrupt leader in our country's history. Sierra Leoneans cannot idly stand by and allow these corrupt individuals to undermine and damage our nation.
Embrace the NEW DIRECTION—
Thomas Dixon on 'X' formerly TwitterIf you are wondering why the respected Auditor General Lara Taylor-Pearce and her Deputy Tamba Momoh were recommended to be removed from their position by a “Kangaroo” Tribunal, you must follow the expenses of President Bio under various names.
State House and Lodge Expenses for 5 years is almost Le400B, and then you have Expenses Office of the President, which is also a little over 400 billion.
What comes to mind is what is the difference between State House & State Lodge Expenses and that of the Expenses Office of the President???
It didn’t end there. There is what is called the special warrant office of the President, which is over Le50B.
These figures don’t include the over $28M, the Govt of President Bio spent on overseas traveling.
It could be recalled that in 2019 a Finance Act was sent to Parliament which had a clause that money to the President should be unchecked and unaudited but for the hue and cry of the people, it didn’t stand.
Sierra Leoneans are still waiting for the contended tribunal report on the Auditor General to be made public.
RELATED
Sierra Leoneans are still waiting for the contended tribunal report on the Auditor General to be made public.
Response to Press Release from State House dated Tuesday, 9th July, 2024 — Lara Taylor-Pearce(Mrs.)
Lara Taylor-Pearce(Mrs.); Former Auditor General, Sierra Leone
Response to Press Release from State House
Response to Press Release from State House dated Tuesday, 9th July, 2024 — Tamba Momoh
Tamba Momoh; Former Deputy Auditor General, Sierra Leone
Response to Press Release from State House
Many Sierra Leoneans are deeply troubled by the President's recent recommendation to remove from office the suspended Auditor General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her deputy, Tamba Momoh. This decision is being widely criticized for lacking legitimacy and has ignited significant public outrage.
“Helen Clark, the former New Zealand Prime Minister, and UNDP Administrator, also the Ad Global Ambassador for Supreme Audit Institution Independence appointed by #Intosai Donor Co-operation”
Helen Clark, the former New Zealand Prime Minister, and UNDP Administrator, also the Ad Global Ambassador for Supreme Audit Institution Independence appointed by #Intosai Donor Co-operation
Helen Clark IDC Goodwill Ambassador for SAI Independence — The INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation
"I am shocked to learn that the #SierraLeone Government is moving to remove the Auditor General and Deputy Auditor General from office.
No valid reason has been given for this extraordinary move. These senior officials must have statutory independence to fulfill their important functions of holding governments to account and scrutinizing the use of public money.
These senior officials should not be subjected to arbitrary removal.
Parliament will now review the proposal to remove the AG. It should act in an independent way to review the matter, and not hesitate to oppose an unfounded request by the Government for the AG's removal. The Audit Service Board should also act independently in reviewing the proposal to remove the Deputy AG."
What are your thoughts on this?
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