By Crispina Taylor
Majority leader in Sierra Leone’s parliament, Ibrahim Bundu, has lamented the effect of the outcry over the Ebola funds audit report on the image of parliamentarians.
Bundu came under widespread criticism last week for suggesting that the recently released Auditor General`s report on the use of funds meant to fight the epidemic couldn’t be discussed until parliament investigated it. Even a move by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) to summon 40 officials named in the report for questioning was condemned by the House.
Bundu said Monday the act by the offices of the Auditor General, the ACC and the media was portraying the lawmakers in a bad light.
He made this observation during questioning of some Presidential nominees including Reverend Dr. Osman Fornah, who was nominated to serve as board member of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
Bundu, who is chairman of the appointment committee in parliament, stopped the interview half way and asked the Rev. to pray for the House as they were been considered “criminals”.
The MP of Constituency 052 in Port Loko said confusion caused by the auditor general’s report was making them look like people who bring nothing but difficulty and corruption to the country. He said this way their names had been spoilt to their constituents.
“We need constant prayers. Our people are at odds with us. The minds of the people who elected us have been turned against us,” he lamented.
He added that it was they who approved officials of MDA’s, the ACC and the Audit service, amongst other key state institutions, yet, he added, people in those institutions were not appreciating their work.
“The Ebola money given to us has [brought about] war,” he said.
The parliament, led by Mr Bundu, following the release of the controversial Auditor General’s report, had argued that the Public Account Committee needed to look at the report and debate on it first before it could be open for public discussion.
Meanwhile, on Monday Deputy Chairman, Public Accounts Committee, Komba Koydeyoma of Constituency 027 in Kono, disclosed that they would start hearings on the Ebola audit report on Wednesday, February 24. He pointed out that the report had gained so much media and public attention that it would be a relief for everyone if hearings started immediately.
© Politico 24/02/15
