By Mabinty M. Kamara
Following a recent announcement by the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) of the indictment of Idrissa Alimamy Kargbo a Legal Officer working for the Ombudsman’s office, the establishment has in a press statement committed to support the ACC’s investigations in that regard.
The anti-graft agency had earlier in a statement alleged that the indictee on various dates between 1st April 2019 and 31st January 2020, in Port Loko City, in the North-West Region of Sierra Leone, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, solicited and accepted an advantage in the total sum of Le5, 150,000 (Five Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones), from two complainants, ostensibly as payment for his upkeep and transportation in assisting them to recover their six months backlog salary.
“While Mr. Kartgbo is considered innocent until proven guilty, the Office of the Ombudsman will give its fullest backing and cooperation to the Anti-Corruption Commission as they prosecute this matter,” the statement from the office of the Ombudsman dated 15th May 2021 reads in part.
Whiles calling on the public to make known of any services they might have paid for to Mr. Kargbo or any other staff of the office across the country, it informed the public that the services of the Ombudsman and his office is funded by the government and is free of charge to the public.
It further warned its staff to desist from any corrupt practices as it is an offence under section 8.1.7 of the Ombudsman staff rule and regulations for any staff to use their office or position to solicit financial gains for their self-interest.
According to the statement, Kargbo will be suspended with half salary until the matter is concluded.
The Office of the Ombudsman was set up by subsection (2) of section 146 of the Sierra Leone Constitution which also provides the functions of the office.
This office receives, investigates, mediates and resolves complaints laid against administrative decisions, malpractices of the public sector, Institutions of higher learning set entirely or partly out of public funds.
It also seeks to conduct a professional investigation, to the highest standards, by determining whether an administrative action by a Government Department or Public Institution has been undertaken unfairly.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online
