By Kemo Cham
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said it has initiated a probe on the assets of the State Chief Protocol, Fatmata Edna Kargbo, following her controversial testimony in a Nigerian church earlier this month.
Kargbo is being investigated for unexplained wealth and abuse of office, an ACC spokesman told Politico.
Mrs Kargbo was appointed as State Chief Protocol by President Julisu Maada Bio in May 2018. Earlier this month a video of her given a testimony in the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria provoked outrage among Sierra Leoneans who questioned the source of her wealth.
In the video that went viral on social media, Kargbo is seen making a power point presentation to the congregation of the charismatic preacher Prophet TB Josua about how God had blessed her with her many accomplishments.
The most contentious part of the testimony was a building Kargbo claimed to have completed within the period of her appointment.
"Such a testimony, we think, is a cause for concern," said Success Kamara, Assistant Public Relations Officer of the ACC.
He said Mrs Kargbo was invited for questioning by the anti-graft agency on August 22.
Of particular interest to the Commission in the testimony is the house, which is a storied building.
Kamara said they are looking at her assets as declared to the Commission, as to whether during this short period of her term in office she had abused her office, or got involved in any conflict of interest in the process of acquiring her assets.
The ACC spokesman said they are also trying to ascertain the value of the house and compare it to her emoluments.
The ACC Act requires public officials to declare their assets three month into office and three months after leaving office.
A source close to the presidency confirmed to Politico that Mrs Kargbo has been sent on leave, pending the investigation.
© 2019 Politico Online
