By Francis H. Murray
Twelve people have been appointed to the position of Notary Public by the Sierra Leone Judiciary.
The appointees, according to Notary Act of 1937, are mandated by law among other things to certify acts of honour, authenticate instruments, and certify copies of instruments and the attestation of instruments outside the country.
At the swearing-in ceremony that took place in the Chambers of the Chief Justice on Monday 11 January, Chief Justice Babatunde Edwards congratulated the appointees and urged them to represent the country well in the discharge of their duties.
Explaining the reason for the appointment, the CJ said the appointees would be required to basically authenticate, certify and attest to signatures, instruments, authorities and capacities with respect to documents relating to Sierra Leone on the international stage.
He went on to note that such a task required people of stern integrity which was why he had carefully reached their appointment in order to have the expected results.
“Obviously, such a task requires that we should have people of integrity. So your being appointed to this position is a sign that you are required to be persons of integrity,’’ he stated.
Because their tasks involve verification of documents in the best interest of the country, he urged the appointees to focus on background investigation in the discharge of their duties which he said included reducing acts of fraud that were considered heinous to the country’s reputation in the international community.
While he expressed confidence in the appointees, he admonished them to be mindful of the sensitivity of their job and thoroughly verify documents as and when the need arose, so as to avoid the certification of fake documents in the name of the country, adding that much was expected of them.
“I have no doubt that the persons I’ve appointed and sworn in today are people of such integrity. I expect much from you. Your task is to go out there and do the country good. I pray that you’ll do this job with all sincerity of heart, with all honesty of mind and do it as it should be done,’’ he said.
The appointees include the country’s Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Imran Kanu, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Francis Ben Kaifala, Deputy Minister of Justice Umaru Napoleon Koroma, President of the Bar Association Michaela Eddinia Swallow and the spokesperson for the COVID-19 response team and Deputy Foreign Minister Solomon Jamiru.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Abdul Karim Kamara thanked God and the CJ for the honour of appointing them from among other equally qualified lawyers across the country.
Admitting that the responsibility placed on their shoulders was huge, he assured the CJ and all present that they would live up.
“On behalf of us recipients, I want to state that we will ensure that we uphold the highest standards of integrity in performing our duties. The responsibility that has been placed on our shoulders is a huge one and we recognise it. This is a challenge to us as much as it is an honor, and we want to assure you that we’ll do everything not to disappoint your Lordship and the country of Sierra Leone”.
The ceremony was also witnessed by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Anthony Brewah and other personalities of the justice sector.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online
