Corruption Probe: Former President Koroma Urged To Corporate With ACC

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone has been urged to corporate with the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the ongoing probe of his eleven years reign as the country’s leader. Also in the corruption spotlight are some members of his administration, who are alleged to have corruptly enriched themselves while in power.

This plea was made by the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) on Tuesday. CARL also challenged every Sierra Leonean to support the ongoing fight against corruption, urging them to give their unwavering support to it.

In a statement, the body made available to journalists on Tuesday, CARL said corruption had tended to cripple the country and deny it of developments, dating back to since it gained independence. 

CARL said in the statement: “Corruption has inflicted unquantifiable damage to our country since Independence, and sadly, it is still prevalent and pervasive. There is no doubt, however, that if we work cooperatively, we can minimize the scourge of corruption through various measures of education, prevention, investigation and resolution”, said Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director of Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law.

“Our attention has also been drawn to the ongoing investigation of former government officials by the Anti-Corruption Commission, including former President Koroma.

“We believe that as a former president of our country he deserves all the respect our laws and customs confer on him.

“Similarly, as a law-abiding citizen, we respectfully urge him to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations into his 11-year stewardship as President of Sierra Leone, including by availing himself at the offices of the Anti-Corruption Commission whenever he is required to do so.

“We remind the leadership and staff of the ACC of the need to treat him fairly and respectfully, having regard to his rights under the constitution. We also urge members of his family and supporters to remain calm and peaceful, as we will continue to monitor the process to ensure that his rights are fully respected,” the statement reads.