- Procedural Defencies
- Non-Adherence To Natural Justice
- Unclear Evidential Standards
- Unsupported Conclusion
- Percieved Partiality
A group of credible Civil Society Organisations including the Sierra Leone Association of Journalitst, 50/50 Womens Group and Budget Advocacy Network amongst others has slammed the Tribunal that looked into the removal of the Auditor General Lara Taylor Pearce and her Deputy Tamba Momoh.
The came out with a statement after a thorough analysis of the tribunal’s report which is waiting Parliamentary Vote.
They explained that the analysis uncovers procedural deficiencies such as non-adherence to natural justice and the rule of law, unclear evidentiary standards, unsupported conclusions, and perceived partiality by the Tribunal.
“The Tribunal’s report demonstrates a failure to articulate specific allegations against Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and former Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Tamba Momoh, misapplication of legal standards, exclusive reliance on state witnesses while neglecting expert testimony from recognized authorities, and a selective presentation of evidence, all of which compromise the Tribunal’s credibility and the integrity of its findings,” the revealed.
That the analysis indicates that the Tribunal’s grounds for determining serious misconduct by Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and Mr. Momoh are unfounded and insufficiently substantiated, pointing out that the Tribunal’s perceived partiality undermines its recommendations for the removal of both individuals from the Audit Service Sierra Leone and a subsequent investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
“Given these findings, the analysis recommends that Parliament dismisses the recommendations in the report or delays any deliberation on the Tribunal’s recommendations pending receipt from the Attorney-General of a complete and unbiased report with a full annex of evidence,” they demanded
They added that the Judiciary is urged to expedite the Supreme Court case filed by Mrs. Taylor-Pearce, ensuring timely and fair hearing.
That should the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) opt to evaluate the Tribunal’s suggestion to amend section 119(9) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, it is imperative that the CRC safeguards the independence of the Auditor-General, ensuring the office remains intact and unassailable.
That monitoring or disciplinary measures in a proposed constitutional amendment should be restricted to clarifying existing procedures or addressing current gaps.
