By Thomas Dixon
FREETOWN, March 22nd, (SALONE TIIMES) – Sierra Leoneans are left in the cold as state looting and thievery continue in public service under a President who vows to fight corruption.
From the look of things, it seems as if the words of President Bio are not backed up with action as serious corruption has been unearthed in the past recent months by some section of the media.
The current Maritime Boss who many believe is the blue eyed boy of President Bio and the First Lady, as he was the head of the foundation of the President recently released over 2.9 Billion Corruption related offences by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Before his appointment, the recent Auditor General report revealed that Paul Sobba Massaqoui was involved in serious per diem scam.
“A sample of payment vouchers were inspected in respect of oversees’ travelling. It was observed that DSA allowance of $2,160 was paid to a Mr. Paul Massaqoui as part of the delegation of the Office of the First Lady during a visit to Niame, Niger to attend the 23rd Oaflad Ordinary General Assembly. We however observed that Mr Paul Massaqoui was neither a staff, nor a consultant in the Offices of the President or the First Lady. As a result we have considered the expenditure to be ineligible,” the report states.
In his response to the Auditors, the Secretary to the President stated that Mr Massaqoui is offering technical advice to the First Lady on adverse issues and that he is not on the regular payroll but that it was deemed appropriate to give him financial support whilst on government business oversees as it would have been unfair to him to spend his own money.
The Auditor General in her report, maintained that since the Secretary to the President has confirmed that the individual is neither a staff nor a contractor, the amount of $2160 paid to him as DSA is ineligible and should be refunded into the Consolidated Fund Account together with the cost of his air tickets.
Meanwhile the ACC recently released Paul Sobba Maasaqoui on bail over Le2.9B procurement mishaps.
