Parliament Interviews the Proposed ACC Boss
The Parliamentary Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, chaired by the Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma today 26/06/18 interviewed Mr. Francis Ben Kelfala, proposed presidential nominee to head the ACC.
Mr. Kelfala is awaiting parliamentary approval subject to the recommendation of the Committee. He vows to bring a perceptional shifts in the fight against corruption.
The following Members of the Committee were present:
Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Hon. Emelia Tongi, Hon. Veronica Sesay, Hon. Chernor Bah, Hon. Mathew Nyuma, Hon. Segepoh S. Thomas, Hon. Kandeh Yumkella, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, Hon. Hassan Sesay, Hon. Amadu Kanu, and Hon. Lahai Marah.
No Member of the Committee contends the qualifications and competencies of the new proposed Boss to head our anti-graft Commission, other than procedural challenges.
Hon. Nyuma, Acting Chairman of the Committee acknowledged administrative challenges, and expressed satisfaction that Members of the Committee had agreed that the qualifications and competencies of the proposed ACC Boss are not contentious. He continued that “there is no abrogation of the law, with regards to the appointment of the proposed ACC Boss by President Bio”. He referred the press and the public to Section 53(3) and Section 171(15) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. These Sections are simply saying that the action of the President could not be inquired in court, and where any law is in conflict, to the extent of such inconsistency, the 1991 Constitution takes precedence.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Bah posited that “information was not solicited from the public prior to the interview, but that Kelfala’s qualifications and competencies are not in anyway contentious”.
Leader of NGC, Hon. Yumkella said that “due to the credentials before him, Mr. Kelfala is qualified and competent, but that the process is characterized by procedural challenges”.
Meanwhile, the Committee reserves the right to determine whether the presidential nominee will be recommended for approval by the plenary.
Department of Public Relations
Parliament of Sierra Leone
