By: Mohamed Jalloh
After the commencement and conclusion of examination in chief and cross-examination of state witness no.6 Alfred Saffa-team leader Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) and witness no.7 Mr Aiah Gbondo Toubawa in the previous hearing, the state requested leave of the tribunal to make an application for ASSL to produce attendance letter of top management for the period 2015-2021 and a letter written by the Lara Taylor Pearce addressed to the secretary to president dated 22nd October 2021.
The leave was granted by the tribunal and further directed that these documents should be addressed directly to the tribunal before the next adjourned date on Thursday 23rd November 2023.
The tribunal officially commenced on the 17th March 2022.Subsequent to directions given by the Judges,the investigations of both Lara Taylor Pearce and Deputy Tamba Momoh properly commenced on the 9th October 2023.
This happened despite several objections from defence counsel challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal and requests for adjournment. The state led its 1st witness on the issue of 3rd party confirmation.
The issues before the tribunal that form part of the misconduct allegation against the Auditor General are breach of 3rd party confirmation, confidentiality, conflict of interest, misuse of public funds and lack of professional conduct.
To date 7 witnesses have been led by the state and cross examined, to wit:
1 Mr Ibrahim Barry, principal auditor/divisional head, specialized unit ASSL.
2 Mr Abubakarr Amara, principal auditor/divisional head, state owned enterprises ASSL.
3 Mr Musa Jajua accountant 2, office of the secretary to the president, state house.
4 Mr jonathan Lamboi, private consultant.
5 Mr Augustine Siaka,Kamakwei community bank.
6 Mr Aiah Gbondo Toubawa,ASSL.
The matter was adjourned for today Thursday 23rd November 2023.