By: Ilyasa Baa
The First Gentleman of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio has given his consent to deliver the keynote address on the occasion of the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) organized today Friday 9th December in Freetown.
The Presidential address, we have been hinted at, will delve into the successes gained in the fight against corruption which the President had earlier described as not only a governance issue but a security issue as the country makes strides in international ratings. President Bio has been commended for the way his administration has been fighting against graft although much needs to be done to make corruption a very dangerous enterprise.
Statements will be made at the national conference where various stakeholders including the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and the Private Sector and a panel discussion on supporting the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone will be in attendance. Members of the Diplomatic Community will also grace the occasion at 37 Wilkinson Road, Freetown.
In terms of the turnover period, the ACC’s mouthpiece Patrick Sandy has said their cases including the matter against Dr. Samura Kamara regarding Sierra Leone Embassy in the United States are going on in the courts, satisfactorily. The Commission insists that they did due diligence concerning the corruption allegation against the First Lady and former Chief Minister.
IACD has been commemorated since UN General Assembly Resolution 58 (4) was passed in 2003.
The 2022 International IACD seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development. At its core is the notion that tackling this crime is the right and responsibility of everyone, and that only through cooperation and the involvement of every person and institution can we overcome the negative impact of this crime.
States, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth alike all have a role to play in uniting the world against corruption. The 2022 IACD also mark the twentieth anniversary of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).