Over Corruption President Koroma Sacks 2 Ministers
Sheku Tejan Jalloh and Logus Koroma Out! President Ernest Bai Koroma on Wednesday sacked Minister of Health and Sanitation Dr. Sheku Tejan-Koroma following a three count indictment contrary to the Anti-Corruption Act, and Mr. Balogun Koroma, Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President.
According to a press release from the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Health Minister had been involved in a spate of corrupt activities, including abuse of office, contrary to Section 42 (1), abuse of position contrary to Section 43 and willfully failing to comply with the laws, procedures and guidelines relating to the procurement of property, tendering of contracts and management of funds, contrary to Section 48 (2) (b), all of the Anti-Corruption Act.
Although the reason for the sacking of Minister of State Mr. Balogun Koroma has not been revealed as at press time, it is also believed to be linked to corrupt malpractices.
The sacked Health Minister was on 4th November arraigned before Hon. Justice Mary Sey in Freetown, where he pleaded not guilty to all the three count charges. The Minister was granted bail and the case adjoined to 2nd December 2009.
“This is the first time the Commission is charging a public official for the offences of abuse of office and position since the new Anti-Corruption Act was passed in September 2008,” the ACC release states.
The two ministers were not available for their comments. This is not the first time Mr. Logus Koroma has been named in a corruption charge. Under the former APC government of Joseph Saidu Momoh, Balogun Koroma, together with Mr. Foh had been indicted and charged to court for the infamous voucher-gate scandal. They were found guilty and while Logus Koroma fled to the United States, Mr. Foh had paid up and was later released, though the judge had warned that he should not be given any position of responsibility in any department of government.
Meanwhile, it has been announced that a replacement has already been announced to take over from Balogun Koroma while Deputy Health Minister Mohamed D. Koroma is expected to take over from his former boss.
Meanwhile, sources close to Ste House reveal President Koroma will continue his stringent move to eradicate the high rate of corruption among his cabinet, as well as ministers taking advantage of issues in using their offices. “There is not going to be any sacred cows, and the president had long since made this known to the people, including his relatives as well as ministers,” the source, who asked for anonymity said.
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2009, https:. All rights reserved.
