Afsatu Acts Illegally: State House Implicated Again
The 4th prosecution witness in the matter between the State and former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Haja Afsatu Kabba on June 1, began his testimony at the High Court in Freetown.
The protected witness was identified as a senior official in the Fisheries Ministry. The witness explained about the employment of one Abdul Wahid Kabba, whom he identified as the son of the former minister.
He said the decision to employ Mr. Kabba was made by his mother who was minister then while he (the witness) prepared and signed the letter of appointment. He said Mr. Kabba did not work in that capacity but as a volunteer in the position after consulting with the Minister that there was not sufficient funds for the appointment. When asked whether there was a Permanent Protection Officer, the witness said there was none because the position was not in the civil service structure. He said the position was established by the ministry’s officials in 2009, few months after Afsatu Kabbah became the head of the ministry.
Earlier, the witness told the court that in October 2009, he ordered an official at the ministry who is also serving as witness in the matter to raise withdrawal cheques in various amounts to the tune of Le 310,000,000. He said that was after the former minister in a meeting with the witness and 2 of the senior officials requested for over Le 200,000,000 from the Fisheries and Marine resources account for urgent need at State House. He said the minister asked that the amount should be withdrawn with the signatures of the two senior officials. The witness told the court that he signed the cheques, prepared the vouchers and minutes. The defense is expected to cross examine of the witness on Thursday.Â
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2010, https:. All rights reserved.
