The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, has addressed the ongoing issues between the ACC and Parliament, particularly with Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, regarding the Auditor General’s Report during an interview on Radio Democracy.

According to Kaifala, the Audit Report is a professional document produced by those responsible for oversight, and the ACC views it as a whistleblower alerting them to issues within the socio-political framework of the country that require action.

He emphasized that the ACC is collaborating with Parliament, as the report is presented to Parliament by constitutional mandate for debate and action where necessary.

Kaifala refuted claims that the Audit Report is solely the property of the ACC, asserting that the report is primarily intended for Parliament’s attention as outlined by law and the constitutional framework.

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“However, where the ACC and Parliament diverge slightly is on the ACC’s role. Our position is that as long as the issues involve corruption, Parliament’s handling of the matter is somewhat incorrect.

We are engaging with them professionally to foster a fruitful dialogue, emphasizing that this is a partnership aimed at addressing a longstanding problem in Sierra Leone. It’s not about power or monopoly,” he stated.

When asked about the partnership with Parliament, especially in light of remarks by the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, who is also the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, about preventing responses to the ACC regarding the Audit Report, Kaifala referred to past practices. He noted that the ACC used to report to Parliament on their plans of action and that Parliament would invite the ACC to hearings on the Audit Report.

“Some technical issues were referred to the ACC by the former Deputy Speaker, indicating a partnership that has existed. However, we are now witnessing rhetoric from Parliament that challenges this collaboration,” he said.

Kaifala criticized the stance that the ACC has no role in the Audit Report, describing Hon. Tawa Conteh’s actions, such as preventing people from being answerable to the ACC, as incorrect.

“Those in positions like the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament should handle such matters in an organized manner through meetings and consultations. Going on radio and declaring things in a confrontational way, as if there is a battle with the ACC, is inappropriate. We are all trying to fulfill our roles in combating corruption, which has plagued the country for a long time. Parliament created the ACC and empowered it to fight corruption,” he remarked.

He stressed that disagreements with Parliament should not result in what he described as “parliamentary gangsterism,” attempting to impose authority over an independent institution like the ACC.

“There’s a difference between fighting Parliament and raising issues with an individual who should be called to order by Parliament,” Kaifala added.

When asked who he believed was exhibiting “parliamentary gangsterism,” Kaifala responded, “I think the way Hon. Tawa Conteh is handling this is a bit off. I think he should be cautioned.”

The presenter clarified that Hon. Tawa Conteh does not dispute the ACC’s role but argues that it is Parliament’s responsibility to refer matters to the ACC. Kaifala responded by affirming the ACC’s independence.

“As an independent agency under administrative law, the ACC is not subject to the control or authority of any other institution, including Parliament. This independence is clearly stated in our Act. While we are not under Parliament’s authority, we can still collaborate. Hon. Tawa Conteh’s interpretation that we are like other executive agencies is a misunderstanding of the law,” Kaifala explained.

Kaifala mentioned that last year, Tawa Conteh asked the ACC to pause its investigations into the Audit Report, which they complied with, allowing Parliament to conduct its hearings. However, despite a promise to share the report, the ACC has not yet received it.

He concluded by stating that when the new ACC report was released, he reached out to Hon. Tawa Conteh, and they discussed the necessary steps. However, he recently heard that Conteh suggested the ACC should disengage from the Audit Report.