Clerk’s Wife Pays 19 Months’ Salary in Full Amidst ACC Investigation
By Iris Aminata Bangura
In a fresh turn of event, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has revealed that Abibatu Tarawally, the wife of the Clerk of Parliament, has paid a sum of 151 million old leones, covering 19 months’ worth of salary, instead of the initial 10 months. The disclosure was made by ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala during a press briefing held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
Commissioner Kaifala disclosed, “The Clerk, the wife, and other administrative staff involved remain on bail, and we have recovered 151 million old leones from Abibatu Paran Tarawally, which is now in our possession. She has fully paid 151 million old leones, representing her salary for 19 months that she did not work for but received payment, and the investigations continue.”
Kaifala clarified that while the law does not explicitly prohibit the employment of family members, there are processes that should be observed to prevent conflicts of interest.
He stated, “The law did not say you cannot recruit any member of your family, but there are processes to be observed so that those in positions of influence do not exert undue and unfair treatment in the recruitment process.”
The commissioner emphasized that the president would take administrative action on the issue and reassured the public that investigations would persist. He underscored the commitment to maintaining public trust and breaking away from such occurrences in the country.
The ACC’s revelation raises questions about transparency and ethical practices within the government, prompting further scrutiny into the recruitment processes and administrative practices of public officials. The outcome of the ongoing investigation and the subsequent administrative actions by the president will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the public’s perception of accountability within the government.
