The Power of the people, is greater than the people in power Key members of the Consortium of Progressive Political Parties embarked on a Nationwide Road Tour across the country, starting in the South East of the country in Kailahun. On route to Kailahun, the CoPPP delegation led by the Chair, Madam Femi Claudius Cole, stopped at the PMDC office in Kenema, where they were warmly received. In Kailuhun, the CoPPP Executive held a meeting at the APC Party office, where they met with party members from across the political spectrum who are members of the consortium. Reflecting on the meeting in Kailahun, Madam Femi Claudius Cole stated that the purpose of the meeting was to make party members understand the concept of CoPPP and how the parties in the consortium are working to form a coalition. She explained that through CoPPP, the parties want to ensure that the aspirations of every single tribe and region are represented. Through the mechanism of CoPPP, Sierra Leone has the opportunity to put do mi, ar do yu politics, behind us. Sierra Leoneans can come together as one nation, working for the development of our country, and looking at how we can support each other, as brothers and sisters, rather than as enemies. Wadi Williams of NPD said the reception towards CoPPP by the PMDC and APC party in Kenema and Kailahun was extraordinary. Mr Williams said that for the first time, we are putting together the structure and organisation, which was inclusive of all tribes and regions. Mr Williams noted that CoPPP members have committed themselves to pursue Sierra Leone’s development and progress in a peaceful manner, and to repair the damage inflicted on our country by the government. He observed that those who attended are acknowledging that they must own the need for change. All man don accept say, di future of Sa Lone nar CoPPP ihn han, e dae. Everyone at the meeting recognised that the power of the people is greater than the people in power. The PMDC Chairman, Tony Songa said that he would stop at nothing, to see that Sierra Leone gets back on track, on the path of national development and progress, which was why we demanded independence from the colonisers. C4C Maria Bangura, Women’s Leader, weighed in, saying that under CoPPP, every tribe from every part of the country, are represented. This is what a country which is cohesive and at ease with itself, will look like. Every voice will count. Every concern will be acknowledged. NGC Party Chairman, assured the audience in Kailahun, that CoPPP presents Sierra Leone, with an opportunity for rebirth and renewal. Everywhere across the African continent, people are coming together under their national identity, to develop and advance their countries. We must do so too in Sierra Leone. The Tour will continue to other towns and cities as CoPPP aims to reach each and every member in the country. After spending days in jail…  APC Kemoh Sesay  walks out  The Principal Magistrate, His Worship Magistrate Sahr E. Kekura has granted bail to Hon. Kemoh Sesay, former Minister of Transport and Aviation in the past Government. The former Minister was initially before the Court to answer to one Count of Cyber Stalking and Bullying contrary to Section 44 (2) (b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021. Following amendments, the Prosecution offered no evidence for the said count and the accused was accordingly discharged. Before being discharged, the accused took a ‘not guilty plea’ to two counts of offences on a fresh file to wit; Cyber Stalking and Bullying contrary to Sections 44 (1) a and 44 (1) b of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021. The particulars of offences revealed that Hon. Kemoh Sesay between March and April 2022, through social media, via WhatsApp, in Port Loko District, Bakeloko Chiefdom in the Northern Province of the Republic of Sierra Leone, did wilfully and repeatedly communicate directly or indirectly to the President, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio in a manner that he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing danger, and same been detrimental to the status of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio. The Defence team led by former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Charles Francis Margai, raised jurisdictional objection, stating that the Magistrate lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter. C.F Margai Esq. referenced Section 5 (1) of the Court Act of 1965. “This matter should be tried in Port Loko and not hear,” C.F Margai submitted. On his part after joining the Prosecution team, Senior State Counsel A.J.M. Bockarie objected on grounds that the offences charged are not to be tried summarily but rather a Preliminary Investigations should be conducted as the punishment, especially the fines, falls outside the summary jurisdiction of the Court. “These are offences are triable on indictment and therefore the Magistrate should conduct PI because it’s not within his summary jurisdiction,” Senior State Counsel A.J.M Bockarie, referring to Section 6 of the Court Amendment Act of 1981 and the NPRC Penalties Decree Act of 1993. In addition, State Cousel cited part 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1965 which deals with Preliminary Investigations (PI). “Pursuant to those provisions, the offences committed by the accused are not meant for Summary trial but PI,” State Counsel argued. Before withdrawing the file for ruling, an application for bail was made by the defence team, His Worship Magistrate Keikura granted the accused Kemoh Sesay Bail, Le. 500,000,000 with two sureties in like sum, title deeds and the sureties must be ordinarily resident in Western Area. Accused to tender all travelling documents to the DAR and be reporting thrice a week. The matter comes up on Wednesday, 11th day of May, 2022 where Magistrate Sahr Keikura shall rule on the Jurisdictional Objection either in favour of the Prosecution or against the Defendant PUBLIC REVIEW ARTICLE That article I repost on corruption in THE OSWALD HANCILES COLUMN was written twelve

By:Austine Luseni His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has in his speech at the State Opening of the Fifth Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone catalogued the many successes his administration has recorded in the energy domain, commended the Ministry of Energy and international partners and reiterated the commitment of his Government to doing more in respect of increasing access to energy. President Julius Maada Bio said his Government had identified the lack of adequate energy as a binding constraint on development, noting that electricity was critical to national development aspirations as it accelerates progress and enhances other facets of social life and human capital development. “A key focus of my Government has been to double energy access from 16% in 2017 to 32% in 2023. To that end, we have planned deliberately, engaged development actors and the private sector, and taken into account a good energy mix across board,” the President stated, adding that his Government was fixated on finding long-term solutions to the energy crisis rather than procuring and installing temporary generation plants. Using eloquent and persuasive data, President Julius Maada Bio noted with measured delight and guarded satisfaction that access to energy had considerably improved in the country since 2018. “16% of Sierra Leoneans had access to electricity in 2018;31% now have access to electricity.In 2018,there were 184,997 registered EDSA customers;there were 255,993 at the end of 2021,an increase of over 70,000 new customers,” President Bio stated, while also informing citizens that Peak load electricity consumption for Western Area in 2018 was 51 megawatts,but that it now stands at 85 megawatts, accounting for an increase of 34 megawatts. President Bio spoke about the constraints EDSA was faced with in its dealings with the Karpowership, the unconscionable vandalization of transformers and other electricity assets, the burden of electricity subsidies imposed on the Government and the establishment of a Presidential Task Force to deal with the issue of electricity theft and vandalization of installations. In respect of efforts in the provinces or the rural areas,President Julius Maada Bio spoke about the commissioning of the 225kV CLSG Transmission Line from Liberia to Kenema/Tiloma substation,the execution of a Power Purchase Agreement,PPA, and the provision of regular electricity supply to the cities of Bo and Kenema since December 2021. He further spoke about the completion of the installation of electricity infrastructure for 15 out of the 39 communities along the CLSG/WAPP 225kV Transmission network,the negotiation of contract for grid extension from Telorma to Segbwema and Kailahun, and the completion and testing of a 6MW Solar Park at Newton. President Bio commended efforts in the area of mini grids,naming a good number of towns and villages in every region of the country that have benefitted or are to benefit from the burgeoning facility,while also noting the provision of 6 Solar PV systems at Government Hospitals in Portloko, Kabala, Moyamba,Pujehun, Kailahun and Lakka. He also spoke about planned transmission corridors that can serve population centres and economic centres,the upgrade of transmission lines on the Bo-Kenema distribution network to 66kV and the expansion of the low and medium voltage distribution network in the Western Area. “Additional actions are being considered and my ministers will bring forward measures and legislation to this end,”the President concluded. SLCB reaches brookfields community  The undisputed leader in the banking industry in Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) today Friday 6th April, 2022 has inaugurated a new branch at Youyi Building Compound, Brookfields in Freetown. SLCB is always answered to the increasing demand of its clients and provide timely and speedy service to all. The new proactive Managing Director of SLCB, Yusufu Abdul Silla is in record maintaining most of the products and services of his predecessors in improving customers’ satisfaction. In his statement, the SLCB Managing Director, Yusufu Abdul Silla said SLCB outlets are part of the Bank unique strategy of expanding their reach to customers and the general public at minimum cost in line with the Bank of Sierra Leone Financial Inclusion Policy that geared towards increasing accessibility of banking services to the populace. He said the management intends to continue its expansion drive by creating a mix of more of such to reach full-fledged banking services in conducive and safe environment. He furthered that the opening of the Youyi building outlet is by no mistake rather than a management response to the Clarion called of the numerous customers, adding that the vicinity is one of the busiest place in Freetown where customers of SLCB are highly in need of banking transactions. Sierra Leone Commercial Bank is hundred percent Sierra Leonean owned bank which is making tremendous performance in the past ten years and paying dividends to government annually. Meteorological Agency Launches Risk Mitigation Report Gabriel Kpaka SLMET DPT.DIRECTOR By Mustapha Dumbuya As the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency(SLEMET)  has released its seasonal outlook; a detailed analysis of the climatic condition of Sierra Leone, Ministries, Department and Agencies MDAs) are going to be engaged most probably this week to promote risk mitigation as the country has started experiencing early rains. Gariel Kpaka Deputy Director General Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency revealed that after engaging the media, they are going to engage the MDAs as well so that they will join the bandwagon in sensitizing the public against activities that can have negative impacts on the environment.  These activities include the cutting of trees and the dumping of garbage in gutters that affect the free flow of water which he said has been responsible for the flooding experienced in the Western Area. “It has been forecast that there will be high risk of flooding during the latter part of the rainy season, so there is need for those residing in flood prone areas to take the necessary measures”, said Mr Kpaka, adding that due to the measures taken by the ministry of Environment and the Freetown City Council, no major flooding incidence reportedly took place for the past two years. He lauded the planting of

 Socfin GM: Philip Tonks In what amounts to a blatant seizure of land, the Socfin Agricultural Company has continually applied rigid and obnoxious measures to indigenes in the Malen Chiefdom. In most cases when the locals raise their voices to advocate for the rights of owning land they are sometimes shot at by security forces.  In one instance, the military opened fire on two locals who were left dead for protesting against the Socfin Agricultural Company.  The level of violence and brutality meted out on locals by the biofuel palm oil company has attracted the attention of rights groups who are currently championing the cause of the Malen residents. Green Scenery is one right group that has blatantly frowned at the land appropriation policy of the Socfin Agricultural Company. Below is a press release issued by Green scenery to raise alarm and public attention on the burning issue in Pujehun District. PRESS RELEASE  Regarding Arbitrary harassment and criminalization of land activists in Malen Chiefdom, peacefully objecting to the RSPO certification of SOCFIN Members of the Malen Affected Land Owners and Users Association (MALOA) and signatories of a petition objecting to the certification of SOCFIN Agricultural Company by the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) have been a target of arbitrary harassment and criminalization.  Green Scenery is concerned about the constriction of freedom of expression of land activists who peacefully advocate for their rights. Green Scenery urges the local authorities to refrain from limiting the civic space of Human Rights Defenders in Malen Chiefdom.  On the 10th of March 2022, MALOA issued a petition signed by 1,475 of its members to object to the Certification of SOCFIN by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in January 2022.  MALOA argues therein that the RSPO auditor lacked independence from the company and therefore assessed many issues wrongly in its report. MALOA has for over a decade been aggrieved about the fact that some landowners did not lease their lands willingly to SOCFIN, that their local traditional chiefs were appointed by the Paramount Chief instead of through elections, and that their organization is prevented to meet within the chiefdom.  While the RSPO auditor, SCS Global Services has mentioned those issues in their reports, they nevertheless certified the company in total contradiction to the RSPO criteria, assuming without thorough engagement that only a handful of people belong to MALOA. Since the petition was made available to the public, MALOA members and signatories of the petition have seen their freedom of expression threatened.  Two petitioners have been summoned to the local court by the town chief of Hinnai, Imurana Koroma for “bad work done in my community”, while another has been called by the police for “inciting people against the SOCFIN company”.  Announcements were also made to communities, that signatories to the petition would be judged by the local court and that employees of SOCFIN who signed the document would lose their employment. Furthermore, our sources have intimated to us that chiefs in villages that signed the petition in greater numbers have informed these villages that cultural activities will be suspended because of the signing. Green Scenery 42 Charles Street, P.O. Box 278, Freetown, Sierra Leone Tel/Fax: 232 22 226216. Cell: 232 76 601979. Email: greengreenscenery@gmail.com Web: www.greenscenery.org The Country’s Natural Resources Are Natures Gift To Us What We Make Of Them Are Our Gift To Posterity Green Scenery is concerned that a trend is observed in the nature of intimidation, harassment, and criminalization of MALOA members and citizens of Malen Chiefdom who are expressing their grievances through peaceful means such as a petition. They have been the serial target of harassment and criminalization. The right of expression as guaranteed by the Sierra Leone Constitution remains restricted in Malen Chiefdom.  The chiefdom remains to be police chiefdom where citizens including the signatories of the petition are in perpetual fear of being targeted by the local authorities, which suppress aggrieved citizens from expressing their decade-long grievances. Green Scenery urges the authorities in Malen Chiefdom to refrain from arbitrarily harassing and criminalizing Human Rights Activists peacefully expressing their grievances over the operations of SOCFIN in Malen Chiefdom. We call on the central government to ensure that the constitutional rights of its citizens in Malen Chiefdom are not infringed and further call on the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone to investigate the matter and protect the rights of peaceful citizens.   UBA SL Excels in 2021 Audited Financial Statement O# Highlights: Income Statement 25% Year on Year (YoY) Growth in Gross Earnings to Le246.6 billion. 28% YoY Growth in Profit Before Tax and Profit After Tax to Le158.7 billion and Le118.7 billion respectively. Improved Cost-to-Income Ratio of 31.4%; compared to 33.8% in 2020FY. Return on Average Equity (RoAE): 39.3%; compared to 42.6%; in 2020FY. Increased Corporate Income Tax payment obligation from Le30.6 billion in 2020 FY to Le 40.1billion in 2021FY.  Balance Sheet 46% YoY Growth in Total Assets to Le1.92 trillion. 170% YoY Growth in Net Loans to Le160.5 billion.   65% YoY Growth in Customer Deposits to Le1.3 trillion.  28% YoY Growth in Shareholders’ Funds to Le339 billion.  UBA Sierra Leone recently received Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) “No Objection” approval to publish its Year 2021 Audited Financial Statement which was earlier approved by its Board of Directors on the 29th of March 2022. The Bank recorded a remarkable performance in the financial year with significant improvements across most parameters amidst the challenging year on a reassuring note despite the tumultuous impact and slow pace of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic globally. Specifically, on income performance, the bank recorded a remarkable Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Le158.7 billion and Profit After Tax (PAT) of Le118.7billion representing impressive year-on-year double digits growth of 28% in both cases. The 2021 PAT translates to a 39.3% post-tax return on average equity, 10.1% return on total assets and increase in our corporate tax payment obligation to Government from Le30.6 billion in 2020 to Le40.1 billion in 2021. Gross earnings

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, Isam Taib together with his delegation has in a meeting with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt discussed the potentials of the tourism sector and how it can be harnessed. The meeting was held at the Ministry’s conference hall, Kingharman Road, Freetown.  Commending the Minister for her commitment towards the improvement of the country’s tourism, Ambassador Taib said Dr. Pratt has the most exciting job in government that deals with projects and the development of tourism infrastructure. In her response, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt welcomed the Ambassador and team to the Ministry saying that since she took up office in 2018, the tourism Ministry has taken a turn for the better thanks to the vision of President Bio that saw tourism as one of the growth sectors for economic diversification. She informed the Ambassador that they have been able to situate Sierra Leone strategically in the international agenda worldwide by attending and exploring many international tourism trade fairs and markets and also the introduction of wildlife tourism. She said despite the huge gains made by the sector thus far, there are many areas that still need to be improved to get the tourism industry to international level. She highlighted the need to upgrade the national capacity of the hold country, training of tour guides, tour operators, support for museum management and also cultural exchanges of personnel between the two countries. She suggested a promotion on flight collaboration that will see AirMoroc bring tourists to and from Sierra Leone at a reduced cost. She called on the Ambassador to help lure investor from Morocco to invest in Sierra Leone. Match fixing, money laundering, gambling: Dark days of Salone football returns It is back to business as usual where entrenched corruption, political manipulation, match-fixing, money-laundering, human and drug trafficking were the norm in Sierra Leone Football. This was sadly what the status quo of football in Sierra Leone was, where development of the game was stifled, and the FA in a permanent state of disorientation and a permanent state of financial deficit despite the consistent funding from Fifa and CAf. This was all before 2013 when Isha Johansen (Tejan-Cole) stepped up to the task of heading the Sierra Leone Football Federation. Isha’s story is well documented internationally as she put her life on the line for the past eight years fighting against what evidently is a chronically corrupt system. Standing her ground in spite of the mounting odds against her, she gradually restored integrity and fair play into the country’s favourite sport, together with her faithful and hardworking General Secretary Christopher Kamara, rebuilt an erstwhile National team together with gender and youth development programs. Finally, international and local corporates where beginning to show interest towards the FA. In less than one year after Isha’s stepping down from the top seat in national football and handing over to the current FA President Thomas Daddy Brima, the country’s FA has plunged back to the dark days of doom and hopelessness. Old names synonymous with match-fixing re-echoing, and new money launderers with political goodwill run the administration. Bribery amongst Journalists, Match  Officials, Agents, Scouts, are all having a field day as the ‘New-Normal’ of Salone Football decadence returns. Last weekend’s premier fixtures between Blackpool v Bo Rangers was the final signal which confirmed that Match -Fixing and the decline of football in Sierra Leone has returned. Isha declared in 2013 that she would fight to give birth to what she heralded to be the ‘Dawn of a new era’ and she unquestionably did that but the undeniable truth is that the dawn was short lived and we are fast returning to the DARK LONG NIGHTS OF DOOM IN SIERRA LEONE FOOTBALL. To show how endemic and acceptable match-fixing and corruption is in the current Salone football, many were expecting that the former SLFA Boss (Isha Johansen) would have fixed her own match to give advantage to East End Lions because of her existing relationship with Lions, where his father served as chairman. But she disappointed them and again proved that she was fighting a genuine course against irregularities in Sierra Leone football. Fixing that match in favour of her parent club (Lions), would have increased their chances of topping the league table and cause no threats to FC Johansen’s league position, but she allowed fair-play and promoted integrity – a resounding message that should be embraced and celebrated by fans, pundits and administrators of Sierra Leone football. But many chose to celebrate wrong and mediocrity over what’s right and acceptable in modern and civilized footballing activities. Jonathan Leigh Is Gone But Not Gone By Mohamed Sankoh (One Drop) The history of Sports Reporting, in Sierra Leone print media, will never be completed if Jonathan Leigh’s name is not mentioned in the Introduction and Bibliography. This is because a whole generation of Sierra Leonean Sports Writers had their inspiration from this man. From Concord Times to Expo Times to the Independent Observer newspapers; Jonathan Leigh created a niche for himself as an authority in “Backgrounding” (in my journalese). Of all the “old school” Sierra Leonean journalists I know, he was the one who could not write any news without giving it background to clarify it without giving it overt clarification. His wealth of knowledge on prominent Sierra Leonean personalities and historical events was amazingly amazing. He was a sort of walking Yellow Page who could give you vital information off-the-cuff. Jonathan Leigh and I always had mutual respect for each other. During my four-and-half years at the Independent Observer as News and Features Editor; I was the only one who he trusted to edit his stories or commentaries. And I was the only staff who could overrule his editorial decisions without him putting up any fight.  Many a time, in the Newsroom (at the FW Building, opposite the

By Feima Sesay The Court of Appeal has on Wednesday 4th May 2022 rejected an application made by lawyers representing former President Ernest Bai Koroma for a stay of proceedings in the on-going Commission of Inquiry (COI) appeals and refer the question of presidential immunity to the Supreme Court for constitutional interpretation. The application was made by lead counsel for the appellant Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara for the interpretation of Section 48 (4) of the Constitution in relation to the question of whether a former President has IMMUNITY from Civil and Criminal proceedings. In the quorum, Hon. Justices Ivan Sesay (Presiding Judge), Momoh-Jah Stevens and Adrian Fisher ruled that the immunity provided by Section 48 (4) of the Constitution is only applicable to a President while he holds or performs the Office of President. Reading pages of his preliminaries, Justice Adrian Fisher Delved in the submissions and arguments on both sides. He also cited similar cases which are of the same status including that of Mohamed Alie and former president Ahmed Tejan Kabba. Reading the second part of the ruling, Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Steven gave reasons as to why the appeal court cannot make a decision on the matter.  He said there are matters which they are entitle to make decisions on and there are others which they don’t have power to decide. He dismissed the application made by the appellant lead counsel Joesph Fitzgerald Kamara for a stay of proceedings. In his response, the lead appellant counsel, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara appreciated the Judges and assured them that they are proud to pursue their case. Press Freedom Walk 2022… SLAJ members to take the streets on Saturday The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), with support from the European Union Sierra Leone, will mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day with a PRESS FREEDOM WALK (WPD) 2022 under the theme: ‘Protect, Promote & Expand the Space’ to reflect on the historic repeal of the criminal libel law. Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in 2020, reached a milestone which set a positive dynamic and an enabling framework for the protection and promotion of freedom of opinion and expression, including press freedom, and the civic space in Sierra Leone. The freedom walk platform will further be an opportunity to encourage the Government of Sierra Leone, all Political parties, the Parliament of Sierra Leone, and the Security Sector (especially the Sierra Leone Police and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces) to strengthen their commitment to respecting and protecting free speech and free media in the country. Since 3rd May 2022 WPD falls on a Tuesday, the freedom walk will take place on Saturday, 7th May 2022 starting at 10am prompt. The symbolic walk will start from SLAJ Headquarters (56 Campbell Street, Freetown) to the Taylor Cummings Garden by the Cotton Tree in celebration of the repeal of the Criminal and Seditious law. The route for the walk is from Campbell Street to Pademba Road and convergence at the Cotton Tree. SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, said: “Every World Press Freedom day SLAJ has been using the occasion to call for the repeal of the criminal and seditious libel law by demanding the Government of Sierra Leone to respect the right to freedom of expression of every citizen (not just journalists), free media, and international conventions related to same. Now that we have secured the repeal, we do not only need to celebrate this historic victory but to remind ourselves that challenges of free speech and free media are everyday issues we must keep fighting for. We must work together with other partners to not only protect the freedom we have achieved but to promote and expand on it.” Similarly, the EU Ambassador in Sierra Leone, H.E Manuel Mueller, said: “Around the world, the European Union is strongly committed to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, and of course freedom of expression including press freedom, one of the hallmarks of a democracy. Vibrant media are vital to a healthy democracy, and a driver of good governance, development, human rights and peace. The EU welcomes the historical decision to repeal the criminal libel law in Sierra Leone in 2020, a very positive step to protect and uphold freedom of expression and opinion, including press freedom. We acknowledge the instrumental role played in this process by the Government, SLAJ and other CSOs, the Parliament and political parties. We encourage all stakeholders to continue to respect, protect and uphold this vital space”. At the Taylor Cummings Garden, there will be short statements from stakeholders from the Government of Sierra Leone, the Parliament of Sierra Leone, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, the four political parties in Parliament, the Security Sector (SLP and RSLAF), Civil Society Organisations, media and the diplomatic community. This activity will hold simultaneously on a small scale in the regional headquarter towns of Makeni (North), Bo (South) and Kenema (East). Amb. of Morocco Pays Courtesy Call on Pres. Bio Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Guinea, accredited to Sierra Leone, has paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio and commended his government on various developments that are taking place in the country. Ambassador Isam Taib thanked the President for making time to see him, adding that his visit was to strengthen the bilateral relationship that he said had grown, especially in the last three years of Freetown’s relationship with Rabat. “I am here to further improve and consolidate the bilateral relations we have. Thank you very much, Your Excellency,” Ambassador Isam noted. In a brief statement, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio welcomed the Moroccan Ambassador to Sierra Leone, saying that the two countries were strong and reliable partners. He further noted that they would continue to strengthen the partnership in many areas. “Thank you for coming. It is good to have you here,” he concluded. FREEDOM WALK AND FREE MEDIA: JOURNALISTS CAN NOW CELEBRATE WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY IN SIERRA LEONE By Ishmael Bayoh  This article is

By Mustapha Dumbuya Ibrahim Bai Koroma the Chief Executive Director (CRN-SL) has applauded the chief justice Babatunde Edwards on his assessment reports for his effort in improving the judiciary on public service delivery.  He noted that the Chief justice has worked hard for court sittings to materialize all across the country, as according to him cases are now treated speedily in all town, chiefdoms and districts.  “Delivery  principles/standards, practices, policy development, coordination, monitoring and  evaluation specifically, the report has three objectives, inter alia, to indicators practices, policy development, and challenges facing public Service delivery  and also identify best practice in public service delivery which can serve as a model for improving and complemented with best practice in and around the world; identify challenges  and recommendations on overcoming such for better public service delivery” he explained. According to him the content of the report also go far as providing answers to objective one and two, while the outcome of the assessment in combination review of the best practice on public service delivery. He said the report will be complemented by CRN that will visited various communities in future and will help to find answers to the last objective of the assessment.  He expressed that the assessment report examines the selected critical indicators such as the legal and institutional frame work, service standards or principles, policy development process, performance on governance indicators, human development, business, climate, and electronic government development. The Director continued that he had received the report in good faith and they will study it and help to work on most area that has to do with public services delivery. He noted that over the years the Civil societies had be working efficiently in promoting accountability and good governance system in the country. He explained that public officials were always extraction government funds in the name of enriching themselves and their families. He cautioned that public servants should always work for the interest of the country and not for the interest of themselves. Orders from the above… SLAJ Pres. Blasts Police for unprofessional work Since the historic repeal of the Criminal and Seditious Libel Law in 2020, Sierra Leone has made commendable progress in the area of freedom of the press. No journalist has been put in jail in relation to the practice of journalism.  No media house has been closed down for what they print or broadcast, except Justice FM which was days ago banned by the IMC for 10 hours for alleged ‘un-radio-like language’ and ‘threatening remarks…’.  The incidents of arrest and detention of journalists by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on orders from above or on orders from influential people have reduced considerably since 2020. In the World Press Freedom Index 2022, Sierra Leone moved 29 places higher from 75h position to 46th out of 180 countries due largely to the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law, the passing of the IMC Act 2020 as one big step towards addressing minimum conditions of service of journalists and other media workers, and media pluralism in the country. And for the first time in the 22 years’ history of the Independent Media Commission (IMC -the statutory body that regulates the media and which was established to support the media’s move toward self-regulation), His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio approved all 7 persons nominated by SLAJ, including the Chairman, to serve in the new IMC Board of 12 professional members.       SLAJ is working with the Security Sector and trying to realize the MoU we signed last November, which is of foundational importance to realizing press freedom.  Moreover, the Government of Sierra Leone has announced an increment in its annual subvention to the media from Le250 million to Le500 million, although it is yet to disburse for the year 2021 and 2022. Just last month, the Government in partnership with SLAJ and the BBC Media Action, held the first national media viability and investment conference with the aim of positioning the media in Sierra Leone for investment opportunities.  THREATS TO FREE MEDIA AND FREE SPEECH However, while it is good on a day like this to highlight the progress we have made in the area of press freedom, it is equally necessary to red-flag the emerging threats which have the potential to reverse all the gains we have made since the repeal. A number of incidents have been recorded by both SLAJ and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) from 2021 to present which is a cause of concern for us.  Harassment, intimidation and detention of journalists have started happening all over again, including the digital space, and especially from the Sierra Leone Police.  At the close of 2021, a popular Sierra Leone rapper unleashed a scathing video against the personality of the Station Manager of Radio Democracy 98.1FM, simply because the station reported the issuing of a bench warrant for him in a court matter.  A journalist working for the Government of Sierra Leone, Abdul Fonti Kabia, was widely reported dead on social media in an attempt to intimidate him. The SLP assaulted and detained AYV Media photo journalist, Ransford Wright, when he attempted to cross-check certain information with the Police. President of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union and Head of Digital Media at the AYV Media, Amadu Lamrana Bah, suffered humiliation and almost missed his flight to the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon after flight officials at the Freetown International Airport attempted to drop him allegedly on orders from above for a critical sports update on his Facebook page.     The SLP sent two officers to Bo city, Southern Sierra Leone, to arrest Journalist Solomon Joe of KISS 104 FM for a broadcast concerning a transaction between two businessmen. A statement was obtained from him in Bo but he was transported to Freetown and spent one night in police custody. Worse, an apparent assassination attempt on journalist, Gibril Gottor and his family in Kambia town, Northern Sierra Leone, has left the investigative journalist in fear for his life. Furthermore, a

By Feima Sesay The Speaker of Parliament, Dr Abass Chernor Bundu has on Wednesday, 4 May 2022, appointed the leader of the National Grand Coalition (NGC), Hon Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella as chairman of the Select Committee in Parliament. The Speaker said the committee will be undertaking an academic audit on officials holding public offices across the country. The Parliamentary Select Committee, according to the Dr Bundu, is charged with the responsibility to investigate the authenticity of diplomas, certificates, degrees of all officials of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the country.  The speaker stated that the committee headed by Hon Yumkella is also mandated to supervise all Select Committees in Parliament that are charged with the mandate to inve stigate different sectors or MDAs.  He said that all these Select Committees are mandated to request all academic certificates, diplomas and degrees for onward investigations. ‘The Select Committees should submit all reports to the Academic Audit Select Committee headed by Kandeh Yumkella. The parent committee will now submit the report in the Well of Parliament for debate and recommendations will be formulated for action to be taking,’ Dr Bundu said.   During the last sitting in the Well of Parliament the opposition whip of APC, Hon Hassan A. Sesay said Parliament has employed over 300 staff ‘and they are applying with academic qualifications which must be audited now’. Hon Sesay made this statement in Parliament on Thursday, 21 April 2022, during parliamentary sitting after Hon Paul Sam moved a motion for Parliament to conduct academic audit. He explained that the academic audit must start in Parliament before probing MDAs. The Speaker of Parliament earlier explained that when late Professor Cecil Magbele Fyle was the chairman of the Tertiary Education Commission he was put under pressure to register some institutions that did not reach the requirements for a university, so he (Prof Fyle) had to resign. Hon Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella said it is a disgrace for people to have fake certificates noting that section 93 of the Constitution mandates Parliament to set up a Select Committee. He said that the excuses people are giving for paying $5,000 for a certificate in Dubai is disgraceful, stating that those who used state resources to pay for fake degrees must return these monies to the state. The mover of the motion, Hon Paul Saa Sam said the saga of fake certificate in Sierra Leone should be handled by the ACC, pointing out that few years ago, the ACC paraded teachers involved in examination malpractice at the Cotton Tree roundabout. He said Parliament must show leadership and that before they go to MDAs they should start with Parliament, noting that although to be elected as a Member of Parliament is not by qualification, the Parliament of Sierra Leone should however take the lead in the academic audit. The Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon Bashiru Silikie said as Parliament they don’t have the power to do such an audit. UBA extends financial inclusion to unbanked population UBA is a well renowned bank. It has served the people of Sierra Leone for more than two decades and it has established itself in the financial sector. In these intervening years it has established itself as one of the most reputable bank in the country.  Usman Isiaka is the current MD\CEO of UBA Sierra Leone. He is a fellow of  the institute of chartered accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) and a consummate banker with over two decades banking experience at senior management level cutting across Internal control, audit, compliance, risk management, operations, marketing, and Business Development  function. He joined UBA group in 2000 and has since served in various roles starting with internal control; Director, Auditor& Control UBA Africa, and Deputy Group Chief Inspector with a working experience across 21 out of the 23 UBA groups. Before taking up duty as UBA sierra leoe current MD\CEO, Usman has also served as deputy managing drector of UBA Ghana , regional  head in Lagos Nigeria, and MD/CEO UBA Tanzania. Usman holds a bachelor degree in accounting, master degree in business administration, and fellowship of accounting profession {FCA}. He has attended various local and foreing courses, workshop and seminars. In his interview with Eziekel Dumbuya, MD UBA spoke eloquently on the banks present development stride. Since  you assume office few month ago, what are your achievements and challenges so far? I assumed work at UbA SL at the height of covid19 pandemic in September 2020. So the immediate challenge was how to take over and build on the good reforming record of the  subdiary inherited from my predecessor  admist the uncertainties associated with covid19. However, I am happy to state that with the full support that I enjoy from the generality of staff, board and management of the bank, we were able to record remarkable successes across various financial and non-financial key performance indicators as follows, 1 Double digit growth in annual audited profit before tax of the bank in both 2020 and 2021 financial year. Specifically, our PBT grew from SLL75.2 billion in 2019 financial year ended 31st December to SLL123.7 billion in 2020 and  went up further to SLL 158.7 billion for the 2021 financil year end which  places UbA SIERRA LEONE  as the most profitable bank in the industry as at year ended 31st December 20202. 2  The customers deposit position of the bank was almost tripled from SLL 472.5 billion as at  financial year ended 31st December 2019 to SLL 1.3 trillion as at December 2021 representing a market share of over 10%. This makes the bank to attain the status of systematically important bank byour group standards and places it among the top 3 bank in sierra leone in terms of deposit base. 3 The loan portfolio of the bank almost double from SLL82.3 billion as at end of 2019 financial year to SLL160.5 billion as at December 2021 with an impressive non performing loan ratio pf 0.2% against our group and regulatory limits of 3% and