By Amin Kef Sesay
The much talked about and long awaited interview of former President Ernest Bai Koroma by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), headed by Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala finally took place on the 23rd November 2020.
According to the Director of Public Education and Outreach at the ACC, Patrick Sandy, the interview lasted for six hours, breaking off at 5:00pm adding how the former President was very cooperative and willing. He also highlighted that the interview bordered around a gamut of issues and they were able to deal with only 20% of the issues meaning that there is a remaining 80% of other issues which the interview will have to delve into.
Sandy categorically pointed out that it is not to the knowledge of the ACC that the interview was made possible by the intervention of the International Community as it is been alluded that it was the British High Commission that brought the two sides together.
It has been stated that the former President is been probed by the ACC for allegations of corruption whilst he governed this country from 2007 to 2018.
The meeting between the former President and the ACC is said to have taken place at one of the Commission’s secured “Safe Houses”.
According to what was understood Koroma denied the allegations stating how they are part of a smearing campaign.
One of the lawyers of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara aka JFK, on his part, made mention that from the onset their client has been willing to cooperate with the ACC but what they were preoccupied with was managing the taking place of the proposed interview and State security. He said the participation of their client in the said interview had nothing to do with any imminent issuance of a warrant of arrest.
“As far as I know allegations of money laundering, operating various foreign bank accounts, abuse of executive orders did not come up during the interview. Our client believes all what he did while in office were done within the confines of the law,” he stated adding that some of the questions that came up have been already posed by the Commission of Inquiry and already they have lodged an appeal in the courts saying they will see how they could manage that.
He expressed satisfaction with the process and stoutly refuted that their client was put on bail also pointing out that once their concerns bordering on State security and the personal safety of their client is assured and guaranteed, the former President is willing to do an interview wherever the ACC deems convenient.
It could be recalled that two previously scheduled interviews of former President Koroma by the ACC failed to take place, one in Makeni, his home town, simply because his supporters prevented the ACC from accessing his house where the interview was supposed to take place. On the second occasion, in Freetown, last Thursday, because his lawyers cited insufficient security further stating that they were wary of an eruption of unrest and do not want their client to be held responsible.
Meanwhile, the Leadership of the All Peoples Congress (APC), of which Ernest Bai Koroma is Chairman and Leader, has informed its members, supporters and the public that the interview was conducted in a respectful, dignified and amicable environment and despite all efforts to complete the interview it could not be completed due to time constraints.
It continued that the former President is cooperating fully and intends to continue in that vein furthering how the interview will continue on a date to be agreed upon by the parties.
In a tweet by former President Ernest Bai Koroma he wrote:
“I have just concluded the much anticipated interview with the ACC. The chat was conducted smoothly and amicably.
I honoured the ACC’s invitation, to demonstrate my unwavering commitment to peace & the rule of law. It was my commitment to the fight against corruption that led me to strengthen the ACC, making it one of the strongest anti – corruption institutions in Africa, under my tenure.
Again, I remain unperturbed and ever determined to protect my good name.
Profound appreciations to supporters, well – wishers for you solidarity and thanks to the International Community for facilitating a smooth and peaceful process.
I will do everything to protect the peace I helped to build and consolidate.”
