By Fatmata Jengbe
Jaffer Zeghir, the Chief Executive Officer of SKM Group, has come under intense scrutiny for his derogatory remarks about the Judiciary, referring to the institution as a “reckless judicial system” on social media. His comments have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for legal action due to his blatant disrespect for the Third Arm of Government.
His frustration with the Judiciary appears to stem from a prolonged legal dispute between SKM Enterprise, a subsidiary of SKM Group and Leonoil, a leading petroleum marketing company. The case revolves around a prepaid transaction for 430,000 liters of fuel, with SKM Enterprise collecting only 230,000 liters. The remaining 200,000 liters became subject to price adjustments following a Government-imposed fuel price hike. Industry norms dictate that buyers must either accept the new price or request a refund, but reports suggest Jaffer Zeghir rejected both options, taking the matter to court instead.
In a controversial ruling, a lower court sided with SKM Enterprise, exempting the company from paying Government taxes on the uncollected fuel. Leonoil, challenging the decision, has filed an appeal, arguing that the ruling contradicts Sierra Leone’s tax laws and could set a harmful precedent for future tax evasion.
Despite the ongoing appeal, Jaffer Zeghir has been accused of using social media to undermine the Judiciary’s credibility. He has allegedly made baseless accusations of corruption and bias within the judicial system, which has drawn condemnation from legal experts and public officials.
The Judiciary, led by Acting Chief Justice Nicholas C. Browne-Marke, has vehemently rejected these allegations, affirming its commitment to fairness and impartiality as outlined in the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
“While no institution is without flaws, the judiciary remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law,” stated Acting Chief Justice Browne-Marke. He also highlighted efforts to improve efficiency, including a 90% resolution rate of case backlogs and his adjudication of over 100 cases this year alone.
The Chief Justice has cautioned against attempts by individuals or corporations to tarnish the Judiciary’s reputation for personal gain, underscoring the need to respect national institutions.
Leonoil, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical business practices and compliance with industry standards. The company emphasized that price adjustments following Government directives are routine and must be adhered to by all parties.
“Leonoil’s appeal seeks to uphold legal principles, fairness, and compliance with Sierra Leone’s tax laws,” a company spokesperson stated. Leonoil has expressed concern that if the lower court’s decision is upheld, it could undermine fair business practices and create opportunities for tax evasion.
Adding to the controversy, Jaffer Zeghir is facing allegations of exceeding his legal authority as a Filling Station dealer. Sources claim that SKM Enterprise has been involved in large-scale procurement of petroleum products for supply to private entities; a role that, under law, is reserved for licensed petroleum marketing companies.
These allegations have raised concerns within the petroleum sector, prompting calls from industry stakeholders for the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) to investigate. If substantiated, such practices could distort the market and create unfair competition.
In light of these disputes, civil society organizations have urged restraint and respect for the judicial process. They have cautioned against using media platforms to manipulate public opinion or pressure the judiciary.
The judiciary continues to fulfill its constitutional mandate with transparency and integrity, while Leonoil remains committed to fair and accountable business practices. As the appeal progresses and investigations into regulatory violations continue, the public is urged to focus on the facts and allow the legal process to unfold.
Upholding the rule of law and respecting national institutions are essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring justice for all parties involved.
