By Andrew Kamara
In a troubling revelation, the credible news outlet “GBLA TV ONLINE” has reported a pervasive wave of nepotism within the SLPP/PAOPA regime.
The focus of concern centers around the current Clerk of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Paran Tarawalie, who is accused of unconstitutionally orchestrating the unilateral dismissal of over one hundred (100) qualified civil servants from the Northwestern regions employed in the Parliament of Sierra Leone.
As enshrined in the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Sec. 7), the State is obligated to protect the right of any citizen to engage in any economic activity without prejudice to the rights of others. The alleged actions of the Clerk, if proven true, raise serious constitutional concerns, as such unilateral dismissals without due process contravene established norms and principles. The reported replacement of these civil servants with individuals perceived as loyalists to the SLPP, holding party cards, and hailing from the Southeastern region of Sierra Leone further deepens suspicions of nepotistic practices.
Nepotism, the favoritism shown to family members or close friends, is a critical issue in governance as it compromises the merit-based selection of qualified individuals for public service roles. The key problem here lies not only in the dismissal of existing civil servants but also in the apparent replacement of competent professionals with party loyalists, potentially undermining the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary operations.
The Southeastern region’s overrepresentation among the new appointees raises questions about the equitable distribution of opportunities and resources across the nation. Such practices can contribute to regional imbalances, fostering sentiments of exclusion among citizens from other regions.
The impact of these alleged actions extends beyond the immediate individuals affected. It reflects a broader concern about the erosion of institutional integrity, adherence to constitutional principles, and the fair and transparent functioning of public offices. The role of the Clerk in this scenario, as a custodian of parliamentary procedures, adds another layer of gravity to these allegations.
It is imperative that these allegations are thoroughly investigated to ascertain their accuracy, and if confirmed, appropriate measures should be taken to rectify any constitutional breaches. Public trust in the integrity of government institutions is vital for the functioning of a healthy democracy, and any actions that compromise this trust must be addressed with urgency and diligence.