The leader of the main opposition All Peoples Congress Party (APC), Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has expressed deep concern over the alleged misuse of office in response to the ongoing corruption investigation involving the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Paran Umar Tarawalley, and his wife, Mrs. Abibatu Tarawally.
Kargbo has called for immediate action to protect the integrity of the parliamentary institution in response to a recent news release from the Anti-Corruption Commission outlining the current inquiry..
The Anti-Corruption Commission revealed the results of its investigation into allegations that the Clerk of Parliament hired his wife without following the proper procedures in a news release dated January 14, 2024. In addition, the inquiry revealed that Mrs. Abibatu Tarawally was getting paid each month even though she wasn't performing her job, which brought up major concerns about moral behavior in the parliamentary context.
Expressing astonishment at the revelations, Kargbo emphasized his surprise and interpreted the reimbursement made to the Anti-Corruption Commission as an implicit admission of guilt by the Clerk of Parliament. "I am shocked at the revelations of abuse of office by the Clerk of Parliament. The repayment at ACC indicates an admission of guilt. To preserve the sanctity of parliament and to spare the House further embarrassment, I ask that he steps aside to allow the ACC to conclude its work," remarked Kargbo.
In light of these developments, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, as a prominent figure in the opposition, has called for the Clerk of Parliament to voluntarily step aside during the ongoing ACC investigation. The opposition leader underscores the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of the parliamentary institution and avoiding further embarrassment for the legislative body.
Kargbo's plea for the temporary departure of the Clerk of Parliament is rooted in the need for transparency and accountability in the face of corruption allegations. He highlights the potential damage to the sanctity of parliament if decisive action is not taken promptly. The call for stepping aside is viewed as a responsible measure to allow the Anti-Corruption Commission to conclude its investigation without interference.
As the political landscape navigates the complexities of the corruption probe, Kargbo's stance reflects the broader concern for ethical practices within public institutions. The ongoing investigation not only casts a spotlight on the alleged misconduct of the Clerk of Parliament but also raises questions about the broader implications for parliamentary integrity.
I am shocked at the revelations of abuse of office by the Clerk of Parl. The repayment at ACC indicates an admission of guilt. To preserve the sanctity of parliament and to spare the House further embarrassment, I ask that he steps aside to allow the ACC to conclude its work. pic.twitter.com/2IUYmneyRo
— Hon. Abdul Kargbo (@abdemata) January 14, 2024
The opposition leader's call for temporary departure aligns with the principles of accountability and responsibility in governance. It emphasizes the need for public officials to be held to the highest standards of ethical conduct, particularly in positions as crucial as the Clerk of Parliament.
In conclusion, as the corruption investigation unfolds, the political arena awaits the response to Hon. Abdul Kargbo's call for the Clerk of Parliament to step aside temporarily. The outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the perception of parliamentary integrity and accountability, shaping the discourse on ethical practices within the broader context of public service.