THAT $5M ‘BRIBE’ FOR PORTS CONTRACT
Since the publication of the above mentioned allegations in the Standard Times Newspaper on January 31 this year all we have received by way of an answer is the sound of silence. The article started by stating rightly that the expectation of a cross section of the country’s seven million population was that the legitimate entrance of President Julius Maada Bio to State House could trigger an in-depth investigation into the Ports Contrac awarded to a French Company called Bollore. Unfortunately, the statement went on, the expectation fell flat as the President paid less or no attention as to how the contract was awarded to the Company and who are the major players in the team. Instead, the newspaper went on, it was learnt that the Bollore Chief Executive Officer received a part on the back when he promised to work with the New Direction government to upgrade the status and operations of the Ports.
The CEO of Maersk Line reportedly flew in his private jet to Sierra Leone and met with the then President to assure him of his Company’s commitment to change the Port and upgrade it to international standards in a period of two years. Maerskline is known worldwide for its efficiency and service delivery but the beneficiaries of Bollore kicked against it. Maerskline currently operates in Liberia, Ghana and other countries.
Reportedly two days after the departure of the Maersk Line Chief Executive Officer, a senior representative of Bollore materialized at State House and US$5 million cash was allegedly distributed to occupants of State House.
The CEO of Bollore seems to be untouchable. He is bestriding the developing Africa like a colossus. The acceptance of the US$5 million or its non-acceptance has not been forthcoming. Silence means consent and also agreement with accusation. When a fish starts to get rotten it starts from the head. We need transparency and not silence.
THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER NOW A POLITICIAN?
There is a red line between politicians and the bureaucracy which should only be crossed by the bureaucracy at election time. Thereafter there should be a strict division of labour with each category keeping to its lane.
It was therefore out of code of ethics if ever there was one for the civil service and if it was operative, that the Chief Medical Officer was holding a Press Conference. The irregularity was made worse for the fact that the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has a Deputy Minister and a Public Relations Officer. The CMO, Dr. Amara Jambai, used or misused the occasion to criticize the government of which he is a part and should be defending.
Assuming the posture of a Minister he called for a Diagnostic Center which had been done by the President already. How daring! He said the country cannot even boast of good medical services. Does this man who hails from the Kailahun stronghold of the SLPP belong to the APC caucus there? Where are the General Orders of the Civil Service?