NEW SUPREME COURT JUDGES APPOINTED - THANKS TO ACC VIGILANCE
News Item
By Fuad Yillah
Reliable sources have told this reporter that
new judges, including a new chief justice, have been appointed to the Supreme
Court. This followed few weeks when the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) raised
the issue with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Frank Kargbo. In a
letter a letter signed by the ACC Commissioner, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, the
ACC raised concerns over the reluctance of the current Chief Justice, Umu Hawa
Tejan-Jalloh, to vacate office after attaining the retirement age of 65 years.
The explanation of the AG and Minister of Justice was that the Constitution did
not provide a retirement age for the Chief Justice, something the ACC
Commissioner challenged in a subsequent letter, stating that the AG and
Minister of Justice’s assertion would appear as if the position is for life.
The Commissioner also stated that the issue is one of integrity in public life
as people in higher authority must be seen respecting the laws of the land.
Seasoned legal practitioner, Charles Francis
Margai, in a radio programme supported the ACC position, adding that the
failure by the Chief Justice to vacate the position after her retirement age
has some serious legal implications and therefore urged her to quit honourably.
The Sierra Leone Bar Association, during a
recent meeting, extensively discussed the issue and resolved to call on the
Chief Justice to retire as provided for by the Constitution of the land.
Meanwhile, the appointment of the new judges
means the Supreme Court will be fully constituted to hear cases that have to do
with interpretation of the Constitution. The sources say Chief Justice Umu Hawa
Tejan-Jalloh will officially retire from her position as early as next month.
Civil society activists over the weekend commended the vigilant and proactive move of the ACC. One of them while commending the ACC Commissioner in particular also pointed out that it is good that the Commissioner raised this issue as “respect for public offices should be manifested by those occupying such offices and this should be done in the interest of the country.Start writing here...