The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Francis Ben Kaifala, has on Friday 11th March, 2022, assured his people of Pendembu, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kailahun District that the fight against corruption is on the right trajectory, and thanked them for their unceasing prayers and supplications to Allah for the Commission as it leads the campaign against corruption in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the mosque in Pendembu, the ACC boss thanked the President, His Excellency, Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, for the confidence reposed in him, but more importantly, for providing him the needed support and space to discharge his duties fearlessly. He called on his people in Lower Bambara to support the fight against corruption as it was a worthy cause, validated by the Holy Quran.
This public education drive aimed at enlisting the muslim community of Pendembu, particularly the muslim Clerics and Imams in the anti-graft campaign and to include in their sermons (kututba) anti-corruption messages.
Heeding to the call of his people, and as a mark of his love for Allah, the Commissioner also donated for the use at the Mosque, four (4) big speakers, cables, an advanced Public Address system and cash to ensure the fixing of the equipment-all valued at over Twenty Million Leones.
This mosque is memorable to the Commissioner, as his grandparents prayed in this mosque whilst they were alive, and he too has his own experience when he was lad. Therefore, he was pleased to support its construction and face-lifting it to modern standards.
The Paramount Chief of Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Hon. PC Cyril Foray Gondor II, in his statement thanked Commissioner Ben Kaifala for the kind gesture. He disclosed that Mr. Kaifala has immensely supported the construction of the mosque but this one was very unique, especially as we approach the holy month of Ramadan which makes the use of the speakers imperative since muslims who will be fasting far and near will be informed of the prayer times.
Receiving the items, the Chief Imam of Pendembu mosque, Alhaji Momoh Konneh, thanked Allah for the life of Commissioner Kaifala and the President. He also called on his jamaat to always pray for the progress and development of the chiefdom and the country. He commended Chief Gandor for his support to the mosque and the development programs he has spearheaded in the chiefdom. He assured Commissioner Kaifala that the speakers will be used appropriately, noting that they will continue to pray for him, as always.
It could be recalled that the 2019 National Corruption Perception Survey Report asserted that over 65% of Sierra Leoneans hold religious leaders in high esteem and to be very credible. As such, the ACC believes that working with religious bodies as partners in the fight against corruption is very appropriate so that they will use their platforms to disseminate and convey anti-corruption messages and issues.
Special prayers (Duawuh)
for the President and the Country, the Commissioner and the Commission, the
Paramount Chief and the Chiefdom formed the high point of the engagement.