By: Andrew Kamara
In an unfolding scandal, Honourable Paran Tarawalie, the Clark of Parliament, is grappling with mounting calls for his resignation. The allegations center around his wife, Abibatu Paran Tarawalie, who is purportedly on the parliamentary payroll, drawing a staggering monthly salary of Le31,735,839 (Old Leones) despite never reporting for duty. This revelation, coupled with accusations of unconstitutional dismissals, has triggered a wave of public outrage and demands for accountability.
The heart of the controversy lies in Abibatu Paran Tarawalie’s alleged recruitment by her husband, Hon. Paran Tarawalie, raising concerns of nepotism within the parliamentary structure. Despite her reported absence from duty, she continues to receive substantial monthly remuneration, encompassing utility, rent, and medical allowances. This revelation has become a focal point for citizens demanding transparency and responsibility at the highest levels of parliamentary administration.
Abibatu’s reported gross monthly salary, reaching an astounding Le31,735,839 (Old Leone), accumulates to an annual total of Le380,830,068 million (Old Leones), including various allowances. The public outcry has intensified, emphasizing the need for accountability within Sierra Leone’s parliamentary institutions.
Further complicating matters is the accusation against Paran Tarawalie of unilaterally dismissing over one hundred (100) qualified civil servants from the Northwestern regions employed in the Parliament of Sierra Leone. This alleged act contradicts constitutional provisions outlined in Section 7, which mandate the state to protect citizens’ rights to engage in economic activities without prejudice.
Public scrutiny of Paran Tarawalie’s leadership has heightened, questioning the adherence to constitutional principles within the Parliament of Sierra Leone. The perceived nepotism in recruitment and the alleged dismissals without constitutional adherence have raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and respect for constitutional rights within the legislative body.
Citizens’ demands for Paran Tarawalie’s resignation stem from a collective desire for ethical governance, adherence to the constitution, and an end to perceived nepotism. The situation underscores the urgency for swift and impartial investigations into the alleged wrongful dismissals and a comprehensive review of recruitment processes within the Parliament of Sierra Leone.
As the public awaits responses from the implicated parties, this scandal emphasizes the need for robust checks and balances to uphold democratic principles and ensure the highest standards of governance within Sierra Leone’s parliamentary institutions. The outcomes of potential investigations will likely shape public perception regarding the commitment to constitutional values and the rule of law within the country’s legislative framework.
