In a bold move that could potentially reshape the legal landscape of Sierra Leone, prominent Barrister and Solicitor Rowland S.V. Wright has addressed a crucial letter to the Speaker of Parliament.

The letter raises serious concerns about the constitutionality of ongoing proceedings involving the suspension of Lara Taylor-Pearce, the Auditor General of the Republic.

The crux of Wright’s argument revolves around the formation and legitimacy of a tribunal tasked with investigating Taylor-Pearce’s suspension.

Wright contends that crucial procedural and constitutional steps were overlooked before the tribunal commenced its investigation. Despite legal appeals and applications filed at the Supreme Court as early as December 2021, the judiciary, including Chief Justice Babatunde Edwards, has allegedly failed to prioritize these critical matters.

Moreover, Wright highlights the tribunal’s six-month duration to produce a report, which was recently presented to President Julius Maada Bio. Astonishingly, despite promises from tribunal members, Wright claims that stakeholders, including his client, are yet to receive a copy of the report, hindering further legal actions.

In his plea to Parliament, Wright asserts the paramount importance of upholding constitutional integrity and procedural fairness. He urges Parliament to refrain from voting on any tribunal report until the Supreme Court has conclusively adjudicated on the tribunal’s legitimacy.

This, he argues, is vital to prevent any potential constitutional crises and to safeguard the reputation of Sierra Leone’s judiciary.The implications of Wright’s letter extend beyond the immediate case of Lara Taylor-Pearce, touching upon broader concerns about due process and judicial independence in Sierra Leone.

As the nation awaits Parliament’s response, all eyes are on whether this legal challenge will prompt a reevaluation of current practices in Sierra Leone’s legal and political spheres.