The Lawyers’ Society has expressed profound dismay over the decision by Parliament on December 20, 2024, to endorse the tribunal’s recommendation for the removal of Auditor General Lara Taylor-Pearce and her deputy, Tamba Momoh.
The Society has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the parliamentary process and adherence to constitutional mandates.In a strongly worded statement, the Society highlighted alleged procedural irregularities surrounding the parliamentary vote.
It noted that many Members of Parliament (MPs) were not given adequate notice before the consideration and voting on the matter, with some members reportedly outside the jurisdiction attending official duties at the time of the vote.
These allegations, the Society warned, suggest a troubling disregard for due process in addressing such a critical constitutional issue.The Lawyers’ Society also questioned the interpretation of the constitutional provisions governing the removal of the Auditor General.
It emphasized that, under Sections 119(9) and 137(7) of the Constitution, such a decision requires the approval of a two-thirds majority of the total parliamentary membership, not just those present during the vote.
The Society expressed strong disagreement with the Speaker of Parliament’s interpretation that the two-thirds requirement applies only to MPs in attendance, arguing that this undermines the legitimacy of the vote and the procedural integrity of the process.
“Parliament has a sacred duty to uphold fairness and justice in its proceedings,” the statement read. “The apparent haste to remove the Auditor General, without ensuring the necessary procedural propriety, is deeply concerning.”
The Society further underscored the implications of this decision for the independence of institutions tasked with checking executive power.
It noted that the Auditor General’s office, which enjoys constitutional protections similar to those of judges in the Superior Court of Judicature, should not be subjected to questionable removal processes.
“If the Auditor General can be removed under such circumstances, we fear for the future independence of our judiciary,” the Society warned.
The Lawyers’ Society has called for greater transparency and accountability in such matters, urging Parliament to uphold constitutional mandates and ensure procedural propriety in all its decisions.
The removal of Madam Taylor-Pearce has sparked widespread debate, with civil society organizations and members of the public expressing similar concerns about the implications for governance and institutional independence in Sierra Leone.
