Advancing the purpose of the engagement, the ACC Sub Regional Manager informed the gathering that the Commission is implementing the “Pay No Bribe” campaign aimed at eradicating bribery and petty corruption in service delivery processes. Mr. Bangura informed participants of the ungazetted checkpoints, increased unlicensed and unregistered motor bikes and vehicles, bribery at check points and the dire need for national revenue generation. He also spoke of the responsibility of the elites in the society emphasizing that the SLTU in Lei should take the lead in resisting bribery in all sectors. Mr. Bangura encouraged the Bemok Centre in Lei to deliver more services amidst the many challenges faced by the Centre. He cautioned the BRU in Lei not to act illegally citing the instance of a BRU member arresting a private bike which was licensed and insured and the rider with crash helmet was asked to pay BRU registration in Lei. Mr. Bangura admonished the cattle Herdsmen about the PNB and advised all to use their phones as a weapon to eradicate corruption in the chiefdom. He took participants through the design of the PNB highlighting the ease at with the platform can be used.
He informed participants on the ills of graft and the benefits of eradicating it in the community. He also dwelled on the methods of reporting corruption to the ACC and the protection measures for informers. He encouraged the participants to report bribery free on 515 across all networks and other corruption related matters to the Commission on free lines 077985-985/077986-986 for Africell, 161 for Airtel or ACC Kono Sierratel Landline 022-530069.
Highlighting some of the offences and penalties as enshrined in the AC Act 2008 that are likely to be committed by the traffic authorities, Senior Investigation Officer, Momodu Sittar highlighted Abuse of Office, Abuse of Position, Misappropriation of Government Fund/Property, Misappropriation of Donor Fund/Property, Soliciting and Accepting Advantage, Possession of Unexplained Wealth, Bribery among several others. The SIO noted that when convicted on each of these offences you pay a fine of not less than Thirty Million Leones (Le 30,000,000.00) or Three (3) years imprisonment or both such fine and imprisonment. Mr. Sittar cautioned the traffic authorities to resist corruption of any form, as the Commission will leave no corruption related case uninvestigated.
The meeting which took place in various locations with Kombayendeh Town attracted over 100 stakeholders. Valuable contributions which were commendations at the PNB campaign were made by Abudulai Conteh, Secretary Lei Police partnership Board, Peter Sandi, Lei Agricultural Vocational Secondary School, Francis Komba-Menjor R.C Primary, Victoria Mbayo MCH–Aide and the Fullah Tribal Head.
