By Mohamed Mansaray in Kenema
The newly appointed Regional Coordinator from the office of the Ombudsman, Eastern Region, Mrs. Mariama Jalloh and team have recently, in a well-attended parade at the Kenema Divisional Headquarters, raised personnel awareness on the operational functions of their institution.
Prior to the arrival of the visiting team, the regional police commander, East, Commissioner Andrew Mustapha Kamara, briefly admonished his personnel on the purpose of the visit of Regional Coordinator of Ombudsman’s office, whilst advising them to be very attentive and ask questions for clarifications when in doubt of anything that was going to be discussed. He reminded them about the ongoing personnel “Stand by,” adding that, the “Stand by” special duty would be maintained until he gets directive from police headquarters to stand the personnel down.
The Commissioner emphasized professionalism and team spirit among members of the force, stressing punctuality and timeliness as key in executing their daily routine duties as well as special duties.
Upon their arrival, the Regional Coordinator, Mrs. Mariama Jalloh, expressed thanks and appreciation to the Regional Police Commander and his personnel for what she considered as warm welcome from a well-attended and organised Parade session. She highlighted the importance and functions of the Ombudsman in Sierra Leone noting that their duties range from prevention of maladministration in office, unfair treatment, injustices and harassment in work places to gap in NASSIT monthly payments for workers, among many others.
Mrs. Jalloh quoted Section 146 Act No.6 of the 1991 Constitution which stated that the Ombudsman’s was created and empowered by Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) to look into and address the aforementioned complaints by employees from all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), but was quick to say that the Constitution exempts the Ombudsman from looking into any private institutions related matters.
The coordinator encouraged all and sundry to make use of the opportunity by reporting to the Ombudsman whenever they feel deprived and or, unfairly treated by their bosses in their various offices. She assured them of their confidentiality and uprightness.
The Intermediary Officer and Ombudsman’s Investigator, Mrs Katimu Jalloh and Mr Charles M. Jaward, respectively, expressed similar sentiments.
Questions and answers climaxed the occasion.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on wednesday, July 10th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
