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Ombudsman Jah Esq talking to the Paramount Chiefs
In his campaign to promote and strengthen administrative justice, accountability and good governance in Sierra Leone, the Ombudsman Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah Esq called on Paramount Chiefs in the Southern Region to uphold justice, accountability and good governance within their Districts, Chiefdoms and localities. He made this statement whilst addressing Paramount Chiefs, District Chairpersons, Mayors and other galaxy of eminent people and government functionaries at the Human Capital Development Advocacy Meeting held at the Moyamba District Council Hall.
The Ombudsman further acknowledges the important roles our revered Paramount Chiefs play to enhance good governance and promote justice, accountability and peace in the administration of their Chiefdoms.
He also pointed out that as Paramount Chiefs, they can also bring complaints to his Office where they suffer injustice or maladministration as a result of the decisions/actions or omissions of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in just the same way that their subjects or businesses in Chiefdoms can also file complaints with the Ombudsman whenever they're aggrieved by the actions of the Chiefs.
The Ombudsman cited complaints of injustices against the people including but not limited to flagging disputed lands for excessively long periods thereby depriving the rightful owners of enjoyment of their lands, long delays in the delivery of judgements/ decisions of local courts or withholding them. Imposition of excessive fines on people causing them to run away from their towns/Chiefdoms, surface rent issues, etc.
Whilst appreciating the Ombudsman and Team, the Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs, Southern Region, Hon. P.C Prince Lappia Boima, thanked the Ombudsman and Team for the enlightenment on the work of the Office of the Ombudsman. He noted that such messages from the Ombudsman should trickle down to the people at district, Chiefdom and village levels thus ensuring that good governance and justice are delivered at the doorsteps of the people.
Source: The Office of the Ombudsman of Sierra Leone
