By Jane B. Mansaray.
Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, the 2018 defeated Presidential candidate of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party yesterday made his first appearance in person at the Court of Appeal to listen to oral arguments of his Commission of Inquiry (COI) Appeal hearing in Freetown.
His lead counsel, Lawyer Ady Macauley made a start of oral arguments and submissions with regards to the synopsis dated 19th July 2021, filed and served on the Court and the State Respondent Counsel.
Counsel abandoned Ground 7 of the appellant Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara`s appeal which he said, is a repetition of Ground 5. Lawyer Ady Macauley orally addressed the court on Grounds 4 & 5 respectively and said he relies on the entire synopsis and authorities attached.
Lawyer Ady Macauley informed the court that the substance of the appeal is very much based on the conclusion of the Sole COI Commissioner, Justice Biobell Georgewill.
One of the grounds of appeal has to do with the integrity of the appellant which the Sole Commissioner tampered with in reaching his findings and conclusion.
According to Lawyer Ady Macauley, the language used by the Sole Commissioner in his findings is too harsh for the appellant, especially when he used the words ” The appellant, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara was involved in the secrete sale of 30% shares owned by the Government of Sierra Leone in Sierra Rutile Limited”. “There was no documentation of the sale alleged at the COI hearing,” Appellant`s Counsel, Ady Macauley submitted.
The recommendation by the Sole Commissioner is for the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate. His conclusion and comment against the appellant are considered as adverse findings’.
“Abuse of office in a reckless manner that caused the State to lose huge sums”, Macauley said is illegal and too harsh for the Commissioner to have pronounced.
Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara was a person of interest before the COI as established by Constitutional Instrument No.64 of 2018.
The matter has been adjourned to the 2nd August 2021 for continuation of arguments and submissions by Appellant’s Counsel Ady Macauley.
