By Keketoma Sandi.
Presidential Spokesman & Press Secretary
My brother and friend, Dr John Idriss Lahai, ordinarily I would not comment on an issue like this because of the risk of being misrepresented. However, on this post since H.E the President has been mentioned relating to an alleged procedure on appointment, permit me to state the following:
1. That Mrs Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara (Nee Jabbi) DID NOT at anytime submit a file for assessment to the Presidency for her re-appointment as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, NRA.
2. That Mrs Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara (Nee Jabbi) was re-appointed as Chairperson by H.E the President because she distinguished herself in the role for three years through exemplary leadership especially as the first woman and youngest person to occupy that position.
3. That the honorary PhD conferred on Mrs Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara (Nee Jabbi) WAS NOT a consideration by H.E the President for her re-appointment and therefore the said honorary PhD could not have given her “undue” or “comparative” advantage.
4. That the re-appointment of Mrs Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara (Nee Jabbi) as Chairperson was pursuant to section 5(4) of the National Revenue Authority Act 2002 which provides for a person with knowledge, integrity and practical experience in matters relevant to the functions of the Authority.
5. That Mrs Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara (Nee Jabbi) is one of few lawyers who have specialised in Revenue and Taxation Law in Sierra Leone. Tuma’s experience and knowledge is further evident by her current position as an elected Vice Chairperson of the internationally reputed BRITACOM and she was first elected in April 2019 prior to the honorary PhD conferment.
6. That I have taken this unusual step to comment on this issue because you are a good friend of mine and I fervently believe that whatever legitimate concern (rightly so) you may hold about fake degrees must not be hijacked for political persecution, personal vendetta and defamation.
Happy Easter holiday and stay blessed brother.
