Conspiracy on Procurement Coup Exposed

By Thaimu Thullah

Recent events surrounding the Public Financial Management Unit (PFMU) have sparked significant concern regarding their apparent disregard for the rule of law and the integrity of the procurement process. Following a closed-door meeting with government officials, discussions reportedly focused on how to manipulate procurement procedures while still supporting the PFMU’s questionable actions.

The Solicitor General, who previously served as the chairman of a committee that addressed a dispute between two complainants and the PFMU, has been asked to provide an opinion on the statutory provisions outlined in the Public Procurement Act of 2016 and the Procurement Regulations of 2020. However, the implications of his involvement raise red flags, particularly as his prior support of the ruling now complicates the legitimacy of his current opinions.

In his opinion letter, while the Solicitor General correctly clarified the rights of the Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP) by citing relevant sections of the Act, he subsequently referenced Section 65(7) which addresses urgent public interest without demonstrating any valid grounds for such urgency. This raises concerns about the sincerity of his claims and suggests a deliberate attempt to sidestep established protocols.

Compounding this issue, when the Solicitor General referenced Section 65(8), it became apparent that the PFMU could not substantiate any grounds for urgency. The unit has already unnecessarily delayed the procurement process, taking two months to evaluate six bids and an additional month avoiding engagement with the IPRP while failing to submit required documents. Notably, the favored bidder does not meet the prerequisites outlined in the bidding documents for a critical system needed by the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL).

The press highlights the urgent need for the Bank Governor to acknowledge that pushing for expedited procurement under the guise of public interest rather than encouraging the IPRP to perform its duties poses significant risks to the bank’s operations and reputation. The World Bank is closely monitoring these developments and will not overlook any violations of procurement integrity.

Information has emerged indicating that on the same day the Financial Secretary received a critical opinion letter from the Solicitor General, the Governor released a letter pushing for the expedited procurement process. This series of events has created a sense of urgency that appears to disregard established procedures.

The timing of these communications is noteworthy. On that same day, a directive was reportedly sent to the Team Lead of the PFMU, urging them to engage with the Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP) to lift the suspension on the procurement process, framed under the premise of public interest. However, as far as the press is concerned, the suspension should have been lifted the moment the ruling was received, raising significant concerns about the motives behind this rushed engagement.

The press finds it troubling that such a call for urgency is being made without adequate justification, particularly since the PFMU has already caused delays in the procurement cycle. The process took two months to evaluate six bids, followed by an additional month of avoidance regarding necessary submissions to the IPRP. The favored bidder reportedly does not meet the essential requirements outlined in the bidding documents for the critical systems needed for the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL).

As the situation unfolds, the press is keenly awaiting the response of the IPRP regarding the next steps in this procurement process. It is crucial that the IPRP assert its authority and ensure that proper protocols are followed, as any deviation from established legal frameworks could jeopardize public trust in government institutions.

The pressing nature of this issue necessitates transparency and accountability from all parties involved. The Governor’s call for expedited procurement under questionable circumstances raises critical questions about governance and the proper handling of public resources. With scrutiny from both the media and the international community on the rise, it is imperative that procurement integrity remains intact.

In conclusion, the press will continue to watch this situation closely and urges all stakeholders to adhere to established procedures while fostering an environment of transparency. The actions taken in the coming days will be pivotal not only for the immediate procurement process but also for the public trust in the governance of the Bank of Sierra Leone as a whole. The public deserves assurance that the procurement process is being conducted fairly and in the best interest of all citizens.