Pro-Tempore Jallah faces US$320,000 probe

Senate President Pro-Tempore Armah Jallah is being investigated by the auditors of the General Auditing Commission for alleged misappropriation of US$320,000 intended for construction of the Chief Jallah Lone Memorial High School in Gbarpolu County.

Investigation reveals that based on request from Pro-Tempore Jallah, the government, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, allotted US$80,000 in the 2014 National Budget, and that such amount has been annually allotted for the school project.

But the General Auditing Commission subsequently learnt thru complaint from the county that such structure does not exist there. Currently, the GAC has deployed auditors to conduct thorough investigation.

Several citizens of the county, who spoken with this paper recently, claimed local officials, including lawmakers have failed to account for the funds or to tangibly point to the Chief Jallah Lone Memorial High School.

One resident, John Momoh, laments due to the situation, the county had never benefited any other development opportunity. When Pro-Tempore Jallah was contacted via mobile phone, he confirms that the GAC is investigating the matter, so it is inexpedient for him to comment, while probe is ongoing.

By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor