The newly sworn-in Ombudsman, Melron Nicol-Wilson, launched his plans for the first 100 days of his tenure. He dubbed the action plan, “PED: Power, Empower and Deliver”.
The Office of the Ombudsman is a public body, established by the Ombudsman Act No2. of 1997. The mandate of the office is to investigate any action taken or omitted in the exercise of administrative functions of any Ministry, Departments and Agency.
Barely 21 days in Office, Nicol-Wilson addressed media practitioners at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) conference hall, where he unveiled his plan.
The Ombudsman discovered during his institutional assessment of regional offices that a lot of work needs to be done.
He said he looked at various issues within the office, which included the number of staff available, the caseload, logistics and housing. He observed that the Headquarters in Freetown did not have enough space that befits its status, “it is not fit for the purpose for which the office had been established. There was also lack of staff members as there are 35; with only two investigators”.
There is a backlog of about 300 cases. “I will have to look at the backlog cases before taking over new cases,” Nicol-Wilson said
“Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” the Ombudsman said, “have not been cooperating with the office. This is serious challenge facing the office.”
The Ombudsman said he wants to give enforcement powers to the Office to be able to “demand administrative justice for the people and to safeguard their human rights. Part of this includes review of the 1997 Ombudsman Act, propose and amendment to the Act and also to develop a five-year strategic plan.”
On the Empower element of the 100-day plan, Nicol-Wilson explained that this seeks to empower the Office to deliver its mandate and to design and introduce structures that develop the institution. There are three actions, which is to relocate to a new convenient office space, design a new organogram for the office and develop a terms of reference for unit staff and to improve the website and develop relevant information communication technology to enhance the work of the Ombudsman.
Deliver is the other component of the Ombudsman’s 100-day action plan. The Ombudsman explained he wants to recruit 70 more staff and legal experts to deal with cases speedily with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. This plan will also support MDAs to create an effective internal grievance mechanism with a view of reducing the number of reported complaints to the Office.
“The 100-day plan focuses on enhancing public confidence, accountability, fairness and a new direction for promoting administrative justice,” Melron Nicol-Wilson said.
The Chairman, President of SLAJ, Kelvin Lewis, said, “He is happy to receive the Ombudsman because the role of the Ombudsman is similar to that of a journalist. He investigates issues on behalf of the people. He is a defender of rights and. He holds people to account. He informs and educates people. And, he is the voice of the voiceless.” Lewis said the job of the Ombudsman is complementary and good for democratic procedures and good governance.
By Betty Milton
Monday May 29, 2017.