The suspended Auditor General, Lara Taylor-Pearce, has for the first time in two years responded to a statement from the Director of Public Prosecutions and a Press Release from state house regarding the president’s order to remove her and her deputy, Tamba Momoh, based on the tribunal’s recommendations regarding their alleged professional misconduct.

In her response,Lara Taylor-Pearce emphasized the independence of the Office of the Auditor General as stipulated in Sierra Leone’s Constitution, which forbids outside intervention in the execution of the Auditor General’s responsibilities to ensure sufficient safeguarding of public funds and transparency in the audit procedures. She also mentioned that the Tribunal proceedings were centred around frequent audits and third-party verification of audits.

In addition, Madam Taylor-Pearce refuted claims that she leaked information and maintaining that, while serving as Auditor General, she carried out her responsibilities in an ethical and professional manner. She also gave insight into the audit procedures that the Advisory Performance Audit Committee, which is in charge of them, uses to carry out in Sierra Leone’s Audit Service.

Moreover, Madam Taylor-Pearce refuted claims that she leaked information ,maintaining that while serving as Auditor General, she carried out her responsibilities in an ethical and professional manner. She also gave insight into the audit procedures that the Audit Service of Sierra Leone performs in compliance with international auditing standards, with the supervision of the Advisory Performance Audit Committee.
She went on to discuss how in her capacity as Auditor General, she had reviewed the financial statements of local councils and the central government accounts, and how the Audit Service itself had been examined by an independent organisation that had been authorised by the Parliament of Sierra Leone.

Lastly, Madam Taylor-Pearce vehemently contends the Tribunal process, emphasizing that the report has been delayed and that there was lack of evidence in the proceedings.
In line with the standards of practice in the audit service, she also directed the Tribunal to professional audit organisations for an investigation into her purportedly professional misconduct.
She concluded by assuring commitment to truth, integrity, and professionalism throughout her career.