In a jam-packed room, Madam Schwartz said she is delighted to be opening the case for the State before the Commission. She further said that “this Commission of Inquiry is one of institutions, the government and the people of this country that is established upon the strong conviction that it should combat impunity in corruption and related practices.”

According to her, the war against corruption and abuse of power is a constitutional mandate for the state pursuant to sub-section 5 of section 6 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991.

Speaking before the three respective judges presiding Commission No.1 Justice Biobele Georgewill; Commission No.2 Justice Bankole Thompson and Commission No.3 Justice William Afuguba, the AG and Minister of Justice said the process will be transparent and done within the ambit of the law, adding “that this war must be waged for the benefit of our people” and called on anyone invited before the commissions to allow due process take its course as Sierra Leone is bigger than any individual or group.