On Thursday 9th November, 2017, the  Ombudsman, Melron Nicol-Wilson, sensitised members of the general public about his mandate, in a town hall meeting, held at the Port Loko District Council Hall.

The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Port Loko District Council, Mr. Alex Bangura.

After thoroughly explaining the functions and “modus operandi” of the Office of the Ombudsman, Mr.      Melron Nicol-Wilson informed the gathering of his plan to open a regional office in Port Loko in January 2018. Speaker after speaker applauded the Ombudsman for his intention to open an office in Port Loko.

The main issue that was raised by the participants was the absence of a resident judge in Port Loko, to try cases speedily. The people complained that, accused persons spend more time on remand for     minor offences, because the judge who tries cases in Port Loko is resident in Makeni. The Ombudsman       promised to take their concern to the Chief Justice, when he returns to Freetown.  

The meeting ended with receipt of complaints about injustices caused by maladministration in the public sector.