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Let Safroko Limba enjoy peace

Author: Pa John Baimba Sesay - Freetown

May I start by saying that, what is about to happen in Binkolo is not good news, taking into account the fact that the people in that part of the country are as peaceful as the word peace itself. But because of politics, and the role played by one man to bring problem, things are about to go the way not expected.

Recently, I asked the Minister of Internal Affairs what the role of the PS is Paramount Chief Elections. Hon Dauda Kamara was blunt in saying they used to be powerful, and I cautioned that attention be paid to Binkolo.

Yesterday, I had telephone conversation with one Abdul Robert Dumbuya, the Provincial Secretary for the north on the recent declaration of right to the Paramount Chieftaincy in Safroko Limba, following allegations of bribery to him. This came about following the decision of AR Dumbuya and two paramount chiefs to disqualify one Desmond Bondi from contesting on the grounds that he (Bondi) has no right to the throne.

I must state from the onset that Desmond Bondi and Mr. Sanpha Dura, one of the qualified candidates are relatives; Desmond Bondi would normally refer to Mr. Dura as ‘Kothor’ which in Limba, just as in Temne, means ‘elder brother. In actual sense Desmond and Mr. Sanpha Dura are cousins. So as a matter of fact Desmond and Mr. Sanpha Dura are cousins, both coming from the same family.

A R Dumbuya at the Binkolo Court Barry

Now during the declaration ceremony, the PS did warn all present not to talk on the achievements of any of the candidates, and that people should go straight to the point, whether one is entitled to contest or not. This was where the problem seemingly started. Also, he allowed a non-TA to make comments at the Binkolo Court Barray contrary to what is said to be the norm. One of the persons who condemned Desmond Bondi, an old lady was believed not to be a Traditional Authority, but AR Dumbuya allowed her to make her points.

Section 13 sub section 2 of the chieftaincy Act 2009 clearly states the categories of individuals who should object to the title claim of an aspirant and also section 13 subsection 3 which provides a method of resolving any objections made against any candidate. Maybe the PS was not aware of that provision before visiting the Binkolo Court Barray.

Now I put it to him, yesterday over the phone that, it was an error in his part to allow a non-TA to say anything whether for or against a candidate. But in defense, AR Dumbuya said, he allowed the old woman to talk in an ‘attempt to empower women at the local level…’ I, for one am in support of women empowerment, but not to a point of creating chaos somewhere, because following what Awareness Times is now reporting, it would appear there is bound to be trouble in Binkolo, following the action of the Provincial Secretary.

Also on allegations that he (PS) was bribed a million Leones, he could not deny that when I put that issue to him, but in self defence, he asked ‘why did Dr Sesay give me that money…?’ From all indications, AR Dumbuya was bribed and he accepted the money sent by one Dr. Hassan Sesay from the States. This is unfortunate especially for our young democracy. AR Dumbuya must be made to account for his action, by the ACC. This is typical corruption. Just take a look at yesterday’s investigative story carried by Awareness Times on the matter and you will see even the Complementary card of the PS, here his grandson signed for the money, on behalf of his grandfather. Even the PS did accept receiving money from one Dr Sesay from America.

I was quietly following developments in Safroko with some interest because some of us don’t want any problem or misunderstanding to occur among our people in that part of the country. People in Safroko are as peaceful and quite as the word itself so, let the actions of AR Dumbuya don’t be allowed to divide once a peaceful land.

Sanpha Dura, Desmond Bondi, Owiz Koroma and other contenders should be seen working as a team and this I think was what used to happen until when the PS decided to put a knife on the things that used to hold these people together, that they are now falling apart . It would have been a different case if AR Dumbuya had denied receiving money from someone in the States, but the fact that he received such money, then something should be done to avert problem.

Let there be peace and unity in Safroko, but in ensuring that peace, the Minister of Internal Affairs may have a stake to play.

My understanding now is that there is a pending court injunction seeking that the elections, slated for the coming month, be put a hold on the Safroko Limba, if that happens, it will have some effect on the political dynamics of even the ruling party. Let problems be averted among my people, for we are a peaceful chiefdom. I call on all to settle this matter in a peaceful and acceptable manner. Let there be peace in Safroko. They are a peaceful people.

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Let Safroko Limba enjoy peace

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