By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a demonstration of commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding public land, Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, led an inspection of the Kenema airstrip on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Accompanied by key officials including the Director of Surveys, Tamba Dauda, and the Regional Director East, Dr. Senesie took decisive action against unauthorized construction activities on state-owned land.
According to accounts provided by the Minister, one Victor S. S. Ansumana ,arrived at the scene after receiving a distress call claiming that rather than cooperating the said Victor S. S. Ansumana confronted him aggressively demanding information about the disputed land.
Furthermore, the Lands Minister asserted that Ansumana’s behavior provoked disturbances among certain misguided individuals which resulted to a call for law enforcement to maintain order.
However, Ansumana, a Barrister and Solicitor, has refuted the allegations stating that he was merely attempting to understand the situation involving his Clerk, whom he claimed was detained through the orders of Minister Senesie. He also stated that he and his companions were subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault by individuals associated with the Minister.
However, it was said that during the inspection, law enforcement officers, under the supervision of Dr. Senesie, apprehended a construction worker who had repeatedly ignored stop-work orders and requests for proper documentation. The suspect, claiming affiliation with a Magistrate, was found depositing materials on a disputed land without legal authorization.
Subsequently, the situation escalated when the lawyer, Victor S. S. Ansumana, arrived at the scene with a group of individuals and attempted to obstruct lawful enforcement actions. Despite aggressive behavior and demands for unconditional release, Dr. Senesie remained steadfast in ensuring compliance with regulations.
Following the altercation, Ansumana and several others, including his clerk and brother’s wife, were arrested on the basis of Senesie’s complaint. Senesie maintains that Ansumana’s actions constituted incitement and trespassing.
It was also stated that in response to attempts to disrupt proceedings, law enforcement officers intervened promptly, detaining individuals engaged in the riotous behavior and ensuring the safety of Dr. Senesie and his team. The Minister later reported the incident at the Kenema Police Station, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and protecting public servants in the execution of their duties.
Contrary to misinformation circulating on social media, Dr. Senesie’s actions were rooted in the principles of accountability and transparency. His steadfast commitment to enforcing regulations and preserving public assets underscores his dedication to serving the interests of the people of Sierra Leone.
Dr. Turad Senesie assumed office with a clear vision of revitalizing the lands and country planning sector, implementing innovative strategies to promote sustainable development and improve land administration. His proactive approach and collaborative spirit have yielded tangible results, positioning Sierra Leone for a brighter and more prosperous future.
As Sierra Leone continues on its path towards progress, Minister Turad Senesie remains a beacon of integrity, leadership, and dedication. His unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting public resources sets a standard for governance and accountability, ensuring that the interests of the nation and its people are safeguarded at all times.
Currently with the proceeding of investigations, the incident has sparked debate regarding the boundaries of legal intervention in Governmental affairs and the conduct of public officials in handling disputes. Both parties await further legal proceedings to address the conflicting accounts surrounding this contentious incident.
