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APC Election Petition Case Squashed by Appeal Court

By Foday Moriba Conteh

According to a Media Advisory issued by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone the Court of Appeal presided over by Hon. Justices Sengu Koroma JSC, Ansumana Ivan Sesay JA and Tonya Barnette J. it was stated that the court has struck out the election petition case brought forward by Hon. Osman A. Timbo and Nine (9) others on the grounds of non-compliance on the part of the appellants.

The matter was brought to the Court of Appeal by Hon. Osman A. Timbo; Hon. John Satty Kargbo;  Hon. Momoh Kamara; Hon. Mohamed Sheriff Kassim-Carew; Hon. Abu Bakar Sillah; Hon. Hariayatu Ariana Bangura; Hon. Siraj Muniru Rollings-Kamara; Hon.  Kadie Kallon; Hon. Ahmed Mansaray and Hon. Kemokoh Conteh all having failed in their separate election petitions brought against them in the High Court and having to appeal against the decision(s) to the Court of Appeal

The appellants were represented by Lawyers, Africanus Sesay, Ady Macauley and Salmata Bah.

Lawyer Ady Macauley on behalf of his clients said there are certain applications that had been filed in the Supreme Court in respect of these Appellants for which they filed a motion for stay of proceedings.  He  told the Court that the Appeal Court’s direction which required that they file synopsis will not be complied with as they had received instructions from their clients that they should not file same, consequent upon the said instructions they were not going to file any synopsis as directed,

Representing the defence, Lawyer Musa Mewa said the other side should have filed their synopsis on the 9th of August, 2020 and they have failed to do so. In effect, he continued, “they have disobeyed the order of this Honourable Court.”

He submitted that this conduct amounted to a withdrawal of the Appeal. Relying on Section 78 (5) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No. 6 of 1991 and Rule 24 of the Court of Appeal Rules 1985, he therefore applied that the said Appeal be dismissed with substantial costs.

The Appeal Court noted that the Appellants in this matter (Hon. A Timbo and others) and the other related matter have failed, refused or neglected to comply with the Order of the Court of Appeal dated 29th July 2020 and have failed to convince the Court of the reason for non-compliance.

In their unanimous Ruling, the Justices said that, “in the circumstances, this Appeal and the related Appeals are hereby struck out with costs of Five Million Leones (5,000,000) each and the costs to be borne by each of the Appellants.

 

Hon. Gevao Fires Back at Parliament

Member of Parliament representing Constituency 003 in Kailahun, Hindolo Moiwo Gevao

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Member of Parliament representing Constituency 003 in Kailahun, Hindolo Moiwo Gevao, has reacted to Parliament on his suspension from taking part in all parliamentary committee activities until a report from the Committee on Privileges is tabled and considered by the entire House.

His suspension came after he confirmed to BBC that Parliament is corrupt after a corruption perception survey report was released by the Institute for Governance Reform which indicted that the House of Representative is one of the corrupt public institutions in the country.

Hindolo Moiwo Gevao in an audio he recently released maintained that the charge levelled against him was as a result of expressing his opinion on BCC that Parliament is corrupt highlighting how he has no remorse in doing so affirming that he still stand by his words buttressing how is it his view and perception that there is corruption in parliament.

Hindolo Moiwo Gevao bemoaned that if he is not a Committee member there is no way he can perform oversight functions and that even though it was not the Speaker of Parliament or his colleague Members of Parliament who elected him but rather the people of Sierra Leone, they however have took upon themselves to do so without going to the court to strip him of one of his constitutional functions that he has been performing in the House of Parliament.

He stated that before he aired his views on BBC he was the Chairman of Human Rights Committee of which Parliament on which he has also been removed.

The Member of Parliament said what shocked him most was when the Speaker of Parliament disrobed two Members of Parliament namely Hon. Momoh Bockarie of Constituency 012 and Hon. Billoh Shaw of Constituency 039. Their Honourable titles were withdrawn until the report of the Committee on Privileges is tabled and considered by the House, a decision which he said he is not aware whether the constitution gives the Speaker of Parliament to exercise.

“For all what have happened I rely on God to fight a battle I called mine, If for speaking the truth that there is corruption in Parliament this nation will seat by and see people punish me I seat and await God to fight for me. I know for sure that 20 percent of the elite population in this country has suffered in the hands of Parliament with regard graft but out of fear nobody is ready to talk or stand up to my defence,” he stated.

Hindolo Moiwo Gevao pointed out that he does not rely on human beings but rather God, adding that if Sierra Leoneans fail to come to his defence the nation will face agony not too far from now.

Malaria Infection Rate High in Port Loko District

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Dr. Alhaji S. Turay, who happens to be  the Assistant Programme Manager of the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), has disclosed that Port Loko District has the highest malaria prevalence in Sierra Leone while Western Area Urban has the lowest with 6%.

He made this disclosure on the 21st October, 2020 during the Zero Malaria Parliamentary Engagement Forum organized by Speak Up Africa at the Committee Room No. 1 of the House of Parliament in Freetown.

Dr. Turay furthered that Malaria prevalence in Sierra Leone is 40% and that its prevalence in the Northern Region is very high due to the lack of the use of insecticides, treated bed net as compared to the South and Eastern Regions.

He added that the breeding grounds for mosquitos are going away in western area.

“We know what malaria is doing to the economics of the country. Malaria is endemic; it is everywhere in the country. On a daily basis people get sick. We as health workers know that malaria is the most killer disease in the country,” he affirmed.

According to Dr. Turay, the mobility for all ages is 38% and malaria account for 37.8% in all hospitals. Mobility for Under-Five children is 38.3% and that kids are dying because of malaria.

“The number of deaths is gradually reducing but to be honest with you we are still not certified. Yearly we have 1.7 million cases of malaria and 1.95 Thousand deaths,” he referenced.

He commended the move taken by the government and its partners such as the distribution of treated bed nets, the free testing and treatment of malaria among others.

Chairman Parliamentary Health Committee, Hon. Moses Biamba Jorkie in his opening remarks and welcome address pointed out that Malaria is a great burden of which everybody is at risk.

In making sure that by 2030 Sierra Leone get rid of malaria, it is incumbent for all honourable members to go to their constituencies in order to add their voice to the campaign as Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases in Africa, he maintained.

Speak Up Africa, Malaria Program Officer, James Wallen said Zero Malaria Starts with the ‘me campaign’ which is a pan African Movement that aims to build the energy and commitment from all sectors in society necessary to achieve malaria elimination by 2030.

He added the campaign was launched by RBM partnership to end malaria and the Africa Union at the 54th African Union Summit in July 2018 and was endorsed by all 55 Heads of State of the AU.

NaCOVERC Heightens Monitoring of Hastings Corona Virus Caseload

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Hastings National COVID-19 Emergency and Response Center team headed by Sgt Andrew Davowah intensifies its monitoring exercise over the weekend and throughout the week as part of efforts to ensure that businesses and ordinary residents abide by the COVID-19 regulations.

NaCOVERC has continued to make considerable progress on its work to enhance social distancing in markets places, business stalls all in a bid to enhance combating the spread of the Corona Virus in the country.

The NaCOVERC team was visible around Hastings and its environs on effective social distancing measures.

The team also engaged key partners including market chairladies, representatives of the  Traders’ Union, Drivers’ Union, Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) and local residents in a bid to sensitize the wider populace to enhance adherence to the regulations.

The monitoring exercise is going side by side with  key messages that are disseminated on major streets and communities within Hastings, Allen Town, and Calaba Town lorry park and market place.

On Monday alone NaCOVERC personnel were able to reach out to over ten business places, talked to shop owners and market women about COVID-19 regulations and how they could help in the fight as well as safeguard themselves.

Sgt Davowah highlighted some of the measures in reducing human interaction and appealed for the use of facemasks and the washing of hands at all times.

He said it is mandatory to wash hands at market entry and exit points and for buyers and traders to put on their face masks before entering the market.

“There is also need for one-way flow of traffic in the market with dedicated entry and exit points. Similar commodities should be sold in the same area to enhance the one directional flow of people”, he further recommended

He said engagements with Drivers’ Union and Traders’ Union Marshalls as well as Market monitors and NaCOVERC team will hopefully ensure compliance with the enhanced rules and regulations put in place.

The National COVID-19 Emergency Response Center will continue to work with other partners including market chairladies, to institute social distancing measures in markets throughout the Hastings environs in the fight to stop the coronavirus that is ravaging the world including Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone recorded its first case of corona virus on 31st March 2020. The country has gone to recorded over two thousand five hundred cases with seventy two deaths. Over one thousand five hundred people have survived the virus and over three hundred people are  in quarantine and undergoing observation.

Mr. Speaker Sir… When did holding and sharing opinion become a crime in Sierra Leone?

By Amin Kef Sesay

The jury is still out on the controversial issue of why the Sierra Leone Parliament decided to suspend Hon. Hindolo Gevao for airing his opinion over the BBC World Service that Parliament is corrupt. It has made many constitutionalists ask when holding and sharing opinion became a crime in Sierra Leone.

In the European Union which is held up as one of the bastions of democracy in the free world, the Union’s Human Rights Act allows Freedom of expression. Article 10 of it protects one’s right to hold one’s own opinions and to express them freely without Government interference.

This includes the right to express views aloud (for example through public protest and demonstrations) or through: Published articles, books or leaflets, Television or radio broadcasting. Works of art,the internet and social media

The law also protects one’s freedom to receive information from other people by, for example, being part of an audience or reading a magazine.

Are there any restrictions to this right?

Although you have freedom of expression, you also have a duty to behave responsibly and to respect other people’s rights.

Public authorities may restrict this right if they can show that their action is lawful, necessary and proportionate in order to:

Protect national security, territorial integrity (the borders of the state) or public safety, prevent disorder or crime, protect health or morals, protect the rights and reputations of other people, prevent the disclosure of information received in confidence and maintain the authority and impartiality of judges

An authority may be allowed to restrict one’s freedom of expression if, for example, one expresses views that encourage racial or religious hatred.

However, the relevant public authority must show that the restriction is ‘proportionate’, in other words that it is appropriate and no more than necessary to address the issue concerned.

This right is particularly important for journalists and other people working in the media.

They must be free to criticize the Government and our public institutions without fear of prosecution – this is a vital feature of a democratic society.

But that doesn’t prevent the State from imposing restrictions on the media in order to protect other human rights, such as a persons’ rights to respect for their private lives.

What the law says – Article 10 of the Human Rights Act: Freedom of expression: Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This Article shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises.

The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.

Example case – Observer and The Guardian v United Kingdom [1991]

The Guardian and The Observer newspapers published excerpts from Peter Wright’s book Spycatcher, which included allegations that MI5 had acted unlawfully.

The government obtained a court order preventing the newspapers from printing further material until proceedings relating to a breach of confidence had finished. But when the book was published, The Guardian complained that the continuation of the court order infringed the right to freedom of expression. The European Court of Human Rights said that the court order was lawful because it was in the interests of national security.

However, it also said that that wasn’t enough reason to continue the newspaper publication ban once the book had been published, because the information was no longer confidential anyway. This case summary is taken from ‘Human rights, human lives: a guide to the Human Rights Act for public authorities’.

Meanwhile, Hon. Gevao has called on the nation not to stand by and see him punished by parliament for folding and sharing his opinion.

 

Chericoco Requests for Investigation into Sackings/Resignations at SLBC

Honourable Chernoh Ramadan Maju Bah

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Honourable Chernoh Ramadan Maju Bah has called for thorough investigation to be conducted into the sacking and resignation at Sierra Leone’s only national broadcaster, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC).

The Member of Parliament said it is ‘‘alarming that a national broadcaster being the hub for the voices of Sierra Leoneans across the country is on the news recently for the wrong reasons, commenting on claims that certain workers were laid-off while others were forced to resign in their own volition.

He noted that this ugly development, more so for committed workers at the SLBC for ages, should be looked into saying it is still unclear why the unfortunate development is happening when the country is in serious need of a national broadcaster.

Speaking to journalists, Hon. Bah said while it is too early to draw conclusions on the allegations being put forward by affected media professionals, however, he wants to express grave concern over what he described as “systemic pattern of sackings and resignation’’, saying it is very worrisome to the point that he is compelled to call for an immediate investigation into the issue.

The opposition leader said his concern is drawn from the fact that the SLBC is being supported by Government and that such legacies of the State should be jealously protected.

Hon. Bah continued that SLBC’s transformation as a national broadcaster in June 2010 was deliberate, noting how it was an effort to empower the citizenry to have a voice the affairs of the State.

He added that such will go a long way to promote good governance and democracy in the country, which he believes is a novelty for the burgeoning democracy of the State.

Claudius Beckley, who worked as a cameraman at the SLBC for over a decade was recently sacked because of a social media post in his Facebook timeline.

Official correspondence from SLBC says Claudius Beckley’s comic postings in local language Krio on his personal Facebook timeline  brought the national broadcaster into disrepute.

The SLBC HR department didn’t state how Claudius Beckley violated any code of the SLBC.

A few days ago, three female journalists resigned at SLBC.

Alice Mariama Thomson, Ann-Marie Gegbai and Doreen Barrie told this writer that their resignation is as a result of an experience at the SLBC, which they say amounts to “constructive dismissal” in labour law.

The popular TV anchors said it is sad for them to quit a job they had put a lot into, but said nobody will be able to work in a hostile environment.

Concerns are being raised looking at the number of women practising journalism in the country as there is a clarion call for more women to occupy strategic positions of responsibilities in every spheres of the society.

A popular female journalist, Rose Konima Stevens, was also earlier forced to resigned, a source confirmed.

Director-General of SLBC, Joseph Kapuwa had described comments from the public in relations to this development as an attack.

He posted on SLAJ forum that he has been inundated with questions from colleagues over the development at the SLBC, but maintained he has the energy to survive the attacks.

A source at the SLBC confirmed to this writer that more media personnel will soon resign from the broadcaster should the status quo of intimidation, harassment and politicization of SLBC continues.

It is being so because, the source alleged, this act is perfectly implemented by the leadership of the DG and his deputy in consort with the SLBC board.

It is sad and this abuse of office cannot be forgotten in a hurry in the history of the SLBC, the source concluded.

SLPP Publicity Secretary Calls for Effective Conduct of Chieftaincy Election

Alusine Kargbo, SLPP Publicity Secretary North-West

By Esther Wright

Alusine Kargbo the SLPP Publicity Secretary North-West has called on State actors to effectively conduct the Chieftaincy Election in the de-amalgamated Chiefdom of Mafoda/ Makerembay to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
Alusine registered that the Chiefdom stakeholders have vowed to dishonour the calendar, until the agreed voters’ list is published for amidst appeals by defendants of the Chiefdom for Government to follow the due process.

The said chiefdom was under Libisaygahun in the Bombali district, when it was de-amalgamated in 2016 by the previous APC Government meaning it can now have its own Paramount Chief but such process has been marred by political interference from notable persons in that part of the country.
Alusine Kargbo said he felt cheated by the very people he trusted just because his opponent is all over the place dishing out money to some authorities who have ‘sold their pride’.

This medium gathered that the two Regent Chiefs have overstayed, hence the need for a Paramount Chief but for one reason or the other the Government has not been able to crown a new Paramount Chief since it came to power in April 2018 thus making the appointed Regent Chief to overstay.

What is more frustrating for Alusine Kargbo is when the momentum got heightened in the Chiefdom for the election in September. It was expected of the authorities to have prepared and circulated the timetable, the publication of the final voters’ list or gazette in line with the Chieftaincy Act-which says the voters’ list should be published in the chiefdom thrice before the elections.

The initial date for the publication of the voters’ list was to be on the 6th – 26th September 2020 but unfortunately the list or Gazette was not published in the chiefdom for verification of voters.

Alusine, being conversant with the process, suspected foul play and engaged the media to appeal to Government to address the issues the chiefdom had raised, before the closing date-among which was the publication of the updated voters’ list.
After that engagement with the media on 14th September 2020, another crowning timetable for the same chiefdom was circulated on the 15th of the same month, this time it indicated that the publication of voters’ list was completed but some have contested that saying such was never the case as it was never published.

This medium further gathered that the new timetable for the declaration of rights should now be on 26th of September 2010 and crowning on 9th of November 2020.

What is more confusing is that this candidate being imposed on the people by some big political figures from Gbinti and neighbouring Dibia Chiefdoms in the same Karene district, find it difficult to claim his rights and is an unpopular personality.

Our investigations further discovered that though Alusine Kargbo is also a supporter of the ruling SLPP, holding the position of Publicity Secretary for the party, he is not in the good books of certain big guns from the District and Chiefdom, though he supported one of them but declined to follow him when they break away from the Maada Bio camp while in opposition.

So even when he is a popular candidate, they still want to punish him for his refusal to support, Alhaji Bon Wurie.
What is interesting is that Mr. Kargbo has a cordial working relationship with Alusine Kargbo but he latter now feels cheated to popularize the party in the Bombali district.
He was sponsoring his nephew, Alusine Kargbo whose late father, Mohaed K Kargbo, was also a Zonal Chairman of the same SLPP at Old Wharf- in Freetown has was such a loyal supporter despite the trials he underwent.

Alusine Kargbo said he is bringing all these to the fore to let the people know how he has become the subject of neglect to something that he is entitled to and want the right thing to be done for posterity.
H said there is no way elections can be conducted without the display and verification of the voters’ list and this would not ensure for a free and fair process adding that after 70 years of amalgamation it is expected that the new Chiefdom would be given a new lease of life.

School of Deaf Appeal to Stakeholders for Assistance  

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Authorities of the National School for the Deaf on Wilkinson Road in Freetown are currently appealing to relevant stakeholders to come to their aid with regards assistance of food items especially during this period when we are contending with COVID-19.

The school authorities are calling for help from relevant stakeholders, past students and philanthropists to assist the school with food to feed the children while in school.

“It’s trying times in Sierra Leone as we go through the corona virus,” said Head Teacher, Winifred Kamara-Cole.

Some of the children usually go to bed on an empty stomach while others roam around begging for food.

The school needs learning materials and repair of the school building, she said.

Alhaji Rahman while handing over a donation from diaspora said two past pupils of the school Jonathan Marsh and Sylvester Kay mobilized some resources from America and England to assist the school highlighting with some food items as some of the children are from poor homes in Freetown.

Rahman disclosed how they donated 15 bags of rice, 2 bags of onions, 5 cartoons tin tomatoes and 15 gallons of vegetable oil to help prepare food for the children.

Receiving the items, Head Teacher of the school, Winifred Kamara-Cole, thanked Jonathan Marsh, Mr Sylvester Kay and others in the diaspora for their contributions to improve the welfare of deaf children in the country.

She prayed that God will bless them and protect them for their generosity and assured that the items will be used to cook for the children in order to enhance healthy living in the school.

Head girl of the school, Michaela Conteh, expressed gratitude to the donors for their support towards the wellbeing of the deaf children in the school.

Director of the Sierra Leone National association for the Deaf, Ramatu Sesay applauded Jonathan, Slyvester and others for their financial and moral supports to the deaf people in Sierra Leone.

The deaf community in the diaspora sometime last year also donated food items to the St. Joseph Secondary School and it was learnt that plans are underway through a task force to send food items and school supplies to the Ebert Kakua School for the Blind.

Sports Minister assures of Government’s continued support to Leone Stars

By Dalton Shyllon 

On the 19th, October 2020 during a Press Conference held at the Home Suite Hotel, officials of the Ministry of Sports and the Sierra Leone Football Association updated media practitioners about the friendly encounters with Mauritania and Niger respectively.

In his submission, Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, apologized to member of the Fourth Estate for not formally informing them before departing for the friendlies. He further expressed his satisfaction of the performance of Leone Stars, heaping praises on the homebased players put together by Head Coach, John Edward Keista.

Minister Nyelenkeh further explained that for far too long he has not seen a homebased team performed in such a manner and that if only some amount of time and chance is given to both the Coach and Players, a bright future lies ahead.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that the team receives more support and as Government we are asking for patience and time with the Coach to achieve bigger and positive results”, the Minister added.

Head of Delegation, Ali Badara Tarawallie, said, “as a FA we wanted to assess the performance and form of the team and see where we can improve and continue to support the team.”

Leones Stars lost to both Mauritania and Niger 2-1 and 1-0 respectively.

Coach John Keista said it was a difficult situation as the nation was expecting positive results but noted that the team is on a transition period and the technical team is working to bringing new players to fit in various positions.

“We are building a team that will be fit to compete in the AFCON Qualifiers and this is a transition for us. We are coming in with new faces to the team and we were not expecting results from the friendlies”, Keister added.

Sierra Leone will play Nigeria in November both home and away in the 2021 AFCON Qualifiers. Victory over Nigeria will put the team in a comfortable position to qualify.

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