On Thursday 16th May 2019 the Sierra Leone Police raided a private residence where they arrested 31 individuals said to be engaged in exam malpractices, among them were teachers, pupils, exam supervisors and tenants.
The arrest came in the wake of a tip-off by citizens who had got wind of exam malpractices involving pupils of Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood Secondary School in Freetown.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, T.M Lahai told a news conference how the police got wind of the information. He said that the Local Unit Commander in charge of the jurisdiction was informed by concerned citizens that a particular unfinished house within the locality of Oniel Street was housing over 150 pupils writing their exams. AIG T.M. Lahai added that the Police during the raid discovered that 150 pupils were taking the examination away from the approved examination hall.
Explaining further, he said, the Police during the course of their investigation discovered that the pupils were asked to pay Le500,000 each in order for them to write their exams away from the examination centre.
During the operation, he continued, the Police arrested 31 people including invigilators, supervisors and 5 people claiming to be tenants within the locality. The Police also revealed that some of the items discovered in possession of the pupils included 9 mobile phones, 10 mathematical sets, 20 calculators, 15 blue shirts, 8 white shirts together with other items which are currently in possession of the Police.
AIG T.M Lahai informed journalists that the matter is still under investigation whilst the 31 people arrested are in custody helping Police with their investigations.
H.E. Fatima Maada Bio and JMB-WW (Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing), have so far donated to 5 mosques in Port Loko and Kambia districts as they continue to worship with Muslims in various mosques during this holy month of Ramadan.
At the Sus mosque in Kambia district, Imam Alhaji Bangura commended the First Lady for this great generosity to not only the mosque but the Muslim communities in that part of the country. He expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the current Government for the “free quality education” which is in progress, as this has aided many young people to start schooling again. He also appreciated the idea of the “Hands Off Our Girls” initiative which is geared towards eradicating sexual violence and harassment in the country.
The Imam who also doubles as a Principal in an elementary school testified that because of the free quality education and the hands off our girls initiative, his work is has been made simple.
First Lady Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio in her statements has stated that she is thankful to Allah, for giving her the opportunity to continue celebrating his name. “I am a proud Muslim woman who believes in the teaching of our Prophet Mohammad (SAW). There is nothing more fulfilling than giving Zakat to the needy as it is one of the pillars of Islam,” she said while visiting a number of mosques to give Zakat in this Ramadan season.
The First Lady also asked all the Head Imams of these various mosques to continue to pray for the country’s development and for God not to accept anyone who is trying to destroy the plans of President Julius Maada Bio. She also said that her movement to these mosques was not for politics but rather reaching out to the Muslim communities across the country. “This government is actually ready to redeem this country and everybody’s participation is required, from all sides of the country” Fatima Bio said
It could be recalled that Madam Bio in conjunction with the Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing (JMB-WW) has over the past few days been going around donating food and other items to various mosques around the city and in provincial areas.
This is in observance of the season of Ramadan. Madam Fatima Maada Bio and the Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing (JMB-WW) are on this exercise to demonstrate their generosity to Muslims in different parts of the country.
Fatima Maada Bio and JMB-WW also joined worshippers at the Hill Station Mosque, on Wednesday 15th May, 2019. They also gave Zakat in the spirit of Ramadan and also joined worshippers at the Majid Rahman Mosque, Goderich in Freetown, on the same day. They also gave Zakat in the spirit of Ramadan.
The First Lady and JMB-WW started the tradition of giving Zakat more than 5 years ago in the name of Allah and they continue to donate and ask for prayers for President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone.
Muslims in Sewafe, Kamadu, Sulkudu, Peiyema, Tombodu, Koiquema, and Koidu Town, have all benefited from the generosity of Fatima Bio and the JMB Women’s Wing.
A total of two hundred bags of rice, sugar, flower, salt, oil, tomatoes, kola and money have so far been distributed.
She adds that: “I am also very happy to share with my people from Kono where I come from, and to seek their blessings for my family, the government and the people of this nation,” she added.
As all of this is going on, Fatima Bio remains committed to offering prayers for Allah to uproot anyone bent on destroying the good ideals of the New Direction government; something which observers say is very good especially during this Ramadan season.
Everywhere she goes she offers prayers calling on Allah to weed out and disgrace all those who are clandestinely bent on undermining the Presidency and especially her husband, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio’s efforts in enhancing overall national development and by extension derailing the New Direction manifesto.
She also entreats Allah to liberate the nation from the clutches of those whom she characterised as evil and demonic individuals.
However, one school of thought has it that Fatima Bio should not be ‘offering prayers for evil to befall anyone during this holy month of Ramadan because it is un-Islamic and the Quran is against it.’
The leading Telecommunication operator in Sierra Leone, Africell has given Iftar to Muslims nationwide that are fasting in this Holy month of Ramadan.
Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and it is taken just after the Maghrib prayer and it is done in emulation of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) who before his death breaks his fast in that manner.
Presenting Iftar, the Head of Event and Sponsorship of Africell, Mr. Abdul Aziz Kamara underscores the fact that Africell Mobile Company has tremendous respect for religious practices in the country. He added that in line with the religious practices of Muslims, the Africell Mobile Company has, therefore, joined Muslims throughout the country in observance of the Holy month of Ramadan.
Mr. Kamara went on to say that during Ramadan Muslims are expected to hold Iftar, adding that Muslims are doing so mainly in emulation of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) who before his death usually breaks his fast with Muslims in his community.
Africell mobile company believes that sharing Iftar to Muslims is rewarding. He said that Africell Mobile Company believes in giving out charity to people in the country. He added that in observance of Iftar in this holy month of Ramadan, Africell has presented food items to hundreds of Muslims nationwide.
The Imams and Elders of the various Mosques that received Iftar on behalf of worshippers thanked the Management of Africell for the kind gesture. They expressed that this is not the first time they are receiving Iftar from Africell, adding that giving charity during the month of Ramadan will attract blessings from Allah and they prayed that Africell will receive the blessings of Ramadan.
The Produce Monitoring Board (PMB) on Wednesday 16th May, 2019, engaged stakeholders including the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) , National Revenue Authority (NRA), Bike Riders Union and other stakeholders on how to combat smuggling of produce in the country.
This engagement meeting was held at the Conference Room of PMB, Lightfoot Boston Street in Freetown.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Chairman of PMB Dr. James Vibbi, thanked all for leaving their busy schedules to polish the meeting, as the purpose is to discuss one of the most important element that annoy the produce sector and the country as a whole.
He noted that more than 70% of palm produce pass through smuggling to other neighboring countries which is very bad for our country to advance this he said that is why the Produce sector taught it feet to dialogue and cooperation with all other sister partners to radically reduce smuggling in the country he noted.
He said that the engagements meeting are for all to deliberate frenziedly by what method to break
the smuggling of farm produce.
He informed that as the Executive Chairman of PMB the want to match the effort of the government in boosting the country’s economy, noting that combating smuggling is one step in completing the government’s effort of revenue collection this he said that he determined to work with relevant stakeholders to invest in agriculture to move the economy forward.
In his Power Point presentation, the Director of Operations of PMB Dedan Sankoh, noted that the Produce Monitoring Board was established in 2013 by an Act of Parliament with the general mandate to promote the production, processing and marketing of high quality produce within established national and international standard requirements and ensuring the provision of well-regulated markets to enhance export earnings for all stakeholders along the value chain.
He fostered that the Act mandate PMB to control, promote and improve the marketing of produce in order to optimize the export earnings of farmers, encourage the production of quality produce which meet international standards, initiate and encourage the processing of produce with the aim of adding value to them for export and consumption.
In his statement Richard H. Senesie, Assistant Commissioner from the Ant-Smuggling Unit and Border Counsel of NRA, noted that Sierra Leone has over 800 crossing point and that they don’t have the manpower and amenities to guard these crossing points this he said that sensitization is also important in reducing smuggling in the country, noting that NRA has a lot to do as they are trying to recruit now intelligent officers he noted.
He stated that smuggling is all over the world, but as a commission, it is obligatory to combat smuggling, which is why this meeting is important to not only PMB but also all stakeholders involved.”
In his contribution Bike Riders Union President Umaru Talie Bah, informed that police and NRA alone cannot stop or fight smuggling in the country as I called on PMB to embroil the military also in the combat smuggling.
He called on PMB to charge also drivers that are caught in smuggling and not the business owner alone. Fines should be levied according to the quantity of goods in smuggled.
JAMJAY Agricultural, Construction, Estate & Logistics Company Ltd, on the 18th May 2019 facilitated a grand launching of 1200 hectares of land for agriculture and cultivation of sorghum at Malompoh village in Tonkolili District.
Pastor Deffi introduced the Chairman the occasion, Dr. Ahmed Nanoh, as well as other key personalities including the Minister of Agriculture, Joseph J. Ndanemah, Deputy Minister Local of Government, Melrose Koroma, Paramount Chief of Yoni Chiefdom, Member of Parliament of Constituency 081, Joseph William Lamin, General Manager of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Daaf Van Tilburg, Albert Ojo Collier, Corporate Relations Manager ( SLBL), Unisa Conteh of Sierra Leone Brewery and the Chief Executive Officer of JAMJAY Agricultural Company –Mr. Denis Jusu etc.
In his welcome address, on behalf of the Paramount Chief of Yoni Chiefdom, Kapri Kargbo thanked everyone for leaving their busy schedules to attend the programme and pleaded with them to give their fullest support to ensure that the farming land is well utilized calling on the stakeholders to send a message to President Bio to address the road issues in their various constituencies.
Representing the Hon.Member of Parliament of Constituency 042- Hon. Aeron Koroma, Councillor James Sidique Bangura delivered a brief statement in which he said they are highly appreciative of the development assuring all that they will make proper use of the project at hand and do all within their reach to ensure it to benefits residents in that part of the country and the nation as a whole.
He noted that the launch of the Jamjay Agriculture farm is a testimony of SLBL’s efforts to change the lives of sorghum farmers and develop agriculture in the country, thereby creating more employment and support Government’s efforts to make Sierra Leone a food sufficient country.
“We are particularly delighted when a top farmer, Denis Jusu, who has excelled in sorghum cultivation, decided to extend into large scale agricultural pursuits in the country. We congratulate him and we are looking forward to continue working together for many years to come,” he highlighted.
Chairman Ahmed Nanoh entreated his audience to forget about politics and support Government to develop the country and also advised the MP to talk to his people to support the Bio led administration to develop the country.
In his brief statement, the Agriculture Oversight Committee Hon. Member of Parliament, James William Lamin, dilated on the significance of maintaining law and order quoting “Sections 13 B & 13F” of the Constitution which talk of loyalty of the State.
He praised Denis Jusu for his hard work and applauded him for a job well done and officially handed over Denis Jusu to the people of Yoni Chiefdom and admonished everyone to come together and work with him for national cohesion saying they should be patriot and development oriented.
Councillor Abdulia Sesay of Ward 164 Constituency 042 expressed his appreciation for this new development and revealed to his audience that there are hopes for more development to come as his Ward and Constituency are the least developed in the country. He assured Mr. Jusu that they will support this development and also advised the Minister of Agriculture to support JAMJAY further calling on the Minister of Local Government to improve the lot of the Girl Child in that part of the country.
General Manager of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Daf Van Tilburg, expressed his utmost satisfaction for what he termed as a fine initiative and development underscoring how he believes that agriculture is the driver of development assuring that with no doubt they will support Mr. Jusu to actualize his vision and development strides noting that the nation will surely benefit from it.
He disclosed that the Brewery has been operating for 57 years in the country but its operations was thwarted by the Ebola outbreak in 2013 highlighting that Mr. Jusu is a major sorghum contributor to the Brewery. He mentioned how the company has spent over 278 billion Leones in the last 2 years to improve the Brewery adding that they are working with sorghum farmers and SLARI.
“Mr. Jusu’s organization is the major supplier of sorghum to the Brewery with over 25,000 farmers countrywide,” he pointed out. He called on the Government to support this development drive and improve the capacities of sorghum farmers.
Daaf Van Tilburg said the project is a move to bring Sierra Leoneans together to develop the country reiterating that Mr. Jusu is the head of farmer planting sorghum countrywide and thanked JAMJAY for the new development as well as everyone for their inputs and willingness to give support.
M.B Kallon from the Civil Society Organization made mention of their role in monitoring Government on development saying they are providing the platform for the people to maximize their aspirations adding that they are engaging the Government to ensure that the interests of farmers are seriously addressed.
He said they are participating to promote the Local Content Policy for the benefit of the people of this country which is why they are present to support Mr. Denis Jusu for this wonderful development adding that Jusu has created job opportunities for many and is contributing to provided food for the citizenry buttressing how they he will do all their best in advocating for this project to be successful and sustainable.
Mr. Sam Kpaka from the Ministry of Finance said he stands to support JAMJAY because the project is really poised to enhance development and called on Government to support it. He talked about empowering the private sector.
CEO of JAMJAY, Denis Jusu thanked everyone and his wife because her name is on the company’s registration documents saying more importantly he recognizes the person who contributed for the Company’s inroad in the village, Mamie Yeabu Koroma, revealing that she is the back bone for the development.
He talked about his passion for agriculture as well as JAMJAY which he said was formed by certain people also dilating on sorghum cultivation. He said he took the adventure to travel to the USA to study more how to develop agriculture. He thanked Sierra Leone Brewery for their unflinching support for Sorghum farmers saying the Brewery is purchasing over 50 million Leones worth of Sorghum every year and praised Mr. Albert Ojo Collier for his relentless efforts to ensure that Sorghum farmers are empowered.
He assured the Minister of Agriculture and everyone that their story will change by next year and called on the Minister to consider his Farm Manager by paying his salary because he has now retired from SLARI. He thanked the media and the Civil Society for supporting him to reach this far.
According to the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Joseph J. Ndanemah, he said that when President Bio declared his pronouncement in Parliament about agriculture he started making the difference and actualized the President’s speech into action.
He said there is money put aside by Government to support farmers explaining the need for enhancing farming reiterating the support of Government to this project.
James Bio, Project Director, Ministry of Water Resources, made a brief speech on behalf of the Minister of Water Resources.
The Minister launched the JAMJAY Agricultural farming and thanked everyone.
In her closing statement, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Madam Melrose Kargbo, said the initiative is a good example from the private sector thanking God she was appointed as Deputy Minister of Local Government because she believes in action. She promised to do more saying she is happy to be present to make the closing statement disclosing she has her own farm and she’s willing and ready to support the organization because the Ministry of Local Government is passionate to attract investors and investment in order to support local businesses mentioning she has worked before in rural communities. She promised to address the issues associated with the Girl Child admonishing that they must attend school so that they will contribute meaningfully to development in their various communities.
She encouraged all to support the Local Content Policy and thanked everyone for attending the ceremony.
The programme was climaxed by a tour around the farm/ community.
The Sierra Leone government has dismissed complaints by former President Ernest Bai Koroma that the replacement of his security details left him vulnerable and in fear of his safety. A government spokesman said Koroma’s security detail was only replaced as a routine practice by those in charge.
The Sierra Leonean constitution provides for up to 30 personnel, comprising police and military personnel, as security for every former head of state, as part of their retirement package.
In addition, they are entitled to domestic help in the form of a cleaner, cook and watchman.
Koroma served Sierra Leone as president from 2007 to 2018, he complained that his security details have been removed, among several other allegations against the new government, which he believes were part of a move to hound him.
The former president’s complaint was contained in a letter he wrote to the Inspector General of Police.
But Mohamed Rado Swaray, Minister of Information and Communication, who is also government spokesman, told journalists on Monday that the decision to replace the former president’s security detail was pure procedural, rather than any attempt at endangering his personal safety.
Mr. Swaray also said the government or the police did not have to consult with a former president to replace his security detail.
Swaray however assured that the Bio administration was committed to ensuring the safety of Mr. Koroma as a former president.
“As a government we have availed him the necessary security that is required. President Bio respects the statutory instruments of this country,” the minister said.
“These deployments are necessary for the all-round development of the personnel involved and for a watertight security for the former President and his family,” he added.
The issue has heightened political tension in a country already tethering on the brink, since the 2018 disputed elections.
Ambrose Michael Sovula, AIG of Police – North East
In a letter dated 15th May, 2019 written by Emerlin George, Board Executive Secretary – IPCB, addressed to the Inspector General of Police and copied to several relevant authorities, the writer makes bitter complaint against Ambrose Michael Sovula, AIG of Police – North East.
Among other salient issues, the writer stated that on the 15th of April 2019, the IPCB received two complaints at its their regional office in Makeni from Idriss Sankoh, a motor bike rider in Makeni City and Michael Fallah Kamanda (PC 6589) a serving member of the Sierra Leone Police attached at the Mena Police Station Makeni.
According to the letter, the IPCB initiated an investigation into the matter, with a view of determining the conduct of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) personnel involved.
According to the letter, the IPCB approached Mr. Ambrose Sovula, the AIG for North – East at his regional office, Mena Police Station and briefed him about the two complaints.
However, according to the letter of complaint, to the dismay of the IPCB, Sovula without regard to protocol ordered the arrest and detention of the complainant that was brought to the Mena Police Station by the IPCB and also ordered the indefinite suspension of PC 6589 Kamanda M. F from police duty immediately.
According to the complaint, even though the IPCB Complaints and Investigations Officer pleaded with the Sovula to withdraw his decision and look into the fact of the matter as alleged, not as a verdict due to the fact that Idrissa Sankoh was having a fracture of the jaw bone and urgently needed medical attention, Sovula insisted on his order for the arrest and detention of Idrissa Sankoh and the suspension of PC 6589 Kamanda M. F. in the presence of Mr. Richard S. Freeman, the Chairman of the IPCB.
He further complained that in the eyes of the ordinary citizens especially onlookers at the police station, Sovula demonstrated utter disrespect to the IPCB because the complainant was in the possession of the IPCB when Sovula arrested and detained him.
The complaint further states that Sovula treated the complainant like a criminal who does not deserve being treated with courtesy and humanity. There was no reason for Sovula to be so obnoxiously disrespectful to the IPCB in the performance of its functions.
The IPCB, according to the letter was astounded by the approach of AIG Sovula and his conduct.
It went further to state that ‘in light of the above, the IPCB considers this as misconduct involving an officer of higher rank under Regulation 3 (1) (e) and Contempt of the Board under Regulations 26 (e) of the IPCB Regulations, 2013, the reason why the complaint against Sovula was made.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adonis Aboud Trust Fund (AATF) and Pikin Bizness, Dr. Adonis Aboud, on Friday assured journalists and Kamayama community that he will continue to provide support to the community.
He made the above promise during the launch of the Adonis Aboud Bridge that connects the Malamah-Kamayama communities in Freetown, Western Urban.
He said the project was a joint private sector project, with the main objective of empowering the youth and creating employment by motivating them to take active part in community development.
It was noted that eleven years after it was first commissioned, this is the second time Dr. Aboud has renovated this bridge. He explained that the bridge project is a joint private sector youth initiative with the main objective of empowering the youth and creating employment by motivating them to take active part in community development thus participating in national development without recourse to government funding or external donors.
On his part, Chief Conteh explained that there are about 40,000 people behind the bridge construction site at the crossing from Malamah to Kamayama. Prior to the construction of the bridge they were subjected to daily agony in order to reach their homes, not to talk about the risk involved in crossing over at night. He saw this constraint and he promised to help and he delivered and he has proven himself a son of the soil. He said he had done a lot for the youth in this community by relocating and providing some of them with jobs.
Dr. Adonis Aboud has not only stopped at constructing the bridge at Kamayama but has also constructed a bridge at Dworzack community, Nduvuibu in Bo and has also dug several water wells.
In a rare social media livestream video cast to mark her first year in office on Saturday May 11, the Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyer.
disclosed plans by the Freetown City Council to convert the Kingtom dumpsite in Freetown into what she described as “a faecal sludge treatment centre”.
This move by the Freetown City Council is part of its wider plans to manage the rate at which major dumpsites in Freetown are overwhelmed by waste, Mayor Aki-Sawyer said.
The Mayor of Freetown confirmed that there was already a roadmap which would see the construction of a landfill site at the normally unsightly Kingtom dumpsite, which is predominantly used for open dumping of sewage and other waste matter that pose possible health risk to people living in nearby communities. “FCC expects to obtain funding for the construction of a faecal sludge treatment centre at Kingtom, using a cost-effective technology which aims to stop the open dumping of sewage and the consequent poisoning of the watercourses,” Mayor Aki-Sawyer assured.
She added that based on a recent feasibility study, plans were also underway to turn the dumpsite into a planned landfill. Albert Kabbia, a resident of Kroo Town Road community around the Kingtom dumpsite described the proposed move as a “source of relief” for inhabitants in the communities around the Kingtom dumpsite. He however questioned how soon the project will get off the ground saying “This is not the first time we are hearing about plans to transform our dumpsite into landfill for the production of gas and other useful chemicals,” given that all earlier promises are yet to see the light of day.
Meanwhile, Salifu Koroma, a Bio-Chemical Expert, has called on the Freetown City Council and their partners to observe and maintain good practices saying “This is to ensure that the good intention of the Mayor and other authorities to transform the community does not end up into an even more worst environmental situation for community people.”
First Lady Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio has stated that she is thankful to Allah, for giving her the opportunity to continue celebrating his name. “I am a proud Muslim woman who believes in the teaching of our Prophet Mohammad (SAW). There is nothing more fulfilling than giving Zakat to the needy. This is part of the pillars of Islam,” she said while visiting a number of mosques to give Zakat in this Ramadan season.
Madam Bio in conjunction with the Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing (JMB-WW) has over the past few days been going around donating food and other items to various mosques around the city.
This is in observance of the season of Ramadan. Madam Fatima Maada Bio and the Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing (JMB-WW) are on this exercise to demonstrate their generosity to Muslims in different parts of the country.
H.E. Fatima Maada Bio and JMB-WW join worshippers at the Hill Station Mosque, on Wednesday 15th May, 2019. They also gave Zakat in the spirit of Ramadan and also joined worshippers at the Majid Rahman Mosque, Goderich in Freetown, on the same day. They also gave Zakat in the spirit of Ramadan.
The First Lady and JMB-WW started the tradition of giving over 5 years ago in the name of Allah and they continue to donate and ask for more prayers for President Bio and the good people of Sierra Leone.
As giving is believed to be caring and is perceived as one way to unite people and promote oneness, Fatima Bio and the JMB-WW also made donations to Muslims at the Central Mosque in Freetown and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) mosque at its headquarters in Freetown on Tuesday 14th May 2019.
Also, quite recently, she led a group to present gifts and to mobilize women and some male loyalists to go across Kono District to do presentations to her fellow Muslims.
Muslims in Sewafe, Kamadu, Sulkudu, Peiyema, Tombodu, Koiquema, and Koidu Town, all benefited from the generosity of Fatima Bio and the JMB Women’s Wing.
A total of two hundred bags of rice, sugar, flower, salt, oil, tomatoes, kola and money was distributed.
She added: “I am also very happy to share it with my people from Kono where I come from, and to seek their blessings for my family, the government and the people of this nation on the first Friday of Ramadan,” she added.
The women in attendance that were the beneficiaries promised that they will continue to do their charity work throughout Ramadan.
