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Four Years of Functional Existence of GEED Foundation Celebrated in Bonthe Island

Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin.jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

The fourth anniversary of the Gilo Educational Economic and Development (GEED) Foundation was celebrated in the Island of Bonthe on the 26th February 2022.

Established in 2007 by the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, the GEED Foundation, has been providing mostly educational and economic support to Sierra Leoneans for over a decade now.  Activity spans from urban Freetown to Waterloo to Tonkolili, Masiaka, and now the Bonthe District.

During the weekend inhabitants of the Bonthe District where Gilpin himself is a son of the soil continued to benefit from his astute benevolence and desire to develop human capacity in Sierra Leone.

According to Gilpin, his Foundation aims at complementing the efforts of the Government of SL, in accordance with the wishes of President, Julius Maada Bio to turn round the fortunes of an Island that had suffered decline after its glorious days.

One of the key fundamentals to growth and development, he said, is education. To that end he encouraged indigenes to put premium on education. He also shared a motivational sermon on the importance of sharing and called on more influential indigenes of Bonthe to emulate the examples of those who have parted with their little resources to help the people of Bonthe.

Mayor of Bonthe Municipality, Lamin Joe Sandi recalled the days when the Island was referred to as Christmas Island with 24 hours electricity, running water and paved streets. He paid tribute to President Bio for trying to bring back those glorious days to the Island through the reconstruction of its main streets, harbour and other important social infrastructure.

The GEED Foundation’s Fourth Anniversary celebration was climaxed by a well attended march past, motivational speaking session and the donation of educational items worth millions of Leones  to school children of Bonthe Island.

Some of the residents in that part of the country told this medium that they are heartened by the work Dr Ekundayo Gilpin is doing in Sierra Leone – as his focus continues to be to assist in the developmental aspirations of his country people in the younger generation.

Gilpin hails from a strong Christian praying family that has rooted their every step in the hands of God.

Despite Increase in Pump Price… NP-SL Ltd’s Remains 1st for Customer Care

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By Amin Kef Sesay

Pump price for petroleum products has gone up as effective from the  1st March 2022, the price of a liter of petrol or diesel will be Le 12,000, up from Le 10,000. In a Press Release issued by the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) it was indicated that Sierra Leone continues to review its pump prices on a monthly basis driven by International factors.

Those international factors, it was stated, include refined products at a predetermined price set at Global Markets level including cost of importation, shipping costs and premium.

Pointing out key factors affecting fuel prices adjustments, the PRA cited PLATTS maintaining how  the International Oil Reference prices has increased by 62% and 67% for petrol and diesel respectively within the same period in 2021.

Highlighting the international market, the PRA pointed out that the World demand for Oil remains in excess of supply since January 2022. It also stated that Oil participating countries could not meet their production target since December 2021 making the market even tighter thereby pushing oil prices higher.

With regards geopolitics, the PRA asserted that the escalating crises in Europe have led to a surge in oil prices with fears and uncertainties.

In stating the new prices, the PRA informed that pump prices for March 2022 has been adjusted as follows:
• Petrol: From Le 10,000 to Le 12,000
• Diesel: From Le 10,000 to Le 12,000
• Kerosene: From Le 10,000 to Le 12,000
• Fuel Oil: From Le 10,000 to Le 12,000

The regulatory entity pointed out that the adjustments remain below the Market price of Le13, 000 per litre.

With these realities on the ground, some relatively new, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) will like to inform all its esteemed customers that it will be marketing the aforementioned petroleum products according to the new prices. Management of the premier petroleum importing and marketing entity wants to assure that it will do everything within its reach to ensure that those products are always available.

Known as 1st for Customer Care, NP-SL Ltd is very keen on offering qualitative services to its numerous customers spread across the country in order for them to get the feel that they are deriving value for money.

The company also has for sale NP Gas which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and has been certified as good for cooking purposes. Gas could be bought at Filling Stations to be used in refilling. They could be secured at Filling Stations or from authorized dealers.

Besides, the company now has in place NP Smart Card which is used to procure fuel for vehicles. An holder of NP Smart Card only needs to top-up it, and after crediting it the Card could be used to purchase fuel. It is used to conduct cashless transactions which have been proven to be safe, time saving and efficient.

Shareholders and Management of NP-SL Ltd are really determined to continue to serve diligently, selflessly and pro actively in order to assuage fuel constraints that amount to Energy Poverty in some communities within the country.

As the Application Stage Still Ongoing…   ‘White Money’ to Serve as Audition Judge for Housemates Salone Season 3

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The Reality TV Show, Housemates Salone Season 3 with the slogan: “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”, organized and sponsored by the African Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire and Africell-Sierra Leone, is gaining momentum as the stages leading its commencement, with all the participants in the House, are unfolding.

Currently, the application stage to participate as a Housemate is ongoing.  Any individual of Sierra Leonean origin that is 21 years old and above and was not selected to participate in any other Reality TV Show in Sierra Leone is eligible to apply. If an individual previously applied for a Reality TV Show but was not selected to participate, he or she can apply for Housemates Salone Season 3.

Application forms are now available online on AYV and Africell platforms. The application form costs Le200, 000 and is payable ONLY via Afrimoney. To apply, please click the following links:  https://www.africell.sl/housemates/

www.ayvnews.com

Please note that before you go online to apply make sure you have 204,000 Leones minimum on your Afrimoney phone and then go on to complete the form online using the phone number that has the 204,000 Leones as your contact number and automatically Afrimoney will take 200,000 Leones as form cost and then you submit successfully.

The detailed application form is to properly evaluate an interested person’s qualifications as a suitable candidate for Housemates Salone.

An applicant must make sure to answer all questions correctly and honestly in the form otherwise he or she will automatically be disqualified from the selection process if any of the answers turns out to be untruthful or if requested information is withheld.

However, AYV and Africell have made it in such a way that if an individual is struggling to complete his or her application, he or she can visit any of the following locations in Freetown for help: AYV Media Empire on 3 Wesley Street Off Pademba Road, Africell Office at Odion on Siaka Stevens Street or Africell Office at Wilberforce Village.

Closing date for submission of applications is 10th March 2022.

After the closing date what comes up next is audition and it will run from the 11th to 14th March 2022. Note that diaspora applicants will be sent a zoom link for their virtual audition upon successful completion of their application.

This medium was reliably informed that Reality TV Star, White Money, has confirmed that he will be visiting the country to serve as a Judge during the audition stage from the 11th to 14th March 2022.With his real name being Hazel Oyeze Onou popularly known as White Money is a Nigerian singer, song writer and Reality TV Star and is the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 6.

The audition stage is where the ‘Yagba’ for the aspirants begins as it will determine whether or not an individual to make it in the House. Right at this stage the real fun commences as the aspirants try to demonstrate that they are competent to enter the House. From past experiences we have witnessed and left with laughing our sides out as some of the aspirants murder the Queen’s Language while trying to express themselves to satisfy the eligibility criteria. Some will definitely put on acts, when asked to do so, quite contrary to what they said they are verse in.

Having someone in the person of White Money among other judges will really lend credence to the audition as he will be at a vantage position to know those who should make it to the House.

Le 250 M and a full round trip to Dubai are what are in the offing for the ultimate winner to grab at the end of the competition.

What really determines the stay and survival of the Housemates in the House is the number of votes that they bag from members of public. It is these votes that are translated into percentages, and falling below the threshold will lead to being asked out of the House.

If some of the Housemates will appear sexy by the kind of dresses they wear then that must not come as any big surprise simply because they are expected to display nudity. Again, if sometimes they talk harshly then it is because they are expected to intermittently use strong language and act humorously.

Organisers of the event, Africa Young Voices (AYV) and Africell are very enthusiast to enhance youth empowerment in the country and the 2020 Housemates Salone is one platform that is providing that for the young competitors.

Housemates Salone Season 3 is an upcoming Reality TV Show that you cannot afford miss watching on your TV Screens as it will be shown live on AYV TV, DStv Cannel 399 and other social media platforms.

Why Our Society Fears And Loathes Journalists…

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By Amin Kef Sesay

Quality journalism that scrutinizes and criticizes social, political and economic authority – is in a constant state of vulnerability to manipulation and censorship, particularly from those with money and power.

Thus, professional integrity should be the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility. This means that every journalist is obligated to operate by a Code of Ethics centered on public trust, truthfulness, fairness, integrity, independence and accountability.

As such, for journalists and the media to be respected by society they must first and foremost be always conscious that respect for the profession and its practitioners is derived purely from reporting the truth objectively, fairly and accurately without any bias or sentiment attached. To remove those aspects would be damaging to the very core of not just journalism but society’s dependence on the media for the truth.

Reporting the truth is almost never libel, which makes accuracy very important. Journalists should always know that private persons have privacy rights that must be balanced against the public interest in reporting information about them.

In which regard, to be very honest, in many offices and public spaces, people are not too pleased when the name of a journalist is called; even if he is just there to get information or to cross check the other side of a story in order to report it fairly, objectively and accurately.

The main reason why many public figures fear and loathe journalists at the same time and if they have their way would want nothing to do with them is that they claim that journalists not only willfully distort facts to suit their purposes but more troubling resort to blackmail by publishing unfounded stories and hoping to receive money from the person, institution or organization that is targeted.

Journalists, reporters particularly, are expected to be as accurate as possible, given the time allotted to story preparation and the space available and to seek reliable sources.

Journalists must properly use their sources and use accurate quoting and words from interviews or conversations.

Events with a single eyewitness must be reported with attribution. Events with two or more independent eyewitnesses may be reported as fact. Controversial facts are reported with attribution.

Independent fact-checking is desirable. Corrections must be quickly published when errors are discovered. These corrections are called corrigendum in newspapers; they feature after on the next issue published.

In reporting court matters, it should be known that defendants at trial are treated only as having “allegedly” committed crimes, until conviction.

Opinion surveys and statistical information deserve special treatment to communicate in precise terms any conclusions, to contextualize the results and to specify accuracy, including estimated error and methodological criticism or flaws. Through this, information can be properly analyzed and used without heavy bias.

‘End Harmful Practices Equality Now’ Engages Government & Other Stakeholders to End FGM

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The sustained campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) championed by the Amazonian Initiative Movement with Rugiatu Neneh Turay as the Lead Campaigner has taken a different dimension.

Reinvigorated by the death of an initiate in the secret female Bondo Society in December 2021, Asenath Mwithigah, the Global Lead, End Harmful Practices Equality Now, an international organization working in Africa, Middle East, Europe and the Americas on Friday 25th February 2022 informed this medium that they held discussions with Government officials including the Minister of Gender Affairs, Madam Manty Tarawalie, the Solicitor-General,  Robert Kowa, the Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the Police and other stakeholders to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone asserting that the discussions were very welcoming.

The position of End Harmful Practices Equality Now is zero-tolerance to FGM and suggested that the Government of Sierra Leone criminalizes FGM for all ages to accelerate the process of abandoning the practice in the country.

End Harmful Practices Equality Now supports partner organizations and Governments to gradually end FGM as it was reaffirmed that they are willing to form partnerships.

Asenath Mwithigah further revealed that the Government of Sierra Leone has pledged to review the Child Rights Act, end Child Marriage as well as include FGM in the school curriculum among others, all aimed at ending FGM for minors and reiterated the need to hold discussions with all stakeholders to reach a common ground on the issue.

She informed that the position of the Government of Sierra Leone is that it is willing to end FGM and clarified that her organization forms partnerships with CSOs on the ground to end FGM, disclosed that they also held discussions with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, Purposeful Production, the Amazonian Initiative Movement and WAVES among other CSOS in Sierra Leone.

According to Asenath Mwithigah, FGM is a human rights violation, pointing out that the death of the woman is one of such cases while many others are unreported underscoring that three suspects were arrested by the Police and released for lack of sufficient evidence, that there is a huge disconnect between investigation and prosecution and underscored the vital role of CSOs to end the practice that cannot be eliminated now but gradually and continued that people in the provinces, where the practice is widespread, must be continually sensitized.

She also stated that there is a lot of correlation between Sierra Leone and Kenya on FGM although there are different types of FGM practiced in Kenya and observed that women are angry that FGM, that used to be a taboo, is now discussed in the open, suggested that Sierra Leone should proffer alternatives to the practice and asserted that poverty plays a key role to promote FGM.

End Harmful Practices Equality Now also organized a training for CSOs at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown while the delegation similarly visited Kenema District where they are supporting a local CSO, Defense for Children International to end FGM and conducted radio interviews/discussions with Sky Radio, Radio Democracy and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation as well as the print media.

As Work to Commence Soon…   China Supports Rehabilitation of National Stadium with a  $40M Grant

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By Amin Kef Sesay

Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Dr Francis Kai-Kai has on the 25th February 2022 stated that the rehabilitation of the Freetown National Stadium is in fulfillment of what President Bio had set out to do for the development of sport in Sierra Leone, as part of his campaign promises.

He made that statement while delivering the keynote address, on behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio at the launch of the rehabilitation of the National Stadium, which has been funded by the China Aid Project.

“Today, we are gathered here to launch the commencement of the comprehensive rehabilitation and refurbishment of our dilapidated national stadium. With the help of our Chinese partners, this will also be delivered on President Bio’s watch”, the Minister emphasized.

He said recent developments in the football arena, including Sierra Leone’s qualification and phenomenal participation in the opening stages of the recently concluded 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon were outcomes of what patriotic leadership can offer a country.

Dr. Kai-Kai commended the Government and People’s Republic of China to have consented to support the rehabilitation with a grant of about US$40 million, which according to him is expected to bring the facility to modern international standards within the next two years.

The Minister noted that once completed the stadium would serve as the heart of excitement for the country and as a center for the promotion of sports for the citizens of the Sierra Leone.

On his part, the Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh said upon his assumption into office, his greater hope was to have an indelible footprint by embarking on profitable transformation across all spectra in the sporting circle, a commitment made by the Bio-led administration.

He said the renovation work is a testament of the true bond that exists between the two countries.

“Our robust partnership extends well beyond the confines of international forums. Just a glance at Sierra Leone’s landscape will reveal some of the magnificent fruits of this diplomatic relationship,” he ended.

His Excellency Ambassador Hu Zhangliang, in his remarks, said it was a great pleasure to participate in the launching ceremony which signifies the progress of practical cooperation between China and Sierra Leone, adding that H.E President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the China-Sierra Leone relationship.

Ambassador Hu Zhangliang said the rehabilitation work would include the restoration, reinforcement and redecoration of the main stadium, the pitch, practicing field with artificial turf and pavilion, the swimming pool and its ancillary facilities, the renovation of the athletics’ track and hostel, Tennis, Basketball and Volleyball courts, the construction of more than 1,200 square meters of new buildings and facilities, the renewal of drainage among other facilities.

He said that they would work closely with the Sierra Leone Government in implementing the important consensus reached between H.E. President Xi Jinping of China and H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, and jointly promote their cordial bilateral relations to a new high.

The Gansu Construction Investment (Holding) Group Co., Ltd (GCIGC) is the construction company that will undertake the rehabilitation of the Sierra Leone National Stadium.

Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included: Honorable Members of Parliament, Project Coordinator GCIGC, The Board Chairman- National Sports Agency (NSA), Executive Director, NSA, development partners, Athletes of various sports discipline among others.

Chinese Embassy Hosts Its First Information Salon in the Year of the Tiger

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By Amin Kef Sesay

In order to keep the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China alive and kicking, an Information Salon was established, which is an interactive session, held on a monthly basis, bringing Sierra Leoneans and Chinese nationals together to discuss pertinent issues related to development that impinge both countries with a view to foster broader understanding and deepen knowledge on those issues.

Against that backdrop, the first Information Salon, in what is considered by the Chinese as the Year of the Tiger (2022 ),  was held on the 24th February 2022  by the Chinese Embassy, which was an interactive program geared towards updating the media and the general public on the just concluded Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

The online event was attended by Honorable Hindolo Gevao, Member of Parliament and Chairman of Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society,  Prince Sualley, executive member of Sierra Leone National Olympic Committee and Unisa Kargbo, President of Sierra Leone National Paralympics Committee, media practitioners and other stakeholders who discussed extensively around the success of the Games and commended China for its efforts in holding such a grand Olympic Games.

The program started by showing a video clip showcasing the highlights of splendid and fascinating Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

Li Xiaoyong, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy, gave a detailed introduction of the Games. He said that China was committed to organizing green, inclusive, open and clean Games and has made every effort to counter the impact of COVID-19, earnestly fulfilled its solemn pledge to the international community, and ensured the smooth opening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games as scheduled.

Mr. Li elaborated that nearly 3,000 winter sports Olympians from 91 countries and regions have striven to excel themselves and go beyond their limits, setting two world records and 17 Olympic records and living up to the Olympic motto of “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”. And among them there are 6 athletes from 5 African Countries.

Mr. Li stressed that Beijing has fulfilled its promise of holding a safe, green and high-tech Winter Olympics and that Beijing 2022 will surely go down in history as a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic Games. He thanked the friendly countries including Sierra Leone for their valuable support to China on hosting the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and said that China stands ready to continue working hand in hand with the international community to promote the robust development of the Olympic Movement and create a brighter future for mankind together.

Honorable MP Hindolo Gevao extended profound thanks to the people of China for their resilience and hard work in successfully completing the Winter Olympics even in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis. Mr. Sualley and Mr. Kargbo congratulated China on giving the world a wonderful winter Olympic games, wishing Sierra Leone and China will strengthen their cooperation in the area of sports development.

Kenyan Wildlife Experts Hands Over Assessment Findings to Tourism Minister

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Three Kenyan wildlife experts have on the 25th February 2022 presented findings and recommendations on their nationwide assessment and exploration of wildlife tourism resources to the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr Memunatu Pratt during an awareness raising workshop held at the Ministry’s Conference Room on Kingharman Road in Freetown.

The Kenyan experts together with officials from the Tourism Ministry, National Tourist Board, National Protected Area Authority and Conservation Society started the week long exploration and assessment of wildlife tourism resources at Tacugama Chimps Sanctuary, proceeded to Gola Rain Forest, Tiwai Island, Outamba Kilimi National Park, Mamunta Mayosso and a proposed site in Port Loko. The exercise aimed at exploring the possibility of establishing wildlife sanctuaries in protected areas for touristic purposes.

Throughout their assessment of the country’s wildlife tourism resources, the Head of the Kenyan Delegation, Michael Wanjua reiterated the enormous potential Sierra Leone has in terms of wildlife/sanctuary conservation. At Mamunta Mayosso National Sanctuary, Michael Wanjua learnt that there is a lot of birdlife and many other animals including mammals and wildlife species. He said the area can be developed into a tourist attraction centre, hence it is can be easily accessible, has good habitat, good vegetation, wetland ecosystem and wetland habitat. He recommended the restock of wildlife to the area, fencing the area, thus making it a tourism centre.

The Permanent Secretary, Andrew Sorie, commended the expert for traversing the country and assessing protected areas, parks, sanctuaries, hoping that the natural resources will amount to wildlife tourism and the prospects for increased arrivals, investment and job creation.

The Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, explained the benefits of wildlife tourism which, he said, will contribute greatly to Sierra Leone’s economy. He acknowledged the contributions of the Tourism Minister and Heads of line MDA’s for their pivotal role throughout the exercise.

He said the recommendations proffered by the experts will be put into practice in actualizing Sierra Leone’s wildlife potentials.

In her keynote address, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, appreciated the Kenyans for a job well done saying that it was the first ever national engagement on wildlife tourism, and it happened at a time when the Ministry of Environment had enacted the new Wildlife Act.

She said tourism is now revolutionized and the focus should be on positive activities in answering questions to deforestation and destructive environmental practices. She maintained that tourism is a vehicle for integrated development for developing countries while recognizing the Paramount Chiefs as Ambassadors of wildlife tourism in Sierra Leone.

Presenting their findings and recommendations, the Lead Kenyan expert, Michael Wanjau, talked about conservation issues and context for wildlife tourism in Africa and biodiversity conservation approaches in Africa.

Bernard Njoro, a Kenyan Wildlife expert, presented the SWOT analysis upon which the key recommendations were generated. They recommended active Government presence in all parks and sanctuaries, undertake conservation stakeholders analysis, develop and implement conservation education and sensitization programme and develop basic park infrastructure among others.

The Minister of Environment, Chairman of NTB, Head of NPAA, Paramount Chiefs all made valuable contributions towards the discourse.

A cocktail dinner was hosted by the Ministry for the Kenya experts at Country Lodge. The occasion was climaxed with crowning of the lead Wildlife expert, Michael Wanjau, as Honorary Paramount Chief.

Choithram Hospital to Commence Dialysis Treatment Soon

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By Amin Kef Sesay

A new development has materialized within the medical landscape of this country as Choithram Memorial Hospital, a leading private health facility situated on Hill Station in the West End of Freetown, which has been in operation for decades in this country, has constructed a Dialysis Unit and installed 4 bedded Fresenius Medical Care (4008 S) Dialysis Machines to be commissioned at any time from now, this medium was reliably informed.

Dr. Gowrinath M. George, who happens to be the Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, intimated that the rationale behind the establishment of the Dialysis Unit was borne out of offering dialysis treatments to patients diagnosed with renal failure.

“In recent times we have been referring some of our  patients  diagnosed with renal failure to externally undergo dialysis treatment  which adds more to their medical expenses ,” he disclosed  but affirmed that with the 4 bedded Fresenius Medical Care (4008 S) Dialysis machines installed at the Facility patients can now, with ease, access professional Dialysis treatment at the facility.

He furthered that the Unit was recently constructed and the 4 bedded Fresenius medical care (4008 S) dialysis machines are currently installed adding how they will soon commence dialysis treatment at the facility.

The Medical Superintendent also disclosed that the Dialysis Unit will be easily accessible to patients with any form of physical condition and ambulances in cases of emergency maintaining that more importantly it is very close to the ICU Department of the facility also revealing that the Unit will be opened to patients on a 24 hours basis.

One can safely conclude that indeed Sierra Leoneans, especially patients accessing medical treatment at the facility, can now breathe a sigh of relief as the hassle of having to go for dialysis treatment outside the facility, with additional expenses incurred, will become a thing of the past as now they have a place to seek and get professional dialysis treatment.

It must be noted that Choithram Memorial Hospital has latest and sophisticated medical equipment installed at the facility used in the effective administration of sound treatments of patients.

As a matter of fact one thing that is very outstanding about the hospital is that its doctors, nurses, porters cleaners, security personnel, administrative staff and other care givers are seen busy on a 24 hours basis attending to the concerns of people seeking medical care.

An indisputable fact is that at Choithram Memorial Hospital, Management of the facility is very keen in maximizing the medical welfare of its patients. In that regard, Management always ensures that the best of medical treatment is provided as seen in the professional work of members of staff, the upkeep of the facility and the installation of latest medical equipment indicative in the recent setting up of the Dialysis Unit with 4 bedded Fresenius Medical Care (4008 S) Dialysis Machines.

When the Unit becomes operational members of the public will be duly informed.

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Sambaia Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Elections Validated

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By Esther Wright

High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu (J) has on the 23rd February 2022 validated the declaration of rights of meeting leading to the election of Hon. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Jalloh as Paramount Chief of Sambaia Chiefdom, Tonkolili District in the Northern Province of the country.

“In the circumstances I refuse a reconstitution of the declaration of rights meeting, the granting of an injunction against the swearing of the 5th respondent as Paramount Chief of Sambaia Chiefdom,” he declared.

The ruling follows a Petition dated 10th June 2021, filed before the court by Lawyer Samuel T. M. Navo on behalf of Nine (9) Petitioners who claimed to be chieftaincy aspirants seeking an interim interlocutory injunction against the swearing of the 5th Respondent (Hon. Foray Jalloh) as Paramount Chief of Sambaia Chiefdom pending the hearing and determination of the Petition.

The matter was brought up against the Minister of Local Government (1st Respondent), the Provincial Secretary North (2nd respondent), the National Electoral Commission (NEC) (3rd Respondent), the Attorney General and Minister of Justice (4th Respondent) and Hon. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Jalloh (5th Respondent).

The petitioners; Finalalie Sheku Jalloh – 1st petitioner, Saio Dankawalia Jalloh – 2nd petitioner, Osman Jalloh – 3rd petitioner, Sama Kulio Jalloh – 4th petitioner, Mohamed Saio Jalloh – 5th petitioner, Memuna Kulio Mohamed Jalloh – 6th petitioner, Sirahfarah Jalloh – 7th petitioner, Alusine Dorkondeh Jalloh – 8th petitioner, Mobi Kulio Kabba Jalloh – 9th petitioner sought the court to declare among other things that the decision of the Declaration of Rights Meeting was not followed by due process.

They prayed that the Honourable Court orders reconstitution of the Declaration of Right Meeting and due process be followed.

The Petition which was supported by several exhibits also sought for the court to order a return of the Paramount Chieftaincy Elections following proper and legal process.

Lawyer Samuel T. M. Navo representing the Petitioners raised a couple of objections, sought for a number of adjournments on grounds that he shall file documents in support of the case of the Petitioners which was never honoured.

In what the Hon. Judge referred to as a “mere ploy or trick to delay further hearing and determination of this case by the conduct of Counsel representing the petitioners,” he stated that, “I also took into consideration the fact that justice delayed is justice denied, and I ordered that the case for the Petitioners be closed.”

With this decision, Counsel for the Respondents, E. Sarkoh, opened their case by leading two witnesses in evidence and informed the court that he relied on his affidavit in opposition earlier filed together with exhibits attached.

In a joint report by the Provincial Secretary, North Eastern Province and the NEC, the highest number of votes cast were in favor of Hon. Foray Jalloh, representing over 55% to prevent a run-off.

The 1st to 9th Petitioners who were not satisfied with the conduct of the elections filed a petition in respect of same.

After the announcement of the election results by NEC, the petitioners questioned the process and alleged that it was marred by violence and anti-democratic principles.

They alleged that the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Petitioners were denied the right to contest the Paramount Chieftaincy election of Sambaia Chiefdom even when they presented both documentary and oral evidence to show that they hailed from established Ruling Houses and had paternal links to the throne.

Counsel representing the Respondents argued that there were no thugs nor any evidence of disruption during the declaration process.They further argued that it was not true that the NEC did not conduct a verification of the list of the Tribal Authorities, adding that there was adequate security as the security was boosted by Bumbuna, Magburaka and Bombali police personnel.

The Respondents called on the court not to grant any of the orders prayed for in the petition filed by the 1st to 9th Petitioners, but to allow P. C. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Jalloh III to be recognized and carry the title P. C. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III of Sambaia Chiefdom.

Delivering his judgment upon review of the evidence before the court and in the absence of any evidence led before the court by Counsel for the petitioners since the inception of the matter in support of their case, Hon. Justice Allieu ordered that, “the matter is struck out and that Hon. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh be sworn in as Paramount Chief of Sambaia chiefdom in order to enable him freely carry out his functions as Paramount Chief Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Jalloh III of Sambaia Chiefdom, Tonkolili District in the Northern Province of the Republic of Sierra Leone.”

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