Few days ago, in Angola Town, a distressing scene unfolded as properties, including the home of esteemed journalist, Alex Lawrence Koroma, were unexpectedly demolished by the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning.
Alex, a respected figure in the media industry and a member of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, had purchased the land legally with all his documents intact.
However, with total disregard and reckless abandon, an abrupt and forceful demolition was undertaken without prior warning or legal recourse, a move that sent shockwaves through the community and left the affected persons psychologically disoriented. Indisputably, these hardworking Sierra Leoneans had invested significant amounts of money into building safe homes for their families on these lands. Unfortunately, the blatant lack of engagement, court orders or notifications prior to the demolition represents a blatant violation of their property rights.
What even made the situation worse was the alleged involvement of higher authorities. The heavy-handed approach taken by Ministry officials, accompanied by a significant Police presence, underscores the injustice and unfairness towards the rightful landowners.
As a journalist, dedicated to serving his country, Alex, finds himself in a vulnerable position, battling not only for his property but also for justice and accountability.
According to Social Media expressed views of many concerned citizens, the plight of the journalist, who has contributed to the dissemination of information and the upholding of truth, is deeply troubling.
In the candid estimation of this medium, his appeal to President Bio to intervene and address this unjust situation underscores the need to protect basic rights and uphold the rule of law. It was further underscored that with all fairness, Alex’s investment in building a home for his family, using hard-earned money, should not fall victim to arbitrary and unlawful actions.
Further highlighted was that the fundamental importance of property rights cannot be overstated in any civilized society and without assurance that property is protected from unjust seizures or demolitions, the foundation of a stable and prosperous community is compromised. In this instance, the apparent disregard for legal processes and the rights of innocent citizens raises serious questions about the priorities and values of those in power.
This medium is also of the strong conviction that it is very crucial that the voices of those affected by this egregious act of demolition are amplified and that justice must prevail.
It can only be objectively concluded that the demand for accountability, transparency and a fair resolution to this issue, with the intervention of President Bio, is not just for the benefit of Alex Lawrence Koroma and other property owners but for the preservation of principles of fairness and legality.
