March 18, 2024 - Public Review Newspaper

In Court : Ex. President Koroma Lawyer Asks For “Extension Of Medical Leave “

By Feima Sesay The lead defense counsel for former president Ernest Bai Koroma lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara has on Wednesday 6th March 2024 filed an affidavit for extension of the trial on grounds of medical leave. He made this application before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No2. The state was represented by the Attorny General and Minister of Justice Mohamed Lamin Tarawally, the Solicitor General R V Kowa, Director of Public Prosecution O I Kanu, A G M Bockarie and A Jalloh. Whiles the defense team for former president Ernest Bai Koroma included, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Lansana Dumbuya, Saidu Bangura and Chernor Kamara. The state prosecutor said the accused was not in court after him being granted bail at the High Court on medical grounds. Defense Counsel lawyer Fitzgerald Kamara informed the court that he had filed an affidavit for extension of medical leave on behalf of the accused former president Ernest Bai Koroma, adding that they were aware of their duty to the court and said that was why they had filed an affidavit for extension of medical leave serving the prosecution team. He added that the affidavit was sworn to by the surties, Hon. Minkailu Mansaray and Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh referencing Paragraph 4 to 6 of the affidavit. The prosecution Lawyer Ahmed G M Bockarie in reply said he was in receipt of the affidavit but said the references the defense made was not before the court and therefore urged that the surties speak for themselves to explain to the court the whereabout of the accused. One of the surties, Minkailu Mansaray explained to the court that the accused is still in Nigeria for his medical attention, adding that they had made effort to get the medical report but said because of the process over there, they could not get it.He therefore appologized for the absence of the accused. The prosecutor said he did not hear any commitment from the surety as to when the accused will return. Magistrate Santigie Bangura in his ruling having heard from both sides ordered the defense team to present the medical report of the accused within three weeks. The matter was adjourned to the 27th March 2024 .It could be recalled that the former president Ernest Bai Koroma is standing trial before the court for treason, misprision of treason, harboring and other related offences. It was alleged that the accused and others conspired together with other persons unknown to overthrow president Bio.

WANEP Celebrates 25yrs of Building Peace and Inspiring Change.

ACHIEVEMENT

PARLIAMENT APPROVES DIRECTOR GENERAL OF SLBC

ACHIEVEMENT, Breaking News

The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, 7th March 2024 debated and approved with unanimity the Fourteenth Report of the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, Chaired by the Leader of Government Business, Hon.Mathew Nyuma. The following Presidential Nominee was approved by the Parliament: Presenting the Report, the Leader of Government Business, Hon.Mathew Sahr Nyuma told Colleague Members of Parliament that, the nominee was interviewed on pertinent issues including educational backgrounds, track records, declared assets, tax obligations, and other related matters. Seconding the motion, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Daniel Koroma recalled the interview of the nominee and went on to confess to the House that the Director General performed very well. The Deputy Leader acknowledged the distinguished experience of the nominee at local and international levels and went on to express hope for more elevation in her life. He used the opportunity to heap praises on women especially those with exceptional records of service. He categorically informed the House that they were unanimous in the approval of the SLBC candidate. “She is more than fit for the position” he concluded. Hon Tamba Johnny from Kono referred to the nominee as an impeccable character and heaped praises on her. He reminded the House of the difficult nature of the institution and advised the nominee to improve the coverage and structure of the national broadcasting station.He advised the nominee to use her appointment as an example of women’s trustworthiness to gain support from the people in the future. The Deputy Chief Whip 1, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay predicated her debate on women’s elevation to power and commended President Bio. “The woman is the most fitted” she disclosed and categorically stated that the nominee was qualified. She encouraged her to reintroduce programs that used to attract viewers and listeners. Hon. Dickson Rogers Chief Whip of Parliament said the nominee was qualified and went on to relate the character of the nominee to Wanjama. “Madam Kamara please go and make us proud,” he said and went on to advocate for more budgetary allocations to the SLBC. He appealed to the House to speedily approve the nominee. On his part, the Chairman of the Committee on Information and Civic Education, Hon.Unpha Gbessay Koroma from Western Area Urban related his debate to the various stages of development of the institution and advised all and sundry to support its operation. The MP said it was timely to give the requisite information to the people and act responsibly in teamwork. He also spoke on ensuring that Government programs should be broadcasted frequently and continuously. The MP assured the nominee of his committee support. Deputy Chief Whip 2, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh expressed dismay over the backwardness of SLBC compared to other stations. “There is nothing at SLBC” he confessed and accused them of corruption calling for an investigation. He asked the Director General to look into matters of finances and other related matters and to also improve the institution. The MP admonished the authorities to be responsible and not to be arm-twisted by the Director General. Hon. Mohamed Papa Bangura from Bombali District advised the nominee not to politicize the SLBC and encouraged her to bring her good experience home. He expressed dismay over the welfare of staff members and encouraged the Director General to do the needful in making SLBC distinct. Hon. Joseph Williams-Lamin from Bo District used the opportunity to recall his working relationship with excellent women and thanked the President for the appointment. He expressed hope that the nominee would succeed. “I am sure that you will succeed in your assignment” and asked all to patronize the institution. Deputy Majority Leader 2 of Government Business, Hon Emerson Saa Lamina related his debate on family and national ordinance and recalled his relationship with the nominee in Kono. He encouraged her to bring motivational skills to improve the welfare and capacity building of staff members. The MP asked her to apply new ideas to improve on information in teamwork with MDA including the Independent Commission for Peace. He used the opportunity to ask the Director General to reintroduce programs in local languages to maintain the frequent speaking of the same. Hon. Mohamed Tarawalie Fofana from Kambia District told the House the that nominee can deliver. “I have worked with her in the USA” he revealed. The MP also encouraged the Director General to use local dialect in programs.“Please ensure that our people are informed” he informed the House and asked the nominee to expand the station and coverage. Hon. Quinton Salia-Konneh related the Nominee to Jawie adding that, her behavior is a pure attribute of her Mother. He reassured the people of Sierra Leone that the nominee would perform with the support of teamworkHe strongly advised her to work in synergy and unity. Hon. PC Marrah Thor Thor Sheku Terenah Tongos Neya Konkoroba Fanko Lai III from Falaba said they need SLBC in their district. He thanked President Bio. The Hon. P.C. used the opportunity to request for appointment of Falaba people into governance. In rounding update the debate, Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo said it was timely to acknowledge the good attributes of good people, irrespective of their political party affiliations. “The nominee is good,” he said.The MP encouraged the nominee to improve the condition of service of staff members. He advised the Director General not to work in separation and ensure objectivity like his predecessor. He raised concerns about the deprivation of SLBC by MDAs comparatively with others. “You own a moral obligation to make all those who are relating themselves to you proud” he stated.He spoke well of the nominee based on global experience, in light of transformation.“Use your office to make President proud, use your office to make Parliament proud”.he concluded. In concluding the debate, the Leader of the Government Business, Hon Mathew Sahr Nyuma thanked all Members of Parliament for their contributions. The Leader trends on transformation of the institution based on the nominee’s experience. He

LESSON FROM THE TRAFFIC LIGHT

Social Issues

PST. KUKU’S WEEKLY NUGGETS Some weeks ago, I was heading home with a sister from an all-night prayer session in the early hours of the morning- around 2am. Naturally, there were way less vehicles plying the roads, and of course, no pedestrians were around at that time of the day.As we approached an intersection, the traffic light was transitioning from amber (aka orange) to red; which means we had to stop.Sitting in the car, waiting at the stop I thought to myself: “why don’t we just easily drive through and avoid wasting time? Afterwards the road is empty- not even an upcoming vehicle in a distance, or any pedestrian crossing” Well, as I continued my line of thought, I recalled (from some things I’d read) that traffic lights aren’t there to cause delay, but provide direction for drivers and pedestrians- what to do and what not to do; thereby controlling the flow of traffic in one way or another’, This literally increase safety, effectively manages traffic, travel times, and reduces potential hazards with the goal of ensuring the road is safe for all users.So, when the messages or instructions from these signals are not followed the driver or pedestrians might end up being penalized or get involved in an accident that may lead to destruction of lives and properties with far reaching consequences. Isn’t the traffic light just like the word of God that gives directions to our lives; tells us steps or route to take and not to take; consciously molds and shapes the way we react to situations and treat people around us?. In the same way that the traffic signals do not change based on the status of the driver- rich or poor; old or young, educate or not, so it is that the word of God does not have respect of persons. When you get to the traffic light you are required to stop, wait or go. As we go this week, let’s think how wonderful it will be if we allow the word of God to control / regulate our daily steps, not out of fear of destruction or being penalized, but in true obedience, in response to his love toward us knowing that the rules are for our own safety, because ‘All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2nd Tim. 3:16 (NLT)? Don’t forget to smile coz it looks good on you.

APC Sheriff vs the state: Court set for a Ruling On Bail

Law Court Related, Treason Trial

By Feima Sesay Alpha Sheriff alias APC Sheriff and Abdul Karim Mans have on Tuesday 12 March, 2024 made another appearance before Justice Adrian Fisher of the Freetown High Court for the alleged offences of operating a private security company without licenses. The matter has been adjourned for ruling based on an application made by their lawyer, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, for bail to be granted to the accused and such application was vehemently objected to by the state prosecutor Yusuf Sesay. Shortly after the matter was mentioned, state prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay sought for an adjournment adding that at the last hearing there was ruling given by the court and the Prosecution would take that line of action given by the court. Lawyer Sesay furthered that they as prosecution wanted the court to give them the opportunity to proceed with their witnesses in the matter. Lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, defense Counsel for the accused persons in reply said it was with a heavyheart he was renewing his application for bail on behalf of his clients. He said during the last hearing, the Supreteindent of Correctional Center testified before the court that on the 26 November, 2023 their was a prison break and most of the prisoners escaped but both of the accused persons returned to the police station and surrendered themselves. He said the Supreteindent in his testimony said the return of both accuseds were voluntary adding that they came back to submit to the jurisdiction of the court and they are still in prison. He said those who escaped are enjoying their lives but they who voluntarily returned are still undergoing punishment. Lawyer Kamara furthered that the criteria for bail is not just the seriousness of the offense but the fact that the accused would present themselves for trial in court. He said in consideration, there is a guarantee that if granting them bail they would be in court for trial.Lawyer Kamara submitted that operating security company without license is a regulatory offense for which a fine can be imposed on the accused. He added that the security operation was named Samura and Chericoo and asked if it was now an offense to have names as security. “It is shameful in that facts,” Lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara stated, adding that after the matter, if the accuseds are free, nobody would compensate them not even the government. He furtheredthat they have sureties that would sign up for their appearances in court, adding that they have spent nine months in prison which is unfair as the offense charged is a bailable offense. He said to spend a day behind bars is not easy yet talking about nine months. Lawyer Kamara furthered that by looking at the merit of the case, the accuseds deserve bail, adding that they were in court on the last adjourned date and the witnesses were not in court and in the latest hearing again, they were not in court and all the witnesses whose names were at the back of the indictment are police officers asking that why they should not be in court. He said let the accused be put on bail as the trial proceeds. State Prosecutor Sesay said in paragraph 11 of the affidavit opposing to bail stated that the accuseds would be a flight risk if granted bail. Lawyer Sesay furthered that paragraph 8 of the affidavit stated both accuseds were re-captured and brought before Justice Brown Mark. He said the matter would have proceeded long since if the accuseds were not absent in court.He added that the affidavit had given enough information for the refusal of bail of the accused. He referred his submission to regulations 2 of the constitutional review of bail which talks about bail condition.He said for bail to be granted, the nature of offense is important and that would warrant if the accuseds would be in court to continue their trial. He said the circumstances of the case of unlawful possession of arms and ammunitions and unlawfully operating a private security without license is a security threat and suspicious. He therefore asked the judge to discountenance the bail application made by defense Counsel. At this juncture, Lawyer Kamara objected that state prosecutor had loss track, adding that he made bail application only but state prosecutor was driving into the evidence and not addressing the court on the bail application being made. Lawyer Sesay replied that the court was not a court of emotion but a court of records, adding that in the interest of the public the court should refuse the application of bail pending the hearing and determination of the matter. He said the state is a defender of the rights of all citizens of the state and therefore not looking at individuals. Lawyer Fitzgerald again said he wanted to exponge certain aspects of the affidavit, adding that paragraph 8 of the affidavit had no form of recapture adding that recapture is not the same as voluntary submission. He therefore prayed thatthe court expunged that paragraph of the affidavit.He said in paragraph 20 of the affidavit where the prosecution said if the accused are granted bail they would still go and operate the same security company. He said how can the Prosecution tell that if the accuseds are granted bail they would do such thing. Lawyer Kamara said that he wanted to know if the Prosecution had ‘juju’ to tell whether forecast.He ended that the affidavit in opposition was of no use, adding that the Prosecution did not want bail to be granted to the accused. After both arguments,Justice Fisher said he would rule on it on the next adjourned date. The matter was adjourned to the 19 March, 2024 for ruling. It could be recalled that the accuseeds were arrainged before the court on two count of possession of small arms without license and also operating a private security company without license. The indictment stated tàhat the accuseds operate private security company by the name

AWWO To Construct Cold Room & Fish Drying Center

Uncategorized

Pressure mounts on Bola Nicol”s murder trial

Law Court Related

By Feima Sesay Lawyer A . Jalloh state prosecutor in the ongoing murder case of Sinnah Kai Kargbo involving former sky bank manager Ikubokaje Nicol has on Tuesday 12th March 2024 informed Justice Adrain Fisher, presiding judge over the matter, that they would take another line of action on the matter. Shortly after the matter was mentioned, the state Counsel Jalloh said the Prosecution team bowed to the ruling given by the court at the last hearing for the accused to continue the trial of murder instead of manslaughter and they asked leave for an adjournment to take another line of action in the matter. In response, defense Counsel Roland Wright said the judgment was delivered last week and the prosecution should have prepared themselves if they intend taking another line of action in the matter. He said the prosecution are delaying the trial of the innocent man.Defense Counsel said if the court was adjourning the matter based on the application made by the state, he would also apply for bail to be granted to his client. He added that now that the state best hope in the matter was for a lesser offense of his client, he would also apply for bail to be granted to him. State Counsel Jalloh also said that the ruling had been given and defense Counsel should not go into it again. He said they were only seeking an adjournment for another line of action in the interest of justice of the accused. Roland Wright said the accused was never given the opportunity to grieve and he was never given the opportunity to attend the funeral either and the prosecution were seeking the interest of justice on his behalf. State Counsel Jalloh said they would proceed with the matter at the next adjourned date but still relied on their affidavit that is before the court indicating the refusal of bail being granted to the accused. He said the matter came up by a procedure of committal from the Magistrate Court and if there was need they would file additional witnesses to testify before the court. Justice Adrian Fisher said this statement made by state Counsel was an undertaking and informed them that they should proceed on the next adjourned date. Justice Fisher pleaded with the jurors to be patient on the matter adding that the state has given their word that they would proceed with the matter on next adjourned date. The accused remanded and the matter was adjourned to Tuesday 19 March, 2024.

NGC Must Put Up With Its Frankenstein Monster

Commentary, Local, News, Social Issues

By Mohamed Sankoh (One Drop) What concerns the selfishness of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) with right-thinking Sierra Leoneans’ indifference? I would have gloated more if the Sierra Leone Police had beaten members of the NGC mercilessly, last Friday, before dispersing them like “okuru” dogs from their No.14 Naimbana Street headquarters in Freetown.If Sierra Lone is currently in a pretty mess; it is partly due to the selfish “Alliance” which the NGC entered into with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). If it wasn’t for pure selfishness; the NGC wouldn’t have allied itself with the SLPP due to the manner in which President Julius Maada Bio had steered the Ship of State prior to the run-up to the 2023 general elections.Now that President Bio is treating members of the NGC like “okuru” dogs that should be un-love and thrown into the bush; the bunch of selfish unpatriotic Sierra Leoneans wants to bring down the heavens for their collective selfish-stupidity!Methinks if members of the NGC want to be peeved at being treated like “okuru” dogs, that anger should be directed at their former Chairman and Leader, Dr Kandeh Yumkella. As my Krio relatives would say: “If ose nor sell you; tret nor go buy you”. If Dr Yumkella had not sold his so-called political birthright for a would-be presidential “coco ebeh” appointment; President Bio and his SLPP would not be treating NGC members like “okuru” dogs today. Now, in hindsight, it appears as if Dr Yumkella only went into that alliance purely for selfish reasons not for the benefit of his once-upon-a-time party faithful.As I stated earlier in this One Dropian dropping, I would have gloated more if the Sierra Leone Police had beaten members of the NGC mercilessly, last Friday, before dispersing them like “okuru” dogs from their Freetown headquarters. If the Bio-led administration is today being accused of strangling citizens’ fundamental rights such as Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Association; the NGC, as a political party, should be held partly responsible for that simply because its alliance with the SLPP rejuvenated such strangulations. By calling on the Sierra Leone Police to deny the NGC the enjoyment of Freedom of Assembly; the NGC is being given a taste of its own prescribed medicine!I gloated, gleefully like an overexcited lark, on what happened last Friday at the NGC Freetown headquarters. And I will continue to gloat on their existing predicament simply because the current SLPP government is the NGC’s Frankenstein monster. So, let the NGC put up with its Frankenstein monster. It is none of the business of right-thinking Sierra Leoneans.When this monster was accused of sending the police to the House of Parliament, at Tower Hill in central Freetown many moons ago, to beat up and drag Members of Parliament from the All People’s Congress (APC) out from the well of Parliament; the NGC leadership was indifferently indifferent. When the police were sent to the APC Old Railway Line Brookfields headquarters in Freetown and allegedly fired live ammunition with what appeared like the intention to shoot and kill out of sight; the NGC thought it was a Hollywood movie and enjoyed the enjoyment. Now that the police have downgraded that Hollywood movie to a Nollywood film at their No.14 Naimbana Street headquarters; the NGC wants the rest of humankind to sympathize with them.What is actually giving me enjoyment is the crybaby status which the NGC is now creating for itself. The portion in its recent undated press release that gives me pleasurable pleasure is where it states that, “During our National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, police intervention halted our proceedings, obstructing the voting process and expelling our delegates from the venue, citing “orders from above”. What is laughably laughable is the fact that that “orders from above” appeared to have come from above the NGC’s “orders”!And like a whimpering child who is seeking the attention of her mother to change her soiled pampers and gives her milk; the NGC continues its whimpers: “…certain [NGC] members purportedly affiliated with the ruling SLPP attempted to prevent the meeting in favour of maintaining our alliance status with the SLPP. In a matter of minutes… an excessive force arrived with five truckloads of armed police and OSD officers… this time to evacuate all delegates without clear justification.”But the Sierra Leone Police fires back, in a press release dated 8 March 2024, with a beautiful ironic twist: “As the [NGC] meeting progressed, physical and verbal confrontations ensued which turned out to be disorderly and riotous. The police then had to intervene and peacefully dispersed the opposing parties. No arrests were made.”Looking at the two press releases, one thread that threads through the entire hullabaloo is the fact that the Sierra Leone Police, this time to give them their undue dues, did not intervene because of “orders from above”. According to the police, prior to last Friday’s meeting, the NGC leadership had had a premonition that “certain Party members and persons are planning to disrupt the [would-be] meeting by using violence and therefore requested the assistance of the Police”. This fact is undisputed in the NGC undated press release where it notes that, “…following initial resistance from one deputy chairman, police involvement was required to escort him out of the premises.”And if the NGC acknowledges that during the meeting, “certain [NGC] members attempted to prevent the meeting [from taking place]” and that one deputy chairman, particularly, was putting riotous conduct which prompted the chairman of the meeting to call in the police “to escort him out of the premises”; then it is logical that the police rightly had “to intervene and peacefully disperse the opposing parties.”Whether the dispersing of the NGC faithful by the police was heavy-handed or showed “excessive policing… [which raises] questions about the intent behind such a display of power” (according to the NGC’s undated press release), the fact remains that it was the NGC that initially asked the police to be present outside its Freetown headquarters. And it was

Ecobank SL Celebrates International Women’s Day with Style

ACHIEVEMENT, Life & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local

Following a vibrant display of commitment to gender equality and employee well-being, Ecobank Sierra Leone has organized a Health and Wellness Walk on Saturday, March 9th. The event, spanning from Lumley Atlantic to Family Kingdom, concluded with dynamic aerobics and insightful Mental Health discussions at Africell Sport Zone. The Managing Director, Sebastian Ashong-Katai, commended Ecobankers for their enthusiastic participation in honoring the invaluable contributions of remarkable women in the workplace. The occasion also included free breast cancer check-ups, underscoring the bank’s dedication to promoting women’s health. “At Ecobank, we firmly believe in creating a world that is equal and inclusive, ensuring a better future for everyone, especially women. We are committed to investing in women to drive change, close gender gaps, and advance careers,” stated Ashong-Katai. Highlighting the bank’s efforts, he revealed that women make up 29% of the management/leadership teams and 44% of the overall staff base in Ecobank Sierra Leone. This statistic reflected the institution’s commitment to facilitating diversity and inclusivity within its ranks. The event’s social media campaign, featuring hashtags #InspireInclusion, #IWD2024, and #EcobankSierraLeone, further amplified the bank’s message of empowering women and championing gender equality. Ecobank’s initiative stands as a commendable step towards creating a more inclusive workplace and fostering positive change within the community.

Ecobank’s WCW Spotlights Mrs. Chadia Awada Talib: A Visionary Proprietress and Advocate for Educational Excellence

Uncategorized

Abu Bakarr Turay Declares for Bar Association Vice Presidency

Chinese Learning Program Promotes Cultural Diversity and Language Education

In Sia Alleged Murder Trial: Doctor says effect of CPR may Lead to “Fractured Ribs”

Bai Mamoud Acquitted of Failed Coup Charges

Maritime Administration on a Two-Day Management talks to Develop Five-Year Strategic Plan

ACC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MONITORING PSSNYE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Standards Bureau to Introduce Standardized Market Measurements

IMF talks on sustained reform momentum & efforts to improve macroeconomic conditions in Sierra Leone

ECOWAS National Office Takes on Wai Community in Pujehun on Cross-Border Project Implementation

NSA Certifies 10 Law Graduates

Sierra Leone”s new Ambassador to Morocco resumes duty

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