The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has on Thursday October 15, 2020, called on Sierra Leoneans to cultivate a sense of nationalism and patriotism so that loyalty to the State shall override sectional, ethnic, tribal or other loyalties.
The Commission made this call after residents of Makeni obstructed officials the ACC from interviewing the former President Ernest Bai Koroma on corruption allegations in northern city of Makeni.
The Commission is mandated by law to protect and promote human rights of all in Sierra Leone. In doing this, HRCSL recognizes that the right to natural justice which includes but not limited to giving an opportunity to the other side to be heard; fair and expeditious trial; and the right to legal representation is a fundamental right which every right-holder must enjoy unhindered by anyone.
HRCSL notes that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) invited the former President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma for questioning over corruption allegations on Monday October 5, 2020, but the said interview was postponed to Thursday October 8, 2020.
According to the Commission, during its usual monitoring of the media, HRCSL observed that tensions were building up leading to the re-scheduled interview with the former President.
“This prompted the Commission to dispatch its regional oversight commissioner, Hassan Samba Yarjah and the Director of Education Communication and Training, Mr. Richard M’Bayo on WednesdayOctober 7, 2020 who teamed up with the regional office in Makeni in order to monitor the interview session with a view to ensuring a fair process. This is to the effect that HRCSL believes the former President like any other citizen should be given the opportunity to defend any allegations brought against him,” the Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema said in a statement Thursday.
HRCSL however, observed that hundreds of young people were gathered around the precinct of the residence of the former President, Ernest Bai Koroma at the Ernest Bai Koroma Avenue, Makeni in a riotous manner obstructing the cause of justice.
The Commission also observed that masquerades were flaunted on the street leading to the residence of the former President which amounts to a violation of the ongoing ban on the activities of secret societies. The Commission added that there were roadblocks mounted by the crowd thereby preventing other road users from going about their normal business within that area at ease.
“That the crowd openly hauled insults at the incumbent President, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Commissioner of ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. and at the security forces. Some children were also spotted among the rowdy crowd. That such assembly was in violation of the Covid-19 regulations on public gatherings. That officials of the ACC were unable to conduct the interview with the former President due to the tension and the security threats which the situation then posed,” the Commission observed.
HRCSL informed the general public that the obstruction of due process/justice; and the insult on public officials and the President of the Republic while executing their lawful duties is unacceptable and unlawful and this amounts to bad citizenship and runs contrary to section 13 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone.
HRCSL therefore roundly condemns every act of lawlessness as was clearly evident in Makeni at the Ernest Bai Koroma Avenue on Thursday October 8, 2020.
HRCSL called on the former President, as a statesman who led this nation for nearly eleven (11) years, to formally distance himself from such act of lawlessness and indiscipline exhibited by persons on October 8, 2020.
HRCSL also called on every citizen to internalize and abide by the Duties of the Citizen as enshrined in section 13 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone with particular reference to paragraphs (b) & (j) which provide as follows: Every citizen shall- (b) “cultivate a sense of nationalism and patriotism so that loyalty to the State shall override sectional, ethnic, tribal or other loyalties”; (j) “render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order.”
HRCSL acknowledged the restraint and professionalism exhibited by the security forces especially the Sierra Leone Police during the said incident. HRCSL however, calls on the police to speedily investigate and bring to book those who participated in the said incident especially the ring leaders.
HRCSL assured the general public of its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights of all in Sierra Leone.
By Stephen V. Lansana
20/10/2020. ISSUE NO: 7934