By Alpha Abu
Eminent Sierra Leoneans in various spheres of life have been selected for this year’s national award to be held at State House. To be conferred the highest honour as Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic of Sierra Leone is academic and politician Dr. Kadie Sesay.
A former lecturer at Fourah Bay College, Dr. Sesay later served as cabinet Minister in the SLPP government of late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. She was running mate alongside SLPP Presidential candidate Julius Maada Bio during the 2012 election that was won by the APC.
Three prominent legal practitioners all of whom had served in governance in the past will receive the award of Commander of the Order of the Republic. They are Eke Halloway, George Banda Thomas and Dr. Bu Buakei Jabbie. Finda Koroma is also a recipient of the same award.
The Grand Officer awardees are Brig. Rtd. Sam King, Sidie Mohamed Tunis who is currently the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and the late Dr. Desmond Edgar Luke. Dr. Luke’s posthumous award was well deserved by a man who had a distinguished public service life. During his time in politics he served as Foreign Minister and Minister of Health under Siaka Stevens. He belonged to that rare class of Sierra Leoneans to have resigned top government positions on the basis of principle, he did resign those two positions. He was leader of National Unity Movement, a party he formed. He also served as Chief Justice during Kabba’s presidency.
For the Grand Commander category two of the country’s most senior security personnel the Military’s Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Sullay and Inspector General of Police Ambrose Michael Sovula are recipients. The others are Presidential Adviser Raymond De Souza George, deputy Vice Chancellor Fourah Bay College Prof. Lawrence Kamara, and Prof. Dr. Duradami Radcliffe Lisk.
Sierra Leone’s foremost trauma facility Emergency hospital at Goderich outside of Freetown was recognised for its free medical support to the sick and victims of accidents across the country and will join five individuals, Major Gen. Peter Lavahun, Ing. Dr. Patrick Tarawalli, Lamin F’aliieue Bangura, Bola Amarasekeran and Ing. Dr. Edmund Luseni, all as Commanders of the Order of the Republic.
The ceremony to award people and institutions for remarkable service and positive contribution to society is held annually and during celebrations marking Sierra Leone’s independence on the 27tyh April every year. Tomorrow Tuesday 27 April 2021 independence anniversary will be observed with the usual public holiday throughout the country.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online 26/04/21
