By Nasratu Kargbo
Paramount Chiefs across the country want to be empowered with the statutory powers to maintain law and order in their various chiefdoms, according to the Chairman for the Council of Paramount Chiefs PC Fasuluku Sonsiama III.
Whilst speaking on behalf of his colleague paramount chiefs during their congratulatory visit to the newly re-elected President Julius Maada Bio on the 30th June 2023, the PC said that “the statutory functions to bring law and order in our respective chiefdoms had been taken away from us”.
Highlighting the things bothering them, the PCs said since 2011, their court has been under the judiciary, however, they are not budgeted for, stressing that they are not comfortable with that.
He stated that if that right is given back to them as per law, it will reduce the level of heightened lawlessness in their chiefdoms adding that they would like their court to be under the Ministry of Local Government.
He explained that in some of chiefdoms, the police cannot do anything, stating that if not for their chieftaincy authority and executive power to solve certain situation, there wouldn’t have been peace in their respective chiefdoms.
“As a result of the executive powers you’ve given to us, our people still listen to us” the PC said.
The PC said they are happy that the President visited the different chiefdoms during his campaign, stating that he has seen the conditions of the roads, power supply and water in the different areas.
The Paramount chiefs pledged loyalty and allegiance to the president in a bid to serve the country together. He said that they’ve heard arguments about the election not being free and fair; the PC stated that they do not have a choice but to work with the president since he has been announced winner, adding that they are not Civil Society Activists.
He assured the President of their support in ensuring peace and unity in their respective chiefdoms.
Responding to some of the issues raised by the Chief, President Bio said he has heard people taking about problems of the tabulation during the election, stating that it is not his business and that it is the duty of the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL).
Bio said he has fought for democracy and understands it, noting that he knows the significance and relevance of peace. “Even in war I conducted election, I presided over election the first democratic election in nearly thirty years in this country,” he said.
In the area of the amenities the PC mentioned, he said visiting different parts of the country is the best way he can understand the people’s plight talked about on the papers, stating that the visitations have given him physical evidence because he has seen the roads, water and other amenities.
He told the chiefs that they are the best people to ensure they fulfill their promises. Bio said the government will invest in agriculture and asked that the chiefs put all hands on deck to make sure that Sierra Leone feeding her people becomes a reality.
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