The Leader of the opposition National Grand Coalition ( NGC ), Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, has called for magnanimity in an Eid Day appeal to President Bio.
BY KANDEH YUMKELLA*
Thus, on this Holy Day, I want to make an urgent call on H.E. President Maada Bio to be a Political Samaritan by taking the first step in building peace and reconciliation and tempering justice with mercy by urging the Attorney General and Minister of Justice not to oppose bail in the case against Sylvia Olayinka Blyden and her personal assistant, Muckson Sesay, and for the State to urge the court to ensure that the bail terms for the spouse of Mr. Paolo Conteh, Isata Saccoh, are not onerous. We hope that they can be home with their families soon.
I ask that humane conditions are also accorded to Mr. Paolo Conteh and all other political detainees and urge that their rights to a fair and just trial guaranteed under the constitution and international human rights documents that Sierra Leone has ratified, are fully respected.
These acts of statesmanship will show magnanimity for the sake of peace, define his legacy as a new direction and, hopefully a modus vivendi. They will also demonstrate that side of him I witnessed a few days ago when the parliamentary leadership intervened on behalf of Honorable Lahai Marah.
Mr. President should also heed the call by civil society groups and myself for an invitation to His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma to join the COVID-19 fight.
May Allah grant Mr. President, and all other political leaders, the wisdom of Solomon and the courage of David to rise to the occasion and give peace a chance.
Eid Mubarak, Stay safe and stay well.
*Honourable Kandeh Yumkella*
*Constituency 062 – Samu Chiefdom*
*Kambia District*
