Members of professional bodies of Sierra Leone are asking President Bio and the ruling SLPP Government very difficult questions tonight after the arrests of the leaders of the Coalition of Progressive Political Parties ( COPPP) —Dr. Dennis Bright and Mrs. Femi Claudius Cole–in connection with plans by market women to demonstrate against the very harsh economic times in Sierra Leone.
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JESMED SUMA—A PROFESSIONAL FINANCING OFFICIAL
I would like someone with real knowledge not assumed knowledge to tell me exactly what is in that Video that meets the basic legal threshold of incitement. In addition to not being an incitement, what is it that Femi said or is implied in that video that warrants her arrest ?
When I ask these questions I am not asking for the interpretation of empty headed Sovula. These Fascist Govt of Bio is really pushing the nerves of the people of SL.
I am hoping and praying that the people are not tempted to react accordingly because we do not want violence in SL. But they are doing everything under the sun to tempt desperate, hungry and angry Sierra Leoneans. Every power has a limit. They only have to look at Ernest the former despotic leader’s situation today or look at how any of the following former fascists ended such as Kayon Doe, Charles Taylor,Sadam Hussein, Hosni Mubarak, Idris Deby, Gaddafi and many others. Does Maada Bio want to end like them?
I really hope he is smart enough to respect the democratic will of the people of SL come 2023.
FINDA DIANA KONOMANYI
*THE ARREST OF MADAM FEMI CLAUDIUS COLE IS AN ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY AND ON WOMANKIND*
_A statement from Madam Finda Diana Konomanyi._
News of the arrest, earlier this evening, of Madam Femi Claudius Cole has left me dismayed and disheartened; not only for the well-being of a dear friend and sister, but also for what her arrest, and the continuing government intimidation of opposition voices means for our fledgling democracy.
That the government of Sierra Leone frequently uses the charge of “incitement” to stifle our democratic and peaceful calls for better governance is totally unacceptable and undemocratic.
It is within every Sierra Leonean’s rights to demand for better governance, and for an improvement of our dire economic conditions.
There is no context within which these demands can be said to be inciting.
As a woman, I speak for many other women when I say that the heavy-handedness with which the Sierra Leone Police have been treating women in politics especially, demonstrates a total disregard for the high moral and ethical values of decent society.
I join many Sierra Leoneans, and women’s organisations, in demanding for the release of Madam Femi Claudius Cole, and for the immediate discontinuation of the Government of Sierra Leone’s assault on our democratic rights.
May God bless our beloved Sierra Leone.
Diana.
BASITA MICHAEL –A NOTED ATTORNEY
