By KABS KANU
As a huge crowd of Sierra Leoneans plan to accompany former President Ernest Bai Koroma to court on Wednesday January 17, the Sierra Leone Government is threatening to deal with anybody who goes into the streets to protest.
Ex- President Koroma has been accused of Treason by the government of Sierra Leone, with reference to the November 26, 2023 shootings in Freetown, which the government says was an attempt to overthrow the SLPP regime. Supporters of former President Koroma, including the opposition All People’s Congress ( APC ) have denied the charges. describing them as a witch hunt.
Former President Koroma has already made a preliminary appearance in court and it is expected that during his second appearance on Wednesday the government will officially elaborate on the charges preferred against him.
According to reports being monitored on the social media, the people planning to accompany the former president to court are doing it to express solidarity and appreciation to him for his many magnificent achievements as Head of State of Sierra Leone.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
January 12, 2024 – On behalf of the National Security Coordinator (NSCoord), Abdulai Caulker of the Office of National Security (ONS) wishes to make the following announcements:
Intelligence reports received by the ONS indicates that some individuals are planning to use 17th and 18th January, 2024 to stage an unlawful protest for reasons that are yet to be clarified.
Our investigation into this matter reveals that there are certain miscreants and elements that do not mean well for the peace and tranquility of Sierra Leone.
In this regard, as NSCoord of ONS, mandated with the responsibility of coordinating the efforts of the security sectors to protect and safeguard lives and properties and the internal integrity of Sierra Leone, let it be known that, the ONS will not take lightly anyone who attempts to derail our hard won peace after several decades of turmoil. The ONS is well-placed to foil any attempt by miscreants to reverse the progress of our beloved nation.
Furthermore, the ONS is fully aware about certain individuals who have made it a habit to post on social media scurrilous, fake and damaging stories about Sierra Leone with the objective of driving away foreign investors and dividing the nation. Henceforth, the ONS will be looking at possibilities to bring these miscreants to book by various means at our disposal.
Meanwhile, the ONS is calling on all well-meaning citizens and foreigners alike to go about their normal businesses because the ONS in collaboration with our security agencies is well-structured and capable of detecting and forestalling any security threat in any part of Sierra Leone.
All business sectors of this country are advised to listen to the authentic reports and information coming from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and to give deaf ears and report cases of misinformation, fake news and reports which have the tendency of derailing our unity, stability and national cohesion.
We further advise all citizens and non-citizens to call toll free 119 to report any suspected case or issue which borders on our collective responsibility to keep Sierra Leone and its people safe and secure at all times.
