The Inspector General of Police, in a meeting with a group of political parties registered with the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) refused, without equivocation or for that matter hesitation to countenance any prospect of issuing a permit to any organisation or groups of organisations to demonstrate in Freetown on a matter, noting that after serious consideration if such is granted may tend to undermine the tranquillity and security of the State
.I G Sovula was responding specifically to a much publicised request for permission by a cohort of Civil Society Organisations that wanted to demonstrate for the removal of the Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki Sawyerr, whom it was alleged had made statements of a discriminatory nature against Mendes and as such should be forced to resign.The Inspector General, who was vehement in his opposition of any such demonstration, revealed that it was his considered opinion that groups or organisations should use the established frameworks for dealing with such issues instead of attempting to provoke an untenable and ungovernable situation that would be capitalized on by unemployed youths and other undesirable elements who would use the opportunity to loot and pillage.
I G Sovula was addressing Ambassador Alhaji Osman Yansanneh, Dr Dennis Bright and a host of other senior members of the newly formed Consortium of Political Parties when they paid a courtesy call on him at Police Head Quarters on George Street in Freetown.Ambassador Yansanneh had earlier stressed that their group, though informal, constitute up to 13 of the 17 registered political parties in Sierra Leone and thus have come with a view to promote and support womanhood.
He pointed out that they have all expressed such a concern of national interest to the extent that they, the politicians, see women in high offices being bullied and harangued and therefore have come together to make a collective stand against such practices that tend to reduce the significant contributions of women in institutions.
Dr. Dennis Bright, Chairman of the NGC pointed out that democracy can only be tested by the way the rights of others, especially women, are protected. He also pointed out that contrary to what was published in some newspapers, the Consortium of Political Parties have not been set up to be anti-government or as was stated in one, neither have they “ganged up to fight the SLPP.”
Dr. Bright implored the IGP to be steadfast in the due execution of his duties and as they are working together to scrutinise and collaborate on the Cyber-crime Bill so it is they expect fuller and further cooperation with the security forces in the national interest.
In his rounding up after the deliberations, Ambassador Yansanneh, National Secretary General of the All Peoples Congress expressed his satisfaction on what he described as a good meeting, noting that his party has always been mindful of police authority and has so far stopped short from calling their supporters out to the streets to demonstrate. He thanked the Inspector General of Police for meeting with them at such short notice and with such good decorum.*
Titus Boye-Thompson
