Muslims boo Sierra Leone’s Vice-President at Freetown mosque and hail APC presidential aspirant Samura Kamara

Supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party ( SLPP ) are fuming at the treatment meted out to their Vice-President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh at the Basharia Mosque in Freetown on Friday.

READ THE REPORTS AND COMMENTS BELOW :

VP Juldeh Jalloh humiliated at Basharia Mosque*

Unbelievable, incredible.
Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh was today Friday 25 October, 2019, seriously humiliated at the Basharia Mosque at Bombay Street.

THE RIOTOUS SCENE AT THE MOSQUE

SAMURA KAMARA PRAYING WITH THE MUSLIMS

Dr Samura Kamara, the leading contender for the upcoming APC flag bearer contest, had been billed over two weeks ago to pray with the congregation. Suddenly, today, as Dr Samura Kamara arrived, Juldeh also emerged.

After prayers, the Imam was caught in a difficult situation and had to announce VP Juldeh Jalloh to speak. The congregation erupted in annoyance and protestation. And started chanting Samura! Samura! Juldeh had to leave embarrassed. As he left, the people booed relentlessly.

Moments later, Samura Kamara emerged and the congregation erupted in applause and in solidarity following him all the way to his home at Montegue Street.

Reports have it that Dr Juldeh Jalloh was initially billed to worship at the Fullah Mosque and so the congregation at the Basharia Mosque was particularly angry that Juldeh’s sudden appearance was a deliberate ploy to sabotage Samura Kamara the PaOPa way.

*CHAIRMAN OF BASHARIA MOSQUE CONDEMNS APC THUGS FOR DISRUPTING FRIDAY PRAYERS AT THE MOSQUE*At a Juma Pray today at the BASHARIA mosque at Bombay street, streams of APC thugs accompanying Dr Samura Kamara disrupted prayer proceedings while the Honourable Vice President was speaking after the prayers.

Posted by Albert Momoh on Friday, October 25, 2019

Alie Sesay Sierra Leone people know what they wanted and to be honest the western world impose the wrong president and government into the lives of all Sierra Leonean that why Sierra Leonean are not appreciating the slpp government especially their way of bad governance

Posted by Mamadu Juma Bah on Saturday, October 26, 2019

THE UGLY SCENES AT THE MOSQUE
Joseph Turay *_Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh snobed at Basharia Mosque Bombay Street for Dr. Samura Kamara._*
🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱
*_By: Dr. Samura Kamara Foundation_*
*_Blessing simply means “God’s favour”._*_The *Vice President* of the *Republic of Sierra Leone* today *25th October, 2019* tried to pray where *Dr. Samura Kamara* was formally invited by the *Mosque* authorities and stakeholders in the community.__During the process he wanted to use his veto power, but was diligently ignored by the people.__Therefore, he was asked formally to wait for the purpose upon which *Dr. Samura Kamara* was invited.__The presence of *Dr. Samura Kamara* attracted thousands of supporters from the political divide. Youths groups, market women were in a joyful mood to listen to *Dr. Samura Kamara.*__God knows whether these two individuals are of the same class in the political space in the *Republic of Sierra Leone.*__The citizens of that locality demonstrated passion and love for *Dr. Samura Kamara* based on his resilience and productiveness.__The moral lesson that should be learned here is, power belongs to the people._

_When it comes to the things of God, *Paopanism* factor will not take presidence in the house of God._

_*Vice President Jalloh* decided to leave the mosque early without telling the reasons to the people._

*_God bless Dr. Samura Kamara_*
*_Long live the APC_*

*CHAIRMAN OF BASHARIA MOSQUE CONDEMNS APC THUGS FOR DISRUPTING FRIDAY PRAYERS AT THE MOSQUE*At a Juma Pray today at the BASHARIA mosque at Bombay street, streams of APC thugs accompanying Dr Samura Kamara disrupted prayer proceedings while the Honourable Vice President was speaking after the prayers. The Vice President however thanked the Jamaat and the executive of the mosque for the invitation. The incident was widely condemned by the members of the jamaat and the executive who has been inviting the VP to observe Friday prayers at the Mosque. The chairman categorically condemns the behavior of the APC supporters stating that the BASARIA Mosque is not an APC Mosque. Dr Samura Kamara and the other senior members with him then apologized to the executive and the Jamaat of the mosque. Members of the Jamaat felt very embarrassed that the APC are ferrying thugs to their mosque to disrupt prayers. The Basharia mission nation wide has condemned the act calling on the APC to desist from using their mosques in the future for such cheap political manipulation.*Courtesy of Satellite News*

Posted by Albert Momoh on Friday, October 25, 2019

 

UGLY BASHARIA MOSQUE🕌 INCIDENT NOT GOOD FOR OUR DEMECRACY. REGETTABLE!🤦‍♂️

Immediately after Jumaa (Friday) prayers yesterday, the topic that dominated conversations at ataya bases, on public transports, on the streets, everywhere- was the Basharia Mosque incident. It’s still the topic in town.

The Vice President, Dr Juldeh Jalloh, had gone to the mosque to observe Friday prayers. Former APC Presidential candidate, Dr Samura Kamara was also at the mosque for different reasons. What ensued was an unfortunate incident that saw worshippers literally prevent the VP from talking to the Jamaa (congregation).

I believe you may have seen the numerous videos making the rounds on social media. Actually, from what I gathered, Samura Kamara had an invitation to be with worshippers at the mosque on that Friday. He had sent in a request about two weeks prior. Just before or during the Jumaa Kutuba (Friday sermon), Vice President Juldeh Jalloh entered the mosque, through the Imam’s office door. Apparently, the VP had no knowledge that Samura Kamara was in the Bombay Street mosque. From what I was told by eye witnesses, the two men sat very close for the duration of the sermon.

After the sermon and prayers, Dr Jalloh asked permission to make a short statement, and the mosque leaders duly gave him the mic. That’s when the riotous worshippers erupted. I was told the mayhem came from the top floor. The VP was jeered and heckled by the rebellious crowd, which would have drowned any speech. Worshippers were allegedly shouting: “Na Samura wi wan yeri.” The Vice President had to choice but to give in to their demands. He then handed the mic and walk out of the building and left with his convoy. Disturbing!🤦‍♂️

Now the debate that has raged since is whether the VP should have gone to the mosque in the first place. First of all, I see no reason why the Vice President would go to that mosque if he knew that the popular Samura Kmara was there. He would know that there’s nothing to gain by doing that. And the VP would also know that the Basharia Mosque is not the friendliest of places for someone from the other side. But lets put all those points of argument aside. When a sitting President goes to a place, he automatically assumes the highest respect there by virtue of his position as Fountain of all Honour. And VP Juldeh Jalloh, being the acting President (President Bio is far away in Russia), should have been given the honour he deserved.

But what we saw was a disgraceful behaviour by a group of rebellious worshippers who had too much politics in their heads and forgot their senses at home. Interestingly, the Vice President hadn’t made a statement before the rioters pounced on him. Was it premeditated? They could not even listen to a word from him. Who knew what he was going to say? Maybe he wanted to say something about the presence of another political heavyweight; maybe he wanted to say something about tolerance; maybe, still, he wanted to thank the mosque authorities for receiving him at such a short notice and maybe apologize for taking them by surprise. I’m just speculating.

And I have to commend Dr Jalloh for doing the honourable thing by walking out peacefully and quietly when he sensed a nasty situation unfolding. He knew there was nothing he could gain by forcing his way. And whatever death or damage that could have resulted, it would have gone against him. The news would have been: “Juldeh Jalloh’s bodyguards kill Muslim worshippers in a Mosque! 😳. Or Sierra Leone’s Vice President vandalise a mosque🤔.

A very significant part of the drama that I haven’t been able to get was Dr Samura Kamara’s reaction after the VP had left the scene. First of all, I would actually expect Samura Kamara to distance himself from the whole thing. I would expect him to rebuke what appears to be his supporters. There’s no justification for misbehaving on a leader that had done nothing wrong whatsoever. Samura Kamara is vying to be President of the nation. He would also expect the same respect if and when he’s elected .

By the way, Samura Kamara is one of only few politicians I have the utmost respect for in the country. I believe he’s one the least corrupt and least violent politicians. But I have to say I’m disappointed with him for appearing in a video that is critical of the VP who has done nothing wrong. Some people are saying Samura made attempts to restore Juldeh Jalloh’s honour after the VP had left. I’m told a video to that effect exists. But that has been made redundant by Samura’s endorsement of the Chief Imam’s disrespectful video. Shockingly, in that video, a woman can be heard saying: “Na palava na in e want!”, referring to the VP. And in the same video, the Chief Iman seems to take political sides by referring to Dr Samura as: “We daddy”. And Dr Kamara’s triumphant procession around the mosque, moments after the Vice President of the nation had been humiliated, I think that’s unfortunate. Very uncharacteristic of Samura Kamara.

Yes, I accept, to some extent, the argument that VP Juldeh Jalloh should have announced his coming to the mosque. As a statesman, his presence could cause security issues. But what if he didn’t? What if it was a coincidence? What if we consider that as a muslim, he could do his prayers in any mosque at any time? Of course, as a Muslim, he could go into masjid to pray. Can we actually embarrass a president for coming to our place unannounced? Wow!. In fact, this’s not the first time that a president or vice president has gone to a place unannounced. Siaka Stevens did it; Tejan Kabba did it; Ernest Koroma did it many times; and VP Juldeh has done it.

If I were Juldeh, I would have left the mosque immediately after prayers, knowing that the crowd would be yearning to hear from Samura, and of course he could also consider the naive nature of most Sierra Leoneans (most people in this country do not approach issues from a logical angle. Their emotions dictate their reactions). That said, the Vice President decided to make a statement. That was his choice. But the rabble had another plans. They had no interest in what the VP was going to say. I’m actually shocked that some Sierra Leonean could have the guts to embarrass a president in that fashion! Too bad for Mama Salone!!

I’ve since got word that there have been arrests and police invitations in connection with the incident, and that there’s police presence at some places. I can’t corroborated that now. Some people where actually saying the mosque should be closed. I think that’s far fetch. Threre was a riot against the VP, but no serious crime was actually committed as far as I’m concerned. But other people could have their own interpretations. I just hope we can learn lessons and move on from this incident.

©The Bai Bureh Enquirer
TBBEnq

MY PERSONAL INSIGHT INTO
THE FRIDAY SAGA(notice my personal )

I have resisted talking about this unfortunate incident about the VP and the Mosque episode

1) the prayer went well without an incident.

2) Nobody needs permission to pray in a mosque

3) Using the Mosque platform after prayers is political

4)No notIce needed to worship in the mosque and pray but prior notice might be needed to use the mosque to address the people who have nothing to do with religion frankly is political

5) Base on the circumstances the mosque might grant you access to speak but everyone are welcome to come and worship but to speak might need prior notice

6)The Vice President requested to address the congregation after prayers. Notice after prayers. This was impromptu no notice and the Iman granted

7) Meanwhile another dignitary Dr. Samura Kamara was actually slated to speak and address the people after prayers with prior notice

7) Despite this unprotocol request, The imam granted the request by the VP

But the congregation rejected bcoz Samura was expected to address them as announced earlier. Notice the congregation rejected not the Iman

8)That is where the protocols they are referring to comes in.

9) A prior notification would have prepared the minds of the congregation that Samura and VP were to address them after prayers. The notice address them after prayers which are giving a platform to politicians anyway

10)The congregation thought it was unfair to Samura so they revolted. The congregation which are the people revolt not the Iman so get the facts right

11) If our VP bin pray en jus go home safe no drama since he did not inform the congregation prior

12)So nobody needs permission to enter the mosque or leave but to address the people after religious activities one might need prior notice. If prior notice is not available it is discretional but the people can reject it or accept it

Most importantly the man on the video is not Chief Iman. His statement is not an official statement but a personal one and have the right to his view

The situation is unfortunate and feels bad for our VP but sometimes you can’t control people reactions

Let separate Religion from politics. They do meet. Praying was religious but speaking after prayers is political. I rest my case.

PERSPECTIVE SCOPE

Misbaahu S Baldeh

*The Basharia Brouhaha*

I don’t like to comment on highly sensitive political and religious issues. I prefer to be an observer and learn from the contributions of experts in those fields.

That said, I think yesterday’s incidence at the Basharia Mosque
was an opportunity for the officiating Imam to showcase unity and how tolerant Islam is.

The Imam should have used his sermon to talk to both men (VP Juldeh and Dr. Samura) in the presence of their supporters on the importance of national cohesion and peaceful co-existence in the country. It was also a golden opportunity for the Imam to have addressed some of the unaddressed issues in the country. A missed opportunity for the Imam !

Am just suprised that such action was done to the VP by worshippers because by nature, Sierra Leoneans respect religious houses and it is unprecedented for them to have booed on the VP who is their Muslim brother inside the house of Allah. President Bio and Dr. Samura had attended service in the same Church without any “Sonkoh Sonkoh”.

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