Published on January 3, 2011 by Cocorioko News · No Comments
By Roland Bankole Marke :
News of the passing of attorney Mohamed Sadu Bah came as shock waves, penetrating the heart string of the Sierra Leone community; both in the Diaspora and back home in Sierra Leone. The fragility of life raises more questions than answers, arresting us all with child-like helplessness and awe, at the reality and gluttony of death. Our friend and brother took ill about a month ago. And he was diagnosed of a rare form of aggressive cancer that had spread to his vital organs. Sadu Bah accepted his grim results with courage and tenacity. He didn’t want to go through the ordeal of being confined to life support. He wanted to be at peace with God, at the appointed time. He was later moved from the University of Maryland Hospital to his home in Laurel, Maryland. His clarion call to higher service came January 1st, 2011 at about 9 am. He’s survived by his wife, Kadijatu and five children: Lamirana, Adama, Laratu, Mohamed and Seray.
Mr. Bah was 63 years-old. He ventured to study in the United States in the late 60s after completing 6th form at Saint Edwards Secondary School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he was senior prefect. He was a devoted Muslim, taking pride, mingling passion with compassion on what he believes. He was eventually acculturated into the American society, and would later qualify as an attorney with a specialty in immigration Law, in pursuit of the American dream. He had a peaceful and calm disposition: Spoke his truth quietly, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Here’s one of his exchanges in a meeting of Sierra Leoneans:
“If am talking, I don’t want anyone to talk. I want every body to be quiet and listen. This is lawyer Sadu Bah: I have the knowledge which I want to share freely with everyone. I don’t want to die with it. I will live for Sierra Leone and will die for her. I’m blind to tribal, religious and political sentiments,” he emphasized. He was a loving and caring person, who never threw his weight around. He had achieved something to brag about, but never did, being a popular and success attorney with over 30 years experience in practicing Law.
He was a man of many parts who gave generously to various organizations that demonstrated visionary ideals which would move Sierra Leone forward. He was a pioneering member of several organizations, which include Fullah Progressive Organization which he served relentlessly as president: National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America ( NOSLINA), Leone Net and Sierra Leone Discussion Groups, Chairman of Alpha Timbo campaign, opposition –Sierra Leone’s People Party, for the presidency of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Business Organization, Sierra Leone Council of Legal Representatives and legal adviser- SLPP. A remembrance ceremony for the deceased was held January 1st and continued onto January 2 at Days Inn Hotel Banquet, at 2700 New York Avenue N.E. Washington DC. The ambassador of Sierra Leone presided at the ceremony, as representatives of several organizations gave tributes to an illustrious son of the soil, whose contributions flowed quietly like ripples of Africa’s river to enhance peace, freedom, democracy and posterity in the Diaspora and back home. For him no job was too big or too small for his willing hands to do.
Funeral and burial ceremonies would take place on Monday January 3rd 2011 at Lanham Prince George’s Mosque, Maryland, and burial is at Laurel cemetery. When our toil on earth is done, on eagle wings we would fly, to be with god and be at rest. The poet in me travails, toils, if not languishing at the inadequacy of words in expressing and capturing my evocative spirit of loss and despair, collectively shared by a multitude of Sierra Leoneans and Africans in general from all walks of life.
Death’s a debt we all must repay
Glued memory no one could heal
Piercing heartache; who could reel?
Emotional dynamite so hard to steal
Is the heart honestly right with God?
Launch that necessary change today.
Sadu Bah has set the pace on the footprints of time. We should all emulate his inspiring and lasting legacy. May his soul find favor and eternal peace: touching God’s face and clinging to his enduring nest! Sleep on brother; appreciate your much needed rest.
Roland Bankole Marke is a Sierra Leone writer/poet and close friend of the deceased. Visit his website: www.rolandmarke.com
