Sierra Leone President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has coronated and handed staff as symbols of authority to eight newly elected Paramount Chiefs, while entreating them to be peace ambassadors in their various chiefdoms. On Saturday, June 11th, 2022, a colorful ceremony will be held in Koidu New Sembehun City, Kono District.
The eight newly elected Paramount Chiefs (PCs) are; PC Kandeh Bamba II of Tambakha Yogbangie Chiefdom in the Karene District; PC Sheku Terenah Tongos Neya Konkoroba Franko Lai Marrah III of Neya Chiefdom in the Falaba District; PC Bai Shebora Thelleh III of Yoni Mamailla Chiefdom in the Tonkolili District; PC Kandeh Gbanka III of Ngowahun in the Bombali District; PC Bai Makarie N’kolo II of Gbanti Chiefdom in the Bombali District; PC Rtd Captain Prince Lansana Wonnie Bio V of Sogbini Chiefdom in the Bonthe District; and PC Alie Musa III of Mafindor Chiefdom in the Kono District.
President Bio told the gathering, "My administration has ensured that the institution of Paramount chieftaincy is insulated from the challenging national politics." I have also ensured that, under my supervision, the issues of central government political manipulation of Paramount chieftaincy elections are slowly becoming a thing of the past.
He, therefore, went on, "Let me assure you all that the institution of Paramount Chieftaincy will continue to regain its past glory of being one that guarantees only official and rightful families compete among themselves in our various chiefdoms across this country."
The President noted the institution of chieftaincy was and would remain a critical element of the administration of the state, and reassured, especially the Paramount Chiefs elected, that the sustainability of the country’s nascent democracy and promotion of effective and community-national development could not have been been taken root without their full and active involvement.
Bio emphasized, "On an occasion like this, I want to publicly recognize and express my sincere appreciation to all Paramount Chiefs across the country." As Paramount Chiefs, you provide the superstructure or foundation on which I and my team in the executive arm of government rely to function and execute the mandate of planning and delivering vital services as well as leading sustainable national development. "
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Tamba Lamina, said chieftaincy in the country was the foundation for governance since the colonial era, adding that in 2018, President Bio promised to restore the dignity and respect that traditional rulers deserved. A display of that testament demonstrates the president’s commitments made.
The Minister confirms that the process leading to the election of those traditional leaders was transparent and peaceful, saying that was a sign of good leadership backed by decent democratic principles. He cited provisions of the country’s 1991 Constitution that gave the President the authority to recognize and coronate elected Paramount Chiefs.
The Paramount Chie elect, PC Masakma Madibie II of Kafe Chiefdom in the Tonkolili District, on behalf of his colleagues, extended their appreciation to the President and his government for their leadership roles in governing the nation, stressing how he has personally seen a lot of tangible development since the SLPP took office in 2018. He also thanked the Council of Paramount Chiefs for their guidance throughout the entire process and promised that they would work with the Council and the central government for nation-building.
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