By Steven Bockarie Mansaray in Kabala
Paramount Chief of Folosaba Dembelia chiefdom in Kabala has apologised to the Fullah tribal authorities, admitting in public that he owed his position to the support he received from the Fullahs in the election.
PC Fenda Modo Kamara III showed remorse for their actions in the presence of the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Alhaji Foday BL Mansaray, Paramount Chiefs of Sengbeh, Wara Wara Yagala and Dembelia Sinkunia chiefdoms, the Fullah authorities and officials from the District Officer’s office.
During campaigns for the 2011 chieftaincy elections, PC Kamara signed a memorandum of understanding with the Fullahs, whose tribal authorities command huge respect and numbers in the region, asking for their votes and promising them the position of Chiefdom Speaker.
“But after I won and became the chief, the customs and traditions of my people did not permit me to fulfil that promise, but also because the chiefdom is an amalgamated one,” he said.
He apologised on behalf of his colleague, PC Alie Balasama Marah III of Sengbeh chiefdom for the way he handled the situation, and presented a cow, two bags of salt and a container of palm oil while he asked for forgiveness from the Fullah authorities.
Addressing the meeting, Agina Mansaray, the Assistant District Officer said the 2009 Chieftaincy Act stated that ’’the appointment of a Chiefdom Speaker should be done according to the customs and traditions of the chiefdom”. He encouraged them to put behind the past and work together for the good of the chiefdom.
Responding on behalf of the Fullahs, Alhaji Alpha Tanue Jalloh, said they were thinking of boycotting all chiefdom activities to remind the Paramount Chief of his promise but that for the intervention of the District Officer and other stakeholders.
He said they had agreed to forgive the chief and work with him for the development of Folosaba Dembelia Chiefdom but pleaded for their tribe to be respected as one of those that have contributed and continue to contribute to nation-building.
© Politico 16/10/13
