By Nasratu Kargbo
Members of Parliament have heaped praises on the newly approved Chairman at the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) Rev Shodankeh Johnson, describing him as being fit for the position.
Speaking on the 21th February 2023, MP representing constituency 080 Rev. Ishmail Sama Sandy the nominee has immensely contributed to the country’s development.
“As I speak, Rev Shodankeh Johnson has complemented the effort of government in the provision of more than eighty schools across this nation” said Sandy.
Rev.Sandy added that commission chairman is a nationalist who has worked and interacted with people from different backgrounds, regions and tribes, stating that he is fit for the office due to the web of interaction he has created.
From Constituency 079 Charles O. Abdulai said he has always known Rev.Johnson to be a peacemaker, stating that the President nominating him to occupy that position was a right choice.
He said since the war and resettlement, the country is not in fully at peace nor cohesive, adding that the creation of such a commission is relevant in unifying the nation.
Speaking highly of the nominee, the MP said there is school in his constituency which faced personnel and logistics challenges, but that Rev. Johnson’s mission has taken over the affairs of the school which is now now up and running.
Addressing the Nominee, Member of Parliament representing constituency 023 Musa Fofanah said the country has weak politicians who hide behind conflict for their own personal gains, and warned that the peace commission chairman will face challenges, but was quick to note that with the qualifications they’ve seen in his resume and with the team at the commission they believe the institution’s objectives will be acjieved.
He commended President Julius Maada Bio for what he described as fine nominations that he has done over the past four years.
Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament Bashiru Silikie said as the country gets close to election, the nation needs a level headed individual to manage the peace affairs in the country.
He stated that during the interview, members of the ruling party and opposition had agreed on Johnson’s the approval.
“Those who know him well have showered him with praises acknowledging indeed that you are a very fine choice by His Excellency” said the Speaker of Parliament Chernor Abass Bundu.
He said that the task ahead is not an easy one; Bundu stated that Sierra Leoneans could acknowledged that there are times when there are evidence of disunity and absence of cohesion in the country, noting that “to put the pieces together again and seal it as one nation, one people, not to be divided, not to be disunited, but to work together in unity, humanity and cohesion is not an easy task”.
Bundu congratulated him and wished him well in the execution of his job.
Prior to his appointment, Rev Johnson served as a board member in the commission.
Rev Dr Shodankeh Johnson was born to a Creole father from Waterloo and a Sherbro mother from Bonthe.
He is a propound church leader, a consultant leadership trainer/mentor working with church and para-church organizations and leaders across the globe. He is the Founder and Executive President of the New Harvest Global Ministries in Sierra Leone and in other twenty African, Asian and Latin American Countries.
He is the proprietor of the New Song Radio Stations in Bo, Koidu and Makeni. He is the founder and chancellor of Every Nation College Bo, proprietor of 7 Nursery, 59 Primary, 20 Junior and 4 Senior Secondary Schools and a Technical Institute in the country .
He is the Chief Executive Officer of the New Harvest Development Office NEHADO, a local NGO complimenting the efforts of government in the areas of Primary Healthcare (4 Health centers in Bo, Falaba and Kailahun Districts), water and Sanitation, Agriculture, Child Protection, Rights -Based Advocacy and livelihood development.
Rev Johnson holds a Master’s Degree in Theology and is currently a PHD Candidate of the Leadership and Global Development at the African Graduate University International. He was also conferred an honorary doctorate degree for achievement and proficient Christian Leadership by the Christ Life Theological Seminary, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
He was also founder and chairman of the Makeni and Bo Council of Church Ministers, and a Lecturer at Flaming Bible School.
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