By Sheriff Mahmud Ismail
October 2nd is a very popular date in Sierra Leone. Many people from all walks-of- life, all ages, and from all regions of the country mark this day in all manner of ways. While some, mostly far afield in the diaspora, do so online, others celebrate him in person, still others do so on TV screens, and on radio. At the eve of this momentous day, many would be on their way to his home town of Makeni, in the northern -eastern part of the country. Others, including petty traders, motor bike riders, fish mongers, the physically challenged, hearing impaired, little people, lawyers, accountants, engineers, medical doctors, communications specialists, politicians across the political aisle etc, would travel on D -Day – each with their unique way of expressing their love, respect and honour of a man who earned the unfailing affection of many ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
This is in appreciation of his extraordinary service to his nation during his 10 years tenure (2007-2018) as president of the Republic. But this year, this annual fanfare, this rallying point, this moment of connection of old friends, of former and current colleagues, of new acquaintances; this moment of celebration of one Sierra Leone’s most illustrious statesmen; would have to be marked in his absence.
And this not because of ill-health, or the natural call, rather; it is owing to extraneous political circumstances that have taken a beloved leader away from his people. For a man who, even during the country’s very brutal and destructive war, chose to stay and help his compatriots, particularly those internally displaced, this is an unforgettable testimony of the ills that occur when a society is overpowered by schemes, manipulations, treachery and ingratitude.
The November events that culminated in the statesman’s ‘temporal relocation to Abuja’ was as dramatic as it was unfathomable. Even worse, it tended to deliberately lacerate the glistering democratic credentials, pulverize the widely acclaimed leadership reputation and hard work of a mild – mannered political icon, by any standards. What happened in Sierra Leone and against the country’s immediate past president is very hurtful and would bother anyone who finds himself in such an awkward situation, but not President Ernest Bai Koroma.
At three scores and ten, plus one, a man would have seen many things, accumulated a great deal of experience, and lived many different moments of ups and downs – so much that, as former President Ernest Koroma often puts it, he sufficiently understands ‘men and things.’ It is therefore not surprising that the Sierra Leone statesmen keeps such a calm demeanour that baffles even his detractors. At times when everything negative is thrown at him; and this has happened many times, he carries on unruffled and unperturbed; as if nothing happened. He said he does not carry grudges, or let antagonism bother him. Throughout this extraordinary nine-month period, the longest he has ever spent out of Sierra Leone, he conducts himself as a man of strong faith who cherishes what God has done for him.
“Bearing grudges is an unnecessary burden which I am not willing to carry. I look at what the Lord as done for me, that keeps me sane and strong,” he said. Strong in faith, sound in mind, and physical robust, he therefore sustains such a regiment of reading, of worship, of phydical fitness in the gym and in the squash court, which even teenagers could only imagine.
Always looking at the bright side of life and counting his blessings, he maintains his friendships which value, respect, and honour him. I watch in awe as his friends do everything to make him feel at home away from home. This is a lesson that inspires as it teaches the worth of good deeds, of a good heart, and of the capacity to forgive. And this is particularly poignant for this important date. The state and two other friends each offered him a special flight to go wherever he chooses and celebrate his birthday. His peers, and several others, including new friends, have indicated their intention to host, be with, and celebrate him.
“This is the least we can do to demonstrate to him that we love, respect and honour him,” said Dr Stanley Uzochukwu a Nigerian Entrepreneur, philanthropist and business tycoon who won the bid, as it were, to host President Koroma at his prestigious hotel, ‘The Delborough Lagos’ at the iconic Victoria Island in Lagos. No doubt, with his affable and amenable disposition, President Koroma is in good company in Nigeria as he can be anywhere. Suffice it to say, however, that home is still home!
October 1st, 2024 – Lagos, Nigeria : Credit Owl Press
