8th June, 2021
CONCERNS OVER ALLEGATIONS OF UNLAWFUL
POSSESSION OF FIREARMS
The Consortium for Good Governance, Human Rights, and Democracy (CGHRD), is a vivacious and conscientious public space entity of likeminded organizations within the rubric of Civil Society in Sierra Leone. Thus, CGHRD is committed to the promotion of democratic good governance, human rights, rule of law, social Justice, socio-economic justice, national security, cohesion and socio-economic development in a bid to ensure a transparent and accountable society.
CGHRD is closely following investigation on allegation of unlawful possession of firearms involving Honorable Emmanuel Saidu Conteh of Constituency 129 of the main opposition – All People’s Congress (APC) and three others.
In view of the above, CGHRD notes the following:
- That firearms were allegedly found in a vehicle at the Queen Elizabeth Quay believed to have been imported under the name of Hon. Saidu Conteh.
- That the said vehicle was opened and searched at the Quay in the absence of the honorable.
- That the police alleged that seven pistols were found in the said vehicle.
- That the honorable is one of the most vibrant and vivacious Members of Parliament, that been critical on issues in the Well of Parliament as an opposition Parliamentarian.
- That Hon. Conteh and three others were arrested and detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, since Friday 2nd July, 2021.
Consequent to the above, CGHRD wishes to underscore the fact that the issue has generated serious public interest, and there is no gainsaying that professionalism is greatly needed to ascertain the veracity of the investigation.
CGHRD, therefore looks forward to the authorities to expedite the investigation and employ an independent, impartial, non-political, free, fair and credible process for the general good of all, devoid of any suspicion and distrust by the general public in the investigation process.
……………………………. Marcus Bangura National Coordinator
Morlai Conteh, Secretary General ……………………………. ……………………………….Thomas Moore Conteh, Spokesman
