OPINION > Something To Think About Potpourri Of Personalities Making The News In Sierra Leone Posted by Joe Sawan on May 8, 2008, 06:23

Finally, the “mother of all weddings” is allegedly scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 11, 2008 between the biggest catch, former President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and Madam Isata Jabbie (IJ).  The innuendos and gossip surrounding the relationship between these two people should remain buried.  What is now important is their alleged decision to tie the marital knot.  Bravo “Nfa” and “IJ”.

“IJ”, it is alleged has been patient, resilient, loyal and very supportive of the “Pa” since the early 1990s” when she resided with relatives at the low-cost housing estate Kissy.  Like a super heavy weight boxer, she has skillfully, physically and psychologically fought off the curvaceous, charming, personable and delightful “Fullamusu”, “(FPK)”, several interlopers and the latest “southern babe”.  It is alleged by reliable investigator’s that “Uncle Bengie” and “Uncle Joko” were the messengers between the “Pa” and the “Southern babe”.

The “Pa”, who is alleged to be extremely jealous once, got irritated with Alhaji Momodu Koroma for contributing towards the purchase of “IJ’s” first Mercedez Benz.  Alhaji Koroma was convinced that his kindness toward the “Pa’s” handbag would be appreciated and reciprocated with good deeds.  He was wrong, but has survived it anyway.

It is rather sad that the “Pa’s” mate and “partner”, the late Sewa Bockarie Marah will not participate in the wedding.  The “Pa” and the late “SB” used to occasionally drive around Conakry during the final days of the AFRC regime.  They used to visit “IJ” in the evenings.

The “Pa”, who is extremely stubborn, did not easily care of the charm and tenacity of “IJ”.  He resisted quite a lot and even allegedly told Aminata Daramy and others who once enquired about his marital plans for “IJ” that he was married to his late wife, Patricia and pointed Mrs. Kabbah’s picture to them.  The group was very frustrated and left with feelings of unhappiness.

Whatever it is, that has made it possible for “Nfa” to change his mind is not appreciated by some family members who see “IJ” as a real threat to their perceived anticipated share of the “Pa’s” accounts and property.  There will be enough to go around because “IJ” is a generous person.  Her support for the “Pa” during her FBC days won the “Pa’s” heart.  Good-luck to the Kabbah and Jabbie families.

On or about the 24^th of April, 2008, the former senior Adviser to Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, Dr. Sama S. Banya of the Kailahun Court Barray fame was seen at the National Power Authority (NPA) trying to negotiate the amount of his electricity bill.  This once powerful pseudo politician sat on a bench praying for the Almighty intervention regarding the amount of his bill.  He claimed that, the bill which was for his surgery was too much.  People who recognized Dr. Banya observed that he was known more as political journalist than as a practicing physician.  Some even remarked that he was probably using the surgery for clandestine SLPP political meetings and he was now trying to negotiate the terms of payment with a government (APC) that he felt was incapable of providing light to the Freetown community.  Dr. Banya, who mumbled a lot during his visit to the NPA, should have been asked to pay his entire bill as long as he consumed the power.  The APC government of Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma needs all the revenue to facilitate the development of the country.  Dr. Banya should not be allowed to derail the aspirations of the APC.

It is alleged that about a week ago, the former VP and SLPP Presidential candidate, Mr. Solomon Berewa, dispatched Dr. Banya to Kenema in order to convince Mr. J.S. Kelfala to give up on his idea of becoming Mayor of Kenema.  The SLPP is still a divided party and they are worried about splitting their votes in such a way that will ruin the chances of the SLPP candidate, Chief Brima Kargbo.

The current talk making the rounds in the country is that the semi-political marriage between Mr. Charles Francis Margai and his friend/soul mate Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma is on the rocks.  Charles Margai is alleged to have complained to some key political stakeholders that he has started having difficulty to meet with His Excellency the President.  Is the problem due to the fact that both were successful in their objective to dislodge the SLPP from the seat of power?  Or, is the problem due to the fact that their two personalities and character traits are so dissimilar or similar? 

It is further alleged that Mr. Charles Francis Margai has compiled a comprehensive list of leadership and governance issues that he would like to discuss with Dr. Koroma if and when he makes himself available to him.  Hopefully, His Excellency the President will oblige Mr. Margai with the opportunity for a frank discussion on the issues.

Mr. Wilfred Sam-King, who is speculated to be a real APC sympathizer and who was, also, recently appointed chairman of the National Insurance Commission received a great setback when his proposal to lease his beach property for occupancy to the UN was abruptly turned down by the government. How true that is remains a story to tell by Mr. Sam-King.  Many tongues are wagging and speculations are rife relative to the reasons for the turn down.  Does either the Vice President or the Foreign Minister know anything about this project?

Since the attainment of independence in 1961, Sierra Leoneans who have been appointed as Ministers have usually behave with dignity, respect and decorum.  Dr. John Karefa-Smart, Dr. S.P. Stevens, Alhaji M.S. Mustapha, Kandeh Bureh, Salia Jusu Sheriff, F.M. Minah, Dr. Abdulai O. Conteh, Mr. H.E.B. John and many others constitute some of those ministers that this writer admires.  It is, however, alleged that the Marine Resources Minister, “General Kapu” was on Monday morning this week observed being molested by two female acquaintances who met unceremoniously at his residence.  It is alleged by those who witnessed the spectacle when the two female acquaintances exposed the Minister fawn underwear had a bad day for seeing the ugly sight. Neighbours of “General Kapu” know him as the meat eater of the PMDC party

While the number of fishing boats has drastically declined during the past several months to approximately 30, this minister is allegedly out there engaging in frivolity.  Please do something about this Mr. President.

Finally, congratulations are due Ms Feima Jajua who recently gave birth to a bouncing baby boy.  It is alleged that Mr. Charles Francis Margai is reported to be extremely happy about this new development in the politics of the Margai family.