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The Commission of Inquiry, presided over by Court of Appeal Judge Justice Alhaji Mohamed Momoh Jah Steven, reached its conclusion regarding the allegations of incitement and misconduct against the suspended Paramount Chief of Dansogoaia Chiefdom.
In just the second sitting of the tribunal, the suspended Paramount Chief, Alimamy Bockarie Alie Yellan Koroma III, expressed remorse and issued an apology to the President for his actions. Responding to the state Lawyer Edward Sakho’s case against him, the Paramount Chief admitted guilt, acknowledging that his emotions had overridden his judgment, leading to regrettable statements captured in audio and video recordings submitted by the state as exhibits.
He clarified that his intentions were never to make such statements, expressing deep regret and emphasizing that this incident was an unprecedented lapse in his two-decade-long tenure as a paramount chief. He highlighted his efforts in reaching out to state officials, including the Minister of Local Government, to convey his apologies and plead for leniency from the President.
Asserting his commitment to supporting the government, the Paramount Chief stressed his non-partisan stance since assuming his role, emphasizing his dedication before, during, and after the June 24 elections to uphold his duty as a traditional ruler in alignment with the government’s policies.
Addressing the court, he pleaded for understanding and mercy from the President, Vice President, and the government at large. Additionally, he presented a letter of apology from the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Tonkolili district, penned on his behalf and addressed to the Vice President.
The state’s accusation revolved around alleged statements made by the Paramount Chief, urging members of a political party associated with the Traditional Authority to demonstrate. State Lawyer Edward Sakho contended that such actions displayed unethical behavior and amounted to incitement, considering the role of traditional authorities as conduits for state policies, as enshrined in the Constitution and the 2009 Chieftaincy Act.
Justice Alhaji Mohamed Momoh Jah Steven has since closed the proceedings, marking a pivotal moment in the inquiry into the suspended Paramount Chief’s conduct and setting the stage for the tribunal’s deliberations.
