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Chairman of the Western Area District Council (WARD-C), Kasha Holland Cole, has appealed to President Julius Maada Bio to reconsider his decision regarding SLPP politician Leema, urging the President to allow compassion and humanity to guide the matter.
Holland Cole made the appeal in a statement reflecting on his longstanding relationship with Leema, whom he said he knew during their days in the military.
According to him, the two trained together, shared experiences and witnessed each other’s growth, but he noted that the Leema he knew during their military days appears different from the person he sees today.
Holland Cole stressed that he is not a medical practitioner and therefore would not attempt to diagnose Leema’s condition. However, he said a person’s facial appearance, body language and general demeanour can sometimes raise concerns that something may not be right.
He also acknowledged the political differences between them, noting that he is a member and stakeholder of the All People’s Congress (APC), while Leema belongs to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
Despite their opposing political positions, Holland Cole argued that political differences should not prevent people from recognising the humanity of those on the other side of the political divide.
He therefore appealed to President Bio to reconsider Leema’s situation if there is room to do so within the circumstances of the matter and within the President’s authority.
“Leadership is also about knowing when compassion can serve a greater purpose,” Holland Cole stated, adding that giving Leema another opportunity, if possible, could help restore peace and happiness to him and those who care about him.
The WARDC Chairman emphasised that political positions can change over time, but the humanity shown towards one another should endure.
He said his appeal was particularly significant because it was coming from someone who does not share Leema’s political ideology.
Holland Cole concluded by urging President Bio to ensure that politics does not become the final consideration, while allowing humanity and compassion to have a voice in the matter.
