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The Chairman of the Western Area Rural District Council, Kasho Holland, has firmly rejected calls for him to hand over office, maintaining that he remains the legitimate occupant of the position despite ongoing political tensions.
Responding to questions about whether he would grant access to an acting chairman, Holland challenged the legality and authority behind such a move.
“Who will act in my capacity? Let him go to my office and take over and see,” Holland said. “People voted for us. This is Sierra Leone—you cannot just go and take over an office. If you want to be chairman or mayor, go and win elections.”
Holland emphasised that he has not resigned from office, arguing that any attempt to remove him without due process would be unlawful.
“I am still the chairman. I did not resign. If I had resigned, then they would ask me to hand over properties, the office keys, and everything,” he stated.
Addressing claims that members of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) have been asked to stay away from their offices while representatives of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) continue to work, Holland dismissed the directive, insisting that councillors are free to carry out their duties.
“They are councillors let them go to work. But I am still the chairman and I have every right to be in my office,” he added.
Holland further cited provisions of the Local Government Act, maintaining that his authority is derived from elected councillors rather than political party officials.
“Read Section 12 of the Local Government Act. The chairman or mayor is only answerable to councillors. So who is a party chairman to tell me to hand over?” he questioned.
Reacting to comments by SLPP Deputy Chairman, Robert Kondé Makorgbo, suggesting that absentee officials could be replaced, Holland dismissed the remarks as irrelevant.
“What is his business in that? Is he part of the government structure? He has no right,” Holland said.
He also referenced recent developments in which Mohamed Lamin Kamara was reportedly appointed during a conference, challenging him to assume control if he has the mandate.
“Let him go and take over. They have already announced him. But they don’t even have half of the council,” Holland argued, noting that the APC holds the majority of councillors.
Holland further accused the SLPP of attempting to create division within the council and criticised recent political actions relating to appointments and approvals.
“We wrote to President Julius Maada Bio, but while waiting for a response, they went ahead with approvals and celebrations. That is not proper engagement,” he said.
The situation underscores growing political tensions within local councils, raising concerns about governance, legality, and adherence to democratic processes in Sierra Leone.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Y3KFzMgem/
