By Ralph Simeon Sesay
Residents of Gbaruwa chiefdom in the Kenema District have resisted attempts by the Resident Minister East, Andrew Fatormah, to impose Keifala Bernard Kamara as Local Court Chairman for the Chiefdom due to his alleged involvement in cannibalism and murder over the years in the Chiefdom.
Residents claimed that the embattled Court Chairman was allegedly involved in the cannibalism of 62 years old Lansana Koroma and another 4 years old child. He was reportedly arrested and charged to court but the matter was later dismissed at the High Court in Kenema for want of evidence.
The Paramount Chief of the Chiefdom noted that he has instructions from the resident Minister East, Andrew Fartomah, through the Provincial Secretary East to reinstate Keifala Bernard Kamara.
The PC insisted that he would present Mr. Kamara as Court Chairman if he has an appointment from the Provincial Secretary as provided for by law.
In responding to the allegations, Bernard Kamara, the proposed local court chairman, noted that the allegations of murder and cannibalism against him are baseless and that the High Court in Kenema had dismissed such allegations based on want of evidence.
He continued that the allegations are being made by very few individuals. He claimed that he has worked effectively in the area as local court chairman with a very credible record.
On allegations that he is refusing to go back to his home town due to issues of cannibalism, Mr. Bernard Kamara also noted that those allegations are false and baseless.
The situation at Gbawura remains at a standstill with no court Chairman in the area. Government is yet to react to the issue