By Paul Lamin
Local Authorities in the Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, have installed another Regent Chief following the demise of the Late Paramount Chief, PC Alhaji Amara Bonya Vangahun some years ago.
It could be recalled that, after the demise of the Late Paramount Chief, the All People’s Congress (APC) government appointed the Section Chief of Gbo Lambayama, Alhaji Ahmad Benson Suwu, to act in that capacity until elections were held.
Shortly after the March 31st polls, another chief was purportedly appointed to replace Alhaji Ahmed Benson Suwu who had occupied the office for a period of two months until recently when the Provincial Secretary’s office received another letter from the Office of the President urging them to sign up one Alhaji Pewa Kallon from Koya Chiefdom as the new Regent Chief of the chiefdom.
During the inaugural meeting past Tuesday at the Kenema Court Barry, the Senior District Officer, Moses, said the institution of Paramount Chieftaincy is not like a union where members can get in and come out as they feel.
He said the government is very much careful as to who they should appoint as Paramount Chief. He called on substantive paramount chiefs to be mindful of their roles and responsibilities to their subjects. He said it is the determination of the government of Sierra Leone to provide astute leadership to its people.
He stated that the appointment of regent chiefs is purely in the hands of the central government and the election of substantive paramount chiefs lies in the hands of the traditional authorities.
In his statement, the Resident Minister, east, Hon Andrew Ansu Fatorma, called on the gathering to express grief over the death of the Late Paramount Chief, Alhaji Amara Bonya Vangahum, whom he described as a true patriot of the land during his life time. He called on other traditional chiefs to emulate the same attitude.
The resident minister reiterated the roles of the regent chiefs and expectations of the people from their chiefs. He called on Regent Chiefs to display neutrality as many other chiefs would be coming to them for support during real time elections. He cautioned chiefs not to muzzle their prestige for few leones especially during electioneering period in their chiefdoms.
Shortly after his installation, the Regent Chief, Alhaji Pewa Kallon, expressed happiness over the appointment and thanked President Bio for considering him for the position. He promised to work in the interest of the people during his stay in office.
Other speakers, at the inaugural ceremony, were the Paramount Chief of Koya Chiefdom, PC Alami Kanneh, the Town Chief of Kenema, Chief Kenie Momoh Ngombulango and the Provincial Secretary, Mr. Kalley.