By Ilyasa Baa
Chairman for the Western Area Rural District Council, Mr. Kasho J. Holland Cole, has told the nightwatch that his Council still maintains its stance over the illegal appointment of one Alusine Sesay as acting Headman of Waterloo Village by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Anthony Brewah.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, according to Chairman Cole, has no right to do such appointment without consulting with the Council as provided in the 2004 Local Government Act.
It will be recalled that the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has appointed Mr. Alusine Sesay, a retired Principal, reportedly because of his membership to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
We were unable to get the side of the Minister despite several efforts to get his reaction to the standoff between the Ministry and the Council. He failed to respond to several calls and text messages on the issue.
Mr. Sesay further intimated this medium that, although the Council Chairman does not recognize him, he has been actively performing his role as Headman of the Village. He cited his recent efforts in mobilizing youths to clean the Waterloo village cemetery.
He said he is the fittest person to replace the late Headman, Mr. Omojowu Brown, having served in the Waterloo Governing Council as a member.
“I cannot show my plans for the village now because I don’t know when the by-election will be held,” said the controversial Headman.
He called on the Minister to settle the issue as soon as possible, so that Waterloo can be represented in the Council again.
On condition of anonymity, a sakeholder of the village informed this medium that Mr. Sesay is not fit for appointment as Headman. He described him as a ‘non- crowd puller’ who does not mingle a lot. Our source maintained that the position of headman in Waterloo remains apolitical and any attempt to politicize it would be frowned at by the people of Waterloo. Any individual wanting to serve as headman should be able to push for the development of the village and its people.
The question in the lips of many is about the specific date the by-election for the hot seat will be held, considering the fact that we are almost midway into the end of the current term. News reaching nightwatch states a very notable stakeholder is eyeing the position. The Chairman of the Council is reportedly protecting the interest of his party towards the election of a new headman.