Over Death Threat to Journalist -“I am Not Guilty” VP Sam-Sumana Denies

The issue of the death threat against a journalist has gathered momentum with Alhaji Samuel Sam-Sumana, Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone in a phone call to Sierra Express Media denying involvement in the matter of death threats. The death threats were made against Deputy Editor of Sierra Express Media Tatafway Tumoe by Kono APC Councilor Tamba Henry Fomba who claimed he has the support of Vice president Sam-Sumana.

Councilor Fomba who claims to be the close confidant and personal errand boy of the Vice President made threatening remarks against Tumoe following a publication revealing illicit mining activities in Yengema said to be done under the name of the Vice President.

Vice President Samuel Sahr Sam-Sumana called in desperation to counter claims made by Fomba and his henchmen that they represent the VPs interest while engaged in harassing innocent miners and even torturing in the name of the Vice president.

“What could someone of my caliber be doing with thugs that go about in my name, would I even afford to soil my name to such an extent? Why would I even support such things against my own people, it’s cruel to have said that I am involved in such despicable things” he said.

Sam-Sumana said he only knew these guys because they are all coming from the same District. “I knew Fomba when he was a boy, true he comes around me when I visit Kono at times, but does that give him the onus to engage in such dubious acts in my name?”

Vice President Sam-Sumana further went on to deny: “I certainly have nothing to do with such things and if I happen to get evidence that he does so, the law will deal with him and anybody else in requisite terms” he said in a telephone conversation.

The threat to the life of the journalist started after a publication on illicit town mining in Kono District, carried out in the name of the Vice President. The article also exposed series of other traditional and local leaders that are caught in the act of mining for diamonds in towns and cities in the District.

The aggrieved local authorities led by Tamba Henry Fomba issued out death threat to Tumoe, boasting of the backing of the Vice President to torture and kill the journalist for exposing the deal.

Late evening yesterday, Sierra Express received series of calls and letters from concerned citizens condemning the act and further exposing the doings of this so-called group of people that have succeeded to terrorize peaceful citizens in the District using the name of the Vice President Sam-Sumana.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission it is said to will be contacted to look into the matter. “Anyone engaged in illicit mining in the towns in Kono should also be punished as it is part of corruption,” one youth leader stressed.  

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