Paramount Chiefs Executive visits President Koroma
FREETOWN: President Ernest Bai Koroma has received in audience the newly elected executive of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs during a courtesy call paid on him at State House, where they presented him with a communiqué bearing the outcome of their National Conference recently held at the Bo town hall. (Photo: HE President Ernest Bai Koroma)
Presenting, the new Executive to President Koroma, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Alhaji Dauda Kamara said Chieftaincy is an institution with a created vision that contributes to good governance.
He added that the just concluded meeting provided them with the opportunity to discuss, exchange ideas, and share information as chiefs.
The communiqué, he informed President Koroma states what they believe their roles in state governance should be.
The Chairman for the Council, Paramount Chief (PC) Charles Caulker commended government’s continued effort to uphold and upgrade the institution of chieftaincy.
He cited President Koroma’s action when he replaced their symbol of authority with new staffs. “We are fully aware of our roles as guardians of the cultural heritages of our people’ he said.
Chief Caulker pledged their determination to continue executing their traditional roles as primary agents of development in their chiefdoms and work with government as partners in development to improve the welfare of their people.
He spoke against the illegal cultivation of harmful drugs in their communities and constrains that are affecting their full performance.
According to P.C Caulker they have resolved that their honour, dignity and the prestige of the institution be enhanced, their welfare be remunerated, opted to become neutral in politics, promote good governance and human rights.
He said it was also decided that they maintain law and order, participate in the destruction of dangerous drugs and cooperate with other governance structures.
Replying, President Koroma commended them for the initiative of organizing themselves in forming a Council, noting that the durbar of Chiefs was an opportunity for many Sierra Leoneans to see the impressive display of our culture.
He noted that it is government’s commitment to work with the P.Cs to transform the role of chieftaincy in the country.
‘Since assuming office I have always maintained that as a government and political party we have great respect for the institution and we are in no way going to create any situation of disquiet for any P.C” President Koroma assured. “On the contrary”, he stressed; “Government will ensure that they strengthen the institution with a clear process and roles”
According to the President, their roles should not be limited in implementing policies but should also be involved in policy formulation processes of governance.
He reassured them that government will work jointly with them on the issues in the communiqué.
President Koroma reminded them of the proposed national conference involving every Sierra Leoneans he promised to call and requested of the P.Cs to be part of the organizing team.
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