Tribute to Tatafway’s fallen Maverick Pen
A maverick pen uses nothing. It’s a sign of academic excellence issued to excellent scholars. Tatafway Mani Tumoe was a high school graduate, authored poems and a short-lived novel: “A country in a country”, scheme styling an experience he had at the Pademba Road maximum prison; he stopped at nothing to have occupied the position and status of newspaper editor, magazine and online media publications, his maverick pen has got a serious ink of value. (Photo: the late Tatafway Mani Tumoe )
Besides being a renowned journalist, he was a promoter, advocate, and a champion who lead the battle for the emancipation of the Kono people. Testament to this is his numerous pen battles in raising awareness on the down-trodden nature of his native birthplace, Kono. He wrote a dossier of publications chronicling the lives and living conditions of the Kono people much as blaming the lack of political will to give the Kono the facelift it deserved since a Vice President, First Lady, and Second Lady secured positions of trust in manning the affairs of state.
Much as he had the physical zest in spelling his opinion as a patriotic son of the soil, he led and held several key positions of trust in the emancipation of his Kono people. Until his death, he was the Secretary General of the Kono Students’ Union (KONSU); The First Lady, Sia Nyama Koroma was a regular feature in Tumoe’s promotional articles; so also the Vice President, Alhaji Chief Sam Sumana.
To say the late man was a fine writer is an understatement. Tumoe was a blend of the art and science of creativity. In fact he was the teacher-mentor type who recruited and mentored many journalists in Sierra Leone. Among the places he has worked include Concord Times Newspaper, The Independent Observer, The New Citizen Newspaper, The African Champion Newspaper, Sierra Express Media, Sierra Update Newspaper, and of late the Owl Newspaper.
I met the late man at the African Champion Newspaper office in 2005 and I was inspired by him. Since I left in 2007 we only met back recently, about six months ago, at Sierra Express Media taking up as co-editors. During this short period, we designed and mucked several editorial plans and schedules our readership applauded. On this re-union, we celebrated fond memories of the past and re-established links of news sources.
What I’m fondly remembering exactly six months ago was the day we both took a snap shot at the editorial room of Sierra Express Media. I remembered telling him these words: “I’m taking this shot to have your clear picture in writing a tribute in the event you pass away”. We laughed over it, but this tribute is sadly written and is regretted. Forget about his drinking habit, he was articulate, studious, and a quintessential journalist.
Tumoe will be fondly remembered by so many people, including politicians, lawyers, and the interest groups in journalism he served in his 48 year sojourn on earth.
Dead, but not forgotten. Your pen and its memory lives on, and those you mentored, in them is your living soul and practice.
Rest on brother; you’re not just a victor but a conqueror and hero!
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