Umar A. Sesay set for victory in Sanda Magbolonthor Election
Umar Abdulia Sesay, a descendant from Kinthur Ruling House in Magbonlonthor and Mabonkaneh villages in the Sanda Magbonlonthor Chiefdom, Port Loko District was on Tuesday 5th November 2013 granted the right to contest the Paramount Chieftaincy election in Sanda Magbonlonthor Chiefdom slated for 2nd December 2013. (Photo: Umar Abdulai Sesay flanked by his supporters during the declaration ceremony at Sendugu)
During the declaration, Umar Abdulia Sesay was petitioned by a Councilor, Ibrahim Sesay from Kanthian Village as not hailing from a Ruling House, the only candidate petitioned among the twelve (12) contestants.
However, records indicate that although the grandfather of Umar Abdulia Sesay was prevented from contesting the Paramount Chieftaincy election on the allegation that he does not hail from the Chiefdom; he was later allowed to contest on the grounds that his great grandfather had ruled the Chiefdom.
Nevertheless, some observers attribute the petition to the massive support he enjoys from various stakeholders in the Chiefdom, including Chiefs.
Umar Abdulia Sesay is one of the youngest among the 12 candidates and has over the years been loyal to the ceremonial chiefs and the people.
According to the Chieftaincy Act, on the day of declaration, Ceremonial Chiefs and Councilors decide in a situation where a candidate is petitioned as not hailing from a Ruling House.
To resolve the impasse, 405 Ceremonial Chiefs and Councilors (95%) who will vote in the forthcoming elections voted in favour of Umar Abdulia Sesay as hailing from the Kinthur Ruling House.
After the declaration ceremony, Umar Abdulia Sesay addressed a mammoth crowd at the chiefdom headquarter Town of Sendugu during which he asserted that the petition by his colleague is a sign of victory as evidenced in the 95% of votes he polled indicating that he would win the election by landslide and assured the people that when elected, he would uphold their traditions, norms and customs as well as the rule of law and equal opportunities for all.
Umar Abdulia Sesay further revealed that the Chiefdom is underdeveloped, had lacked quality leadership for years, appealed to the people to elect a dynamic and development–oriented leader that would bring peace and development to the Chiefdom and guaranteed that he would effectively advocate for them to benefit from development projects.
According to the aspirant, he does not have money to give to the people but that is determined to improve their welfare and that of the Chiefdom and prayed that if any of the 12 candidates do have the chiefdom at heart, let God Almighty prevent the individual from winning the election reiterating that the Chiefdom lacks basic facilities like schools, health centers and good roads not to mention electricity and water supply.
He further urged his supporters to maintain peace and observe the rule of law stressing that elections are contests that must be peaceful and transparent.
The declaration ceremony was chaired by the Northern Region Provisional Secretary, Mr. R.F.K. Bindi and witnessed by Paramount Chiefs Bai Koblo Queen of Marampa Chiefdom, Bai Shebora Kasangha of Bombali Shebora and other dignitaries including officials from the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Highlight of the event was the distribution of symbols to the 12 candidates.
A Bedor
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2013, https:. All rights reserved.
