Cultism Deters National Development (Part II)
In Part I of this topic, I treated it from a global point of view. For instance, I looked at the “Bokom Haram” in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the adverse effects of its operations.
Furthermore, the El-Shabab in Somalia has also caused a lot of havoc on innocent civilians in that country and Kenya was also invaded.
Now I want to treat cultism from a Sierra Leonean perspective during the 1082 General Elections in Pujehun District. A young teacher by the name of Kemokai was brutally murdered right in front of a Police Station. His death was orchestrated by Francis Misheck Minah, one-time Vice President. After some time, Kemokai appeared in a dream and asked Sullay, a close friend of his, to revenge with magico-religious powers. Sullay in turn conscripted Babadee and others to develop Ndogbowusui into a fighting force against the existing authorities. Villages and towns were set on fire. Sullay, Babadee and others would appear and disappear after each attack. The district became a war zone and farming activities came to a standstill in some parts of Pujehun District.
Several attempts were made to apprehend Sullay but all proved futile. However, Babadee was later arrested and brought to Pademba Road prisons. Sullay later surrendered himself to the police. Ndogbowusui had devastating effects on the economy of Pujehun District; they were menace to economic growth in the district.
Cultism exists in political parties. In the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), cultism seems to be functioning effectively especially the Pa-o-Pa group. Some members take oath and swear never to change their minds for a particular political aspirant. Some of these people create enemies for themselves but since we live in a democratic nation, we must remember that we have been constitutionally given the right of association and the freedom to choose, follow and practice creed or religious persuasion of our desire or conviction; that is, cults operate to reach their destination.
By Felix D. Fofoh
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