“Never again shall we resort to violence to settle matters of political importance”. This is one of the numerous pieces of advice from Late President Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabbah.
With rumors of planned anti-government protests this week in the country, many Sierra Leoneans are reminiscing on this all-important advice from the late president, especially at this time when the country is faced with lots of political challenges and threats.
Late President Kabbah has been remembered as a man who fought hard to ensure peace and stability returns of Sierra Leone. President Bio who enjoyed his retirement as President peacefully roaming about in the country and attending International Conferences until he died peacefully on 13th March, 2014.
13th March, 2019 marks the fifth death anniversary of the late President who served for two terms, starting from 1996-1997 and was abruptly overthrown in a coup, but was swiftly reinstated in March, 1998 to 2007.
Prior to the presidency, late Kabbah spent many years working for the United Nations where he retired and returned home in 1992. He was elected leader of the SLPP in the early month of 1996 and in 1996 Presidential elections, he was elected President of Sierra Leone with 59% votes, defeating his closest rival, the late Dr. John Karefa-Smart of the UNPP in a run-off election.
The late President Kabbah will be always remembered for his utterances to Sierra Leoneans, saying “Salone man get bad heart”. He will be sadly missed for his soft voice and kindness. He was born on the 16th February, 1932 at Pendembu, Kailahun from devoted Muslim parents. He was an Economist and a Solicitor and Barrister by profession.
