By Emmanuel M. Kamara Intern – Mass Com Department FBC
Dozens of Sierra Leoneans have joined the clarion call for President Julius Maada Bio to look into the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre’s Medical Report on Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray’s health and intervene to save him from dying in prison.
They called on the President to use what they described as “his Catholic humanitarian loving heart” to secure Kamarainba’s freedom through his power of Presidential Pardon.
Below are voices of people who spoke to AYV last evening before press time:
Kadiatu Turay, a petty trader and resident of Wellington said: “I’m appealing to President Bio to be sympathetic and use his prerogative power to release Kamarainba from prison, so that he will be able to take effective medication that will save his life.”
Ansumana Gevao, a taxi driver plying the west end of Freetown said: “Even though I am not in support of the alleged crimes Kamarainba is being tried on, I am pleading on President Bio to intervene in securing his release from prison so that he won’t die in prison. Please also allocate him a qualified medical doctor who will render him proper medication.”
Christiana Kapindy, a business women and a resident of Lumley said: “For me, I believe every man deserve a second chance, Kamarainba has learnt his lesson and others too have learnt from what has happened to him. So please Mr President forgive him for this one and release him as his family is now languishing due to his absence.”
Amara Bangura, a bike Rider at Model Junction said: “I believe Kamarainba has learnt his lessons and I’m sure he will never repeat it again, if he actually committed the crime he is being tried on. Please Mr Bio pardon him and save him from meeting that very painful death in prison whiles on remand.”
Fatmata Lukulay, a shop owner at Malamah Thomas Street in Freetown said: “As a woman with girls, it pains me a lot to hear that a prominent and educated person like Kamarainba will involve himself in such acts, but nonetheless, because of his bad health condition, I am pleading that the President will show understanding and pardon him.”
Mustapha Fornah, a petty trader on Abacha Street said: “For me, every man is liable to mistakes and deserves a second chance. I believe Kamarainba made a mistake and has learnt from such. I’m sure he won’t repeat such mistakes again. Mr. President please show him mercy as he was once one of your co-aspirants for that seat you are occupying now”.
Janet Johnson, a resident of Bathurst village said: “Kamarainba deserves more than what has been done to him, but nonetheless, let the court permit him to take his treatment and be appearing in court. It will be of no use to keep him in prison and he died before judgment is passed.
Mohamed Sawaneh, a trader in the east end of Freetown said: “My message to the President is to forgive Kamarainba and forgive him for what he is standing trial for especially for his health condition that the prison’s doctor has said is very bad”.