Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray Says Discussion Distorts Facts, Urges Fairness
Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray has stated that he does not support recent calls by the Deputy National Chairman of the SLPP for a presidential pardon to be granted to former President Ernest Bai Koroma in order to attend the funeral of the late Hon. Minkailu Mansaray.
Speaking on Amaze TV, Hon. Mansaray described the call as unnecessary and inconsistent with the facts. He noted that former President Koroma has not been convicted of any offence that would require a presidential pardon.
“No Conviction, No Pardon Needed”
According to Hon. Mansaray, discussions surrounding a pardon create a false impression that the former President has been found guilty of a crime, which is not the case. He urged commentators and political actors to approach the issue with fairness and respect for the facts.
“The law is clear. A pardon applies after conviction. To frame this conversation around a pardon is to misplace the debate,” he stated.
Longstanding Relationship
Hon. Mansaray explained that the late Hon. Minkailu Mansaray and former President Koroma shared a longstanding relationship. He added that the former President remained supportive and maintained regular contact during the late chairman’s illness.
Tribute to the Late Chairman
Hon. Mansaray also paid tribute to the late Hon. Minkailu Mansaray, describing him as a dedicated political leader whose contributions to national development and public service will be remembered by many Sierra Leoneans.
He called for national focus to remain on honoring the late chairman’s legacy, rather than politicizing the funeral arrangements.
