By: Saidu Jalloh
President Maada Bio made a solemn but firm statement at the burial ceremony of the fallen heroes acknowledging the crucial role the played in the 26th November incidence in the Freetown capital.
“I will assure you that everyone who has a hand in this cowardly act of November 26 that led to the death of these men will not escape the full weight of the law,” the President affirms.
The gathering at the Cockrill military Base yesterday was to pay respects and bid farewell to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation. ‘These courageous men and women stood on the front lines, faced adversity with unwavering resolve, and demonstrated a profound commitment to the principles of freedom and justice’.
“Under the weight of ill miss grieve, we are doing so to honor our brave military and police officers who lost their lives in defending our democracy against a force battling during the fail attempted coup of November 26th this year,’’ President Bio explained.
He also acknowledged the bravery of the Military and Police officers and noted the blatant disregard of rule of law and human dignity and sanctity of the constitution was disregarded.
He expressed that they stand united in grieve, not just as mourners but as bearers of the sacred duty and solemn responsibilities to honor our fallen heroes and comrades. He also said that those fallen heroes stood steadfast of offence of treachery and stand fiercely against the forces of anarchy and tyranny that threaten to engulf the peace and stability of this nation.
He also opined that those gallant fallen soldiers their unwavering commitment to their duty, loyalty to their country, steadfastness and courage in the face of danger would forever be etched in their hearts. He continued that those fallen officers were not just a military and police officers; they were guardians of democracy and peace and protector of freedom and embodiment of their unwavering spirit as a nation.
He furthered that the assailants in their cowardly and selfish act had not won to subvert the democracy of this country but also to shatter the trust of the people of this country. He assured the families of the fallen heroes that their names would be written and honor in the history of this country.
President Bio reminiscing his days as military man and recalled that he had lead many battles and the pain of losing one comrade in battle is in describable. He said that as a Commander in Chief, he felt the weight and sorrow of the tragedy. He narrated that those officers were his responsibilities and his brothers in arm and family in service.
He further narrated that they would pursue justice for each one of the fallen heroes with relentless determination irrespective of the power or position of their coward assailant, and said no matter how high the perpetrator may rank and no matter how low they may stoop.
He concluded that his faith in the arm forces and the police remained unbroken, unwavering and unyielding. In this, he said his trust in the many who stood firm to the oath to serve, to protect and defend the country of the enemies of the country who seek more than power.
