By Ragan M. Conteh

Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), is reported to be among other eligible contenders to contest for any position including the flagbearer,in the opposition APC party.

The erstwhile Anti-Corruption Csar will be contesting against other candidates including Hon. Chernor Maju Bah aka Chericoco, Dr Richard Conteh, Dr. Kelfala Marah, Bai Mahmoud Bangura, Mohamed Kamara (Jagaban) and Hon. Alhaji Minkialu Mansaray.

Many party suppoters and sympathers have described him as not only the most qualified but the fittest to lead the party to victory come 2028.

“JFK has done tremendous work for the party including the provision of free legal representation for both the party and its members,” the enthusiastic supporters stated, adding that he is one of the most prominent political figures who became renowend when former President Ernest Bai Koroma appointed him to key positions in his government and performed marvelously to the admiration of his boss.

As Anti-corruption Commissioner, he fought the graft head on without fear or favour, thus not only taking the commission to another level but also saw the menace reduced to an appreciable level.

Under Kamara’s leadership, the ACC obtained autonomous authority to prosecute and charge corrupt related offences.

Following his appointment as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, he also worked tirelessly to improve access to justice, expedite delivery of justice and protection of human rights.

He spearheaded the expansion of legal aid provisions across the country with over 150, 000 cases dealt with since 2016. As part of his commitments to improving the justice sector capacity, enhancing expedition of trial and strengthening judicial independence, the former Minister led the commissioning of improved salaries for judges, magistrates and law officers which led to a massive recruitment of 33 magistrates, 29 state counsels, 20 judges and 14 Legal Aid Defence Counsels.

His fundamental philosophy of using the law to improve democratic governance and social cohesion saw him engaged donor and other development partners and civil society organisations to repeal and modernise certain outdated laws in his country that have the propensity to undermine fundamental freedoms including press freedom, freedom of association, human rights and women’s empowerment.

Against this backdrop and his unblemished track record and commitment to the serve the country, the people believe that if given the opportunity and the needed support, he will live up to their expectations.