By-Audrey Raymonda John

Philanthropist and Chairman, Board of Director of Hawamack Star Foundation, Cyrill Umeh has admonished Sierra Leoneans not to break the peace and stability ahead of the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections schedule for June 24th this year.

Umeh, a global Ambassador, while speaking at his Waterloo office urged the country’s political parties, candidates and supporters to ensure peaceful, transparent and credible elections.

The investor pleaded with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to maintain a credible election and work towards a nation united in one purpose for sustainable growth.

“There is always a light after every dark tunnel and there is always a silver lining after every dark cloud. This is the time for all Sierra Leoneans to pray fervently and be hopeful that God works wonders in the affairs of humanity,” he said.

He advised voters to always remember that their vote is their voice and their patriotic and fundamental human right. “Do not engage in trouble, and don’t allow yourself to be used and misused as each and every one of you has a brighter future,” Umeh said.

He continued that the forthcoming three-tier election will be first time for new voters to engage in politics and, he told them not to waste that chance and opportunity by being so foolish.

“Allow the election to be peaceful,” Umeh cautioned, adding that all the country needs now is someone who has wealth of experience to build the nation. “We can only decide that through the ballot box and not through means of violence or neither hate speech,” he warned.

He added that the June 24th elections will be a turning point in the history of the country. According to him, citizens cannot afford to be mere observers especially the young youth but rather come out to participate, vote wisely and peacefully.

“It is time for all to engage in love, believe in peace and issue based campaigns message that will take the country to her enviable position in the committee of nations. It is a one day opportunity that is given to exercise our franchise, that will help shape the next five years of the country,” he added.

According to him, his foundation has engaged in so many nation-wide campaigns helping to sensitize everybody in all nook and crannies of the country and preaching peace.

“We as an organization have so much faith in the greatest of “Mama Salone” and we look forward to a peaceful outcome of the Election. We cannot stand by and watch the past to affect our future. Our priority is to ensure that peace reigns in Sierra Leone,” he averred.

The country spokesman for the Foundation, Mr Solomon Kalokoh assured of his organization commitment to fully sensitive, support citizens and ECSL towards a free, fair and credible election in a did that the good work of the president and his international partners will continue to bear fruits for its citizens. “So far, our Foundation has engaged robustly targeting different communities, sensitizing citizens about the importance of the election and the benefit of a free and fair process.

The philanthropist assured to always stand by Sierra Leoneans irrespective of political, ethnic and social background. He showered praises on the First family for their restless support in ensuring a peaceful environment for all stakeholders and investors in the nation. He respectfully pleaded with the administration to do more to help Sierra Leone be among the fastest growing developing nations in Africa.

“There is only one Sierra Leone, one people and one nation,” he advised.

Aisha Sogore, a co-founder said the foundation is a non-profit organization, founded on the principle and idea to serve as an advocate for the poor, to minimize the problem and challenges of the Sierra Leonean society by helping to create a dignifying life for humanity. She said Hawamack Foundation stands as an umbrella body for those who cannot afford on their own, providing for them means and ways to have a phase of life by impacting on them ideas, skills and knowledge to be independent.

“This is an organization established in honour of our Grandmother, Hawa Makavory of Sumbuya Village, strived to reach the unreachable and be able to extend love and care to the very least and always trying to make landmark differences in people’s lives.

Most respected and highly recognized Pastor Blessed, concluded saying “God will not forsake Sierra Leone in this period of test.”

The man of God proclaimed that Sierra Leone will be peaceful. He asked all to put God first as nothing cannot be done without God.

The man of God said that he will continue to pray for the first family, the country and the entire political parties.

He pleaded for peace and calm as no other nation but one “Mama Salone”.