11 January, 2021 (SALONE TIMES)
FREETOWN- “I have never regarded any man as my superior, either in my life outside or inside prison. As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison,” says Nelson Mandella when he was released from prsion
This was the same way Rtd. Major Palo Conteh resonated his freedom after a Presidential Pardon that handed him his liberty.
At his Church, Judea West Africa Methodist Church at Wilberforce, Palo Conteh was given the opportunity to read the Holy Gospel on the First Sunday of the year.
He (Palo Conteh) was also given the opportunity to address the Church. He started by singing praises to the Almighty God who has been with him in thick and thin.
“Yesterday Na You, Tidae sef Na You O, Tomorrow Again Na You Wan O, Na you O God,” a smiling Palo Conteh sang.
He explained that what happened with him is what God had purposed and it is not as a result of men, pointing out that he is God’s child and that he wanted thank his spiritual leaders.
“My message to Sierra Leone is Deuteronomy 32:35 which says, ‘To me (God) belongeth vengeance and recompense; theur foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand and the things that shall come upon them make haste,’ I have nothing against anyone.” Palo Conteh maintained.
He added that he wont revenge, noting that Nelson Mandela said if one doesn’t forive those who hurt the, one will be in prison even after he may have been set free.
“If I am called upon on Monday to work for Salone, I will work for Salone. It is Sierra Leone that I love and I will work for Sierra Leone. I have come to love Sierra Leoneans the more,” he revealed
Alfred Palo Conteh was charged with treason and other charges includes unlawful possession of arms but he was vindicated by the court on 13 out of 15 count charges including treason that was levied on him.
The President on New Year’s day pardoned Rtd Major Palo Conteh whose matter is also on appeal, this has left many people arguing whether the President could have waited for the appeal to complete or not.
