PAUL ABU MANSARAY MEETS KARIM-SEI

DOWNBELOW
With Amadu Daramy in Maryland, USA
A SATIRICAL TRIBUTE
EPISODE XI PART 2

Karim-Sei disclosed, “gentlemen of the Fourth Estate, thanks so much for everything. My phone has been ringing 24/ 7 since I gave my number to Hon. Frank Kposowa. Orba is generous to his colleagues. No wonder his tenure as SLAJ president was successful. We discussed many issues last night including the recent events ‘upabove’ but more importantly the ruling SLPP party government, I.B. Kargbo and the APC not forgotten about Ernest Bai Koroma’s exile in Nigeria that is still troubling and a topical issue to the party. It was during our discussions that someone knocked at the door.”
Karim-Sei revealed, “’kon, kon, kon’. I asked who was at the door. When I went to the back door, I heard the knocker and to my greatest surprise when I opened the door, it was Paul Abu Mansaray, my former Assistant Editor at the Standard Times Newspaper. I was stunned because I thought it was Phillip Neville.”
“Wow, wow!!!” Karim-Sei welcomed his former colleague and went on “Paul Abu, nice seeing you. How did you get here? Guess what? I have directed Phillip here and he tried several times to locate me but to no avail. How’s ‘downbelow’ here? Long time man and good to see you. Take a seat my brother. What do you want to eat please?”
Karim went on, “relax, my brother. I came here a few days ago and journalists here are calling me 24/7 to know about latest developments ‘upabove.’ Journalists nowadays are more politicians than the politicians themselves are.”
“The only good thing I have seen here is that there’s electricity all over the place compared to ‘upabove’ Freetown, mainly our usual base at Wellington that is experiencing permanent power shortages. Paul, here is one mobile phone for you as a gift from ‘upabove’ “Karim furthered.
He continued, “let me just read a few text messages from colleagues. Siaka Massaquoi of the Vision Newspaper and Franklyn Bunting-Davies of the New Shaft Newspaper all enquired about the numerous scandals ravaging the country. Pat Sheriff and Fode Kande wanted to know about Sierra Queens that won the WAFU Cup. Sam Metzger was eager to know whether the We Yone Newspaper is still been published together with Roland Martin’s Weekend Spark and Pa Herbert Johnson’s New Citizen Publications and how Kotor I.B. Kargbo is doing. Prince Brima and Lansana Fofana all wanted to know whether Sierra Leoneans still glue to their radio sets when the BBC Focus on Africa Program is aired?”
In the twinkle of an eye, Karim-Sei’s phone rang to which he responded, “who’s on the line please? The caller retorted, “Karim-Sei, this is Tom. My brother, I have landed and joined you guys from ‘upabove’.”
“Wait a minute!!! I cannot remember you Tom? I know many Toms. Please kindly identify yourself properly?” Karim insisted.
“Thomas Kargbo of New Storm”, Thomas responded.
Karim recalled, “oh Thomas, now I recognize you. But the last time we spoke, you told me you had relocated to Makeni.”
Thomas responded, “exactly, you’re quite correct. Your man Ahmed Bob Kanneh sent me a text message yesterday. In fact, he mentioned you.”
“Karim, how can I locate Ahmed please?” Tom asked.
Thomas responded, “let me just brief you about the latest developments ‘upabove’ yesterday. President Julius Maada Bio has been unanimously elected Chairman of ECOWAS for which the First Lady organized a party for her husband. As you may know, the First Lady, Dr Fatima Bio is a great organizer of events and is all over the country including Kono. She has just donated 1,000 bags of rice and Le540, 000 to former workers of Koidu Holdings recently sacked for organizing an industrial action. As President of the Organisation of First Ladies, she also delivered the keynote address at the International Strengthening Family Conference in Freetown. Some of the priorities of the new ECOWAS Chairman include strengthening collaboration and economic cooperation, leveraging ECOWAS as a vehicle for development as well as lead efforts to address the economic, social and security headwinds currently confronting the region. President Bio will also champion deeper regional integration as well as underscore West Africa’s natural wealth and youthful population that must be strategically harnessed through unified economic efforts. Furthermore, the SLPP is currently conducting Lower-Level Constituency and District elections for various executive positions including the Women’s and Young Generation Leaders. In his address to delegates and supporters, President Bio gave a passionate and emotional appeal to SLPP supporters that the next flag bearer would be the next president. On the other hand, the APC is currently touring Kenema and Kono Districts with the APC media team and the 2028 APC party flagbearers including Dr. Richard Konteh, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura and others.”