Last year’s 50th Independence Day celebrations at Sierra Leone’s State House witnessed the main opposition SLPP Chairman John Benjamin walking out at end of formal event without waiting for traditional handshake with the President in a social atmosphere. Benjamin’s reason? He had been harassed by security personnel, forced to climb off his vehicle to walk rather than be driven into State House. On entering State House Lawn, he found no seating arrangements had been made for him and it was a kind guest who had to get up and give him a seat. This was not borne of malice but of bad protocol arrangements.

This year, Alhaji Soulay Daramy is back at the helm of protocol affairs at State House. It is hoped he will use his quintessential diplomacy to now reach out to Julius Maada Bio, John Benjamin and other invited opposition members; to assure them of their full respect and dignity when they go to State House.

He might also wish to reassure Charles Margai of the importance of his presence there on our National Day. Soulay Daramy, you hold the unifying cards sir.