The Prophecies Of A Father

About the Book

‘‘The Prophecies of A Father’’ is a remarkable piece of literary work. The writer, His Excellency Ambassador Eddie M. Turay is very sincere and passionate in the presentation of his facts. The facts relate to the culture, traditions, customs and party politics of his country. The writer’s sincerity and passion revolves around the traditional beliefs and faith of his benevolent father in his ancestral spirits, late Paramount Chief Kande Turay of Sanda Chiefdom. He reveals that the late man was an animist who despite neither believed nor practiced Christianity and Islam, yet he gave him the freedom and support to become a practicing Christian. His father was not only liberal towards the two mainstream religions (Christianity and Islam) but he was a great admirer of the Whiteman’s education. That was why he gave him his blessings and support to pursue education for which he will ever remain grateful. Paramount Chieftaincy is one of the oldest and respectable political institutions in this part of the African Continent. The writer has thrown enlightening lights on the way it works in the Sanda Chiefdom, Northern Sierra Leone. One more amazing revelation of the book is the prophecies of the writer’s father. As the title of the book, it is befitting because all that his father prophesied have come to pass. His father did prophesise that the writer will dine and drink with Royalties, Prime Ministers and Presidents at home and abroad, which has come to pass. In terms of his country’s national politics, he paints the picture of the political culture that existed at the time. It bordered on dysfunctional tendencies, which was disturbing to him as an espouser of democracy and social justice. Thus, educated and trained in the ethics of social justice and fairness, the Ambassador was determined to challenge these vices. Ironically, it was his zealousness to challenge them that made him steal the heart of late President Siaka P. Stevens. The President was impressed, so he convinced him to drop his legal practice and become a politician where he would have the opportunity to fully inculcate and defend the values of fair play and social justice as espoused by democratic ethos, particularly at the grassroots levels of the nation’s politics. The writer skilfully draws the contrasts between the ‘‘Old’’ and ‘New’’ APC, and above all, the successful leadership of President Ernest Bai Koroma (Leader of the APC). He registers his unwavering support for the ‘‘New’’ APC Party of which he is a profound member and her admirable leadership. This book is an eye-catching read as well as educative for its sincerity, passion, fun, simple and quality language and buttressed by ideal concepts. HE Ambassador Eddie M. Turay’s colleagues in the Diplomatic Service, Foreign Office as well as politicians and educational institutions at home and abroad will find this book a handy resource material on Sierra Leone politics.

About the Author

His Excellency Ambassador Eddie M. Turay is Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and eight other West European Countries. Ambassador Turay is a British trained and qualified lawyer. He enrolled at Inns of Courts School of Law and graduated with Honours Degree in law. He was called to the English Bar by Lincolns Inn in 1976. After a few months in England, he secured a job with the Jamaica Judiciary as Deputy Clerk of Courts in 1976. He worked in Montego Bay and was promoted to the post of Clerk of Courts. HE Ambassador Eddie M. Turay was lured by the late President Siaka Stevens to return home and serve his motherland. He was appointed Resident Magistrate for Moyamba and Bonthe Districts in the Southern Province, with residence in Moyamba Town. Ambassador Turay later went into politics, served as MP and National Secretary General of the All Peoples’ Congress Party (APC), during the party’s trying days in the 1990s. He contested for the leadership of the party prior to the 2007 Parliamentary and Presidential Elections against the current President and leader of the party, His Excellency, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma and others. Gracefully, he withdrew from the race in favour of the latter, who he perceived a true winner and leader. After the elections, he was appointed by His Excellency, the President of Sierra Leone Dr Ernest Bai Korma to serve in his current position as Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the UK and eight other West European Countries. He has served his country in this position since with distinction and finesse. His Excellency Ambassador Eddie M. Turay has a very supportive family, he is proud of at all time. He has also made many good friends at home and abroad. This is Ambassador Turay’s first book, but it is one with a difference. It is significantly different because, this book marks him out as the first serving Sierra Leonean senior diplomat with ambassadorial status to write a book with amazing story line, analytical bents and honest personal revelations.