In an unexpected twist of events, “dismissed” Sierra Leonean Vice President, Sam Sumana has written to the man who dismissed him seeking protection to participate in the upcoming elections in the country.

Alhaji Sam Sumana, is seeking to participate in the ongoing voters registration exercise ahead of the General Election in May 2017, but says he fears for his life and that of his family if they attempt to do so.

The embattled Sierra Leonean Vice President has been in exile since he sought refuge in the US Embassy after a dispute with President Ernest Bai Koroma.

Alhaji Sam Sumana in a letter written and signed by his solicitor, Dr. Raymond Atuguba, said even though he has already filed an application at the ECOWAS Community Court for provisional measures and instructions concerning his intention to participate in the ongoing electoral process, a hearing date is yet to be set.

“On March 20, 2017, the date the registration exercise commenced, I filed an application for provisional measures and instructions in respect of the matters immediately above before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice and expect a date for the hearing of that application shortly”, the Lawyer stated.

In order to fast track the process, the beleaguered Vice President is asking his Boss to protect him and his family to register for the May election because the process ends in 6 days.

“The National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Sierra Leone has set March 20, 2017 to April 16, 2017 for registration of voters for the upcoming Presidential Elections due on March 7, 2018. My Client intends to register and participate immensely in the upcoming elections, but has been unable to do so for fear of his life and safety as well as that of his family, supporters and well-wishers”, the letter explained.

“Since registration for the upcoming elections is underway and closes in some eight (8) days, I am by this letter additionally requesting your high office to provide security for the safety of my Client, his family, supporters and well-wishers as they take steps to participate in this all important political process. This, I believe, is necessary to uphold the democracy which we all strive to build in Africa”, Dr. Raymond Atuguba concluded.

The ECOWAS Community Court will on April 26, 2017 hear the application filed by the embattled Sierra Leonean Vice President contesting President Ernest Bai Koroma’s decision to dismiss him for “neglecting his duties”.

Alhaji Sam Sumana’s Lawyer, Dr. Raymond Atuguba, in the application said the “dismissal” is unconstitutional and is seeking the protection of his client’s human rights.