Concord Times (Freetown)
Tanu Jalloh
22 August 2008
Freetown — Former President Alhaji Dr Ahmad Tejan Kabbah has told Concord Times in an exclusive interview that he would remain SLPP until he dies.
"The only party I have ever joined in my life is the SLPP and I have made statements that I will continue to be SLPP until I die. Again that does not mean that I should go about making public pronouncements, one way or the other, about political issues." He, however, stated that being out of politics does mean that he was not a member of a political party.
Kabbah said he now considers himself as someone who brings people together and one who helps to sustain and solidify the peace that we have all worked very hard for.
"I have decided that I am going to be an elder statesman. And to be an elder statesman, put yourself in the position where you can be looked upon as impartial," he said.
Outside active politics, the international diplomat said he has found pleasure in reading and that he spends a lot of time to get informed about what is going on.
"We live in a global village and I believe that you can get that feeling of belonging to the global village if you really get all the skills about getting all the information that you need from the internet. There is a lot of information there." At 76, Dr Kabbah thanked God that he was still going strong. He said he does some physical exercises everyday to keep fit. He said has an exercise machine right in his bedroom.
"And I have a swimming pool here too, which is also a very good thing." Asked what sauce he likes most, he said (laughing) 'peela', a Mende word for a certain dish.
About his relationship with former vice president Solomon Berewa, Kabbah said: "it is fine. But please I beg you don't get me involved in things I will have to go and start opening up all over again." Dr Kabbah has five children, three boys and two girls, most of whom live overseas.
"My daughter is married to a research scientist and she herself has got a science degree. There is another boy who was teaching piloting in New York. I am trying to see how I can get them to come and help."
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