The Prophecies Of A Father

''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.