By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, wow, you’ve really done it this time. I couldn’t believe it when I first heard the news. I thought it was another rumour from the Sierra Leonean grapevine. But no, Mr. President, “Ar Nor Believe,” you’ve truly stooped this low. You’ve taken political patronage to a level we’ve never seen before. What? “Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations (Legal)”?Mr. President, “Nor To True”! This is unprecedented, even by your standards.
Let me be clear: I have never heard of such a position until now. Under your administration, you’ve not only recycled old political figures but also invented new titles to suit your personal agenda. It’s as if the nomenclature cabinet in the State House has run out of traditional roles, and now you’re conjuring them from thin air. This is the same playbook you used when you created the Chief Minister position, ostensibly to overshadow your Vice President. Back then, we thought that was the height of audacity. But here we are, yet again, witnessing another invention designed to add more unnecessary burden to our already fragile state.
When you appointed Keketorma’s wife to this dubious position, the entire nation collectively raised its eyebrows. What makes it worse is the brazen manner in which it was celebrated. Keketorma himself referred to you as “Madam President.” What was he insinuating? That the First Lady played a central role in this appointment? The implications are as troubling as they are revealing. This appointment reeks of favoritism, and it does so in a way that’s almost insulting to the intelligence of the average Sierra Leonean.
You’ve done many controversial things, Mr. President, but this one stands out. With all the financial constraints Sierra Leone is facing, crippling debt, rampant inflation, and a population struggling to afford the basics, you had the audacity to add yet another weight to our national budget. For what? To reward your inner circle? To pay back those who funded your campaigns and sustained you during your political wilderness years in the UK?
It seems this administration is running on two parallel operations, “Operation Payback” for loyalists and “Operation Pay Yourself” for you and your family. Mr. President, if this is governance, then Sierra Leone is in serious trouble.
Let’s talk about nepotism, Mr. President. Your government has turned Sierra Leone into a family business. Appointments are no longer based on merit, qualifications, or the needs of the nation. They are driven solely by loyalty to you, your First Lady, and your inner circle. The appointment of Keketorma’s wife is just the latest in a long list of actions that have eroded public trust in your administration.
How can the citizens of Sierra Leone trust a government that prioritizes personal relationships over the welfare of the nation? This level of nepotism undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and equality that you claimed to champion when you sought our votes. It’s a slap in the face to the thousands of qualified Sierra Leoneans who are capable of serving this nation but are sidelined because they lack the “right” connections.
Mr. President, is this the legacy you want to leave behind? A legacy of cronyism and favoritism? A legacy where the people who once looked up to you now see you as a leader who has betrayed their trust?
While your HALAKI supporters continue to cheer every questionable decision you make, they insult and intimidate people who dare say what they don’t like, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. The average Sierra Leonean is struggling to survive. Hunger, unemployment, and hopelessness have become the norm. And yet, your administration finds money to create new positions, host extravagant ceremonies, and sustain a bloated government.
When will this madness stop? When will the welfare of the people take precedence over the egos of those in power? Mr. President, you must understand that leadership is not about enriching yourself or your cronies. It’s about service, sacrifice, and making difficult decisions that benefit the majority, not the privileged few.
Mr. President, this latest appointment is more than just another act of nepotism; it’s a red line. It’s a clear signal that you’ve lost touch with the realities facing this nation. Do you not see the outrage it has caused? Do you not hear the voices of ordinary Sierra Leoneans who are fed up with your administration’s blatant disregard for accountability?
If this continues, what’s next? Will we see the wives, cousins, and friends of every government official occupying invented positions? Will Ben Kaifala’s wife become the next ambassador or minister? If this is your way of governance, then we are truly doomed.
Mr. President, I’m saying this not out of malice but out of concern for the future of our nation. Sierra Leone deserves better. We deserve leaders who prioritize the needs of the people over their own interests. We deserve a government that operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Mr. President, your actions are setting a dangerous precedent, one that future administrations may exploit to justify their own misdeeds. If you truly care about this nation, you must rethink your approach to governance. You must listen to the cries of the people and take steps to restore their trust. Here’s what I suggest, Mr. President: The position of Deputy Ambassador (Legal) is unnecessary and an insult to the intelligence of Sierra Leoneans. Rescind this appointment immediately.
With the financial challenges we face, the government must reduce unnecessary spending. Eliminate redundant positions and invest those funds in critical areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Appointments should be based on qualifications and the needs of the nation, not personal relationships or political loyalty. Engage with the people. Hold town hall meetings, listen to their grievances, and take concrete steps to address their concerns. Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate through your decisions that you are committed to serving the people of Sierra Leone.
Mr. President, leadership is not about how many people you can reward with positions or how many accolades you can collect abroad. It’s about the impact you leave on the lives of ordinary citizens. Right now, your administration is failing the people of Sierra Leone.
Mr. President, the question is, Will you change course? Or will you continue down this path of self-interest and nepotism? The choice is yours, but remember, history will judge you. And the people of Sierra Leone will never forget. Mr. President, Can We Talk? The people are watching!
