By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, I have spoken to you many times, and here I am again, compelled to address critical issues confronting our nation. I have always taken my responsibility seriously, not just as a citizen but as someone who genuinely cares about the future of Sierra Leone. Today, I must revisit a conversation we had earlier, a discussion about leadership, governance, and the implications of your decisions.
Let me begin with the energy sector. Mr. President, I remember cautioning you about the appointment of Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, “The Prince,” as many now refer to him, to head the energy sector, with both deputy ministers directly answerable to him. I told you then, and I say it again now for everyone to hear: This arrangement was destined for chaos.
It didn’t take a prophet to foresee that placing two capable and ambitious deputy ministers under Dr. Yumkella, who also believe they are fully qualified to manage their respective portfolios, would lead to friction. The issue isn’t merely about competence; it’s about egos, conflicting visions, and the unwillingness to be overshadowed by a single individual.
I listened intently to your recent remarks during the energy retreat, where you acknowledged the internal conflicts plaguing this sector. And while I appreciate your candor, the question remains:
Mr. President, Dr. Yumkella is undoubtedly a brilliant mind, a man with an impressive resume and a deep understanding of the energy sector. But brilliance alone does not translate to effective leadership, especially when it comes with a significant dose of ego and pomposity. Dr. Yumkella’s excessively selfish approach has made it difficult for others to work with him. His inability to build consensus and foster a collaborative environment has rendered the energy sector more chaotic than ever.
Rumours are swirling, Mr. President, that you are grooming Dr. Yumkella to be your successor. If true, I urge you to reconsider. This could be the greatest political miscalculation of your lifetime. Dr. Yumkella’s leadership style, characterized by arrogance and a lack of empathy for dissenting voices, is not what Sierra Leone needs for the future. Our nation requires a leader who can unite, inspire, and uplift, not one who alienates and divides.
I understand the allure of having a successor with international acclaim and technical expertise. But governance is more than technical proficiency; it requires emotional intelligence, humility, and the ability to listen. These are qualities Dr. Yumkella, despite his brilliance, has yet to demonstrate consistently.
Another pressing issue, Mr. President, is the decentralization of passport services. Your government made a commendable decision to extend passport processing to Bo, Kenema, and Makeni. The objective was clear: to make it easier for Sierra Leoneans in those regions to access vital documents without traveling to Freetown.
However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Citizens are complaining about delays that extend well beyond what was promised. Passports, which should be available within a reasonable timeframe, are taking three to four weeks to process. Worse still, many Sierra Leoneans are forced to pay additional fees and bribes, essentially to expedite the process.
Mr. President, this is unacceptable. The decentralization initiative was meant to alleviate the burden on our people, not create new avenues for corruption and inefficiency. I urge you to conduct a thorough review of the Immigration Department and hold those responsible for these delays and corrupt practices accountable.
Decentralization should bring services closer to the people, but without proper oversight, it risks becoming another failed promise. If we cannot manage something as straightforward as passport processing, how can we expect the public to trust us with more complex governance issues?
Mr. President, as I address these pressing issues, I must also take a moment to share something personal, my new book, “Monopoly of Happiness: Unveiling Sierra Leone’s Social Imbalance.” It is a book born out of my deep concern for the state of our nation and my unwavering belief that we can do better.
I wrote this book not to criticize for the sake of criticism but to shed light on the structural and social inequalities that continue to hold Sierra Leone back. It delves into the challenges faced by ordinary Sierra Leoneans and offers practical solutions to bridge the gap between the privileged few and the struggling majority.
Mr. President, I encourage you to read it, not just as a leader but as a citizen who cares about the future of this nation. I believe it holds insights that can help address some of the challenges we face today.
I am proud to say that “Monopoly of Happiness” is gaining recognition beyond our borders. It is being read in Nigeria and other parts of the world, showcasing the intellectual and cultural contributions of Sierra Leoneans on the global stage. This is something you can be proud of, a testament to the talent and potential that exists within our nation.
Mr. President, our discussions are never meant to be one-sided. I recognize the immense challenges you face as the leader of Sierra Leone. Governance is not easy, and the weight of responsibility is heavy. But with great power comes great responsibility, and it is your duty to listen to the voices of those who seek to offer constructive criticism.
Today, I have raised two critical issues, the turmoil in the energy sector and the inefficiencies in passport processing. But these are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless other areas where leadership and accountability are needed.
Tomorrow, I will return with more concerns and suggestions. But for now, I leave you with this thought: Leadership is not about holding on to power or grooming successors. It is about serving the people, addressing their needs, and building a legacy that future generations can be proud of.
Mr. President, I hope you will take the time to reflect on these issues and act. Our nation’s future depends on it.
