By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, here we are again. The past day has been nothing short of eventful, with revelations that demand immediate answers. As the leader of this nation, you owe it to us, the citizens, to explain how a staggering NLe 233 billion and eleven million euros have gone missing from our coffers. This isn’t a baseless accusation or political posturing; it is the grim reality laid bare in the 2023 report of the Auditor General’s office.
Mr. President, this isn’t just a number on paper. It is money that could have funded schools, hospitals, infrastructure, and countless other initiatives to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans. What has been done about this colossal financial mismanagement? Where are the investigations, and more importantly, where are the results of other investigations on other malpractices? History has shown us that investigations in this country often lead to dead ends, with no tangible outcomes, no accountability, and no actions taken against those responsible. Mr. President, the people are tired of empty promises and endless cycles of impunity.
Another pressing issue, Mr. President, is the current ordeal faced by the Fula community. The recent raids and mistreatment of our fellow citizens are a stain on our national conscience. While the deportation of Sierra Leoneans accused of drug peddling and prostitution is regrettable, retaliatory actions against innocent Fulas cannot and must not be condoned. Justice demands that those who orchestrated these raids be held accountable. However, accountability seems to be an elusive concept in your administration.
Mr. President, we do not want another investigation destined to collect dust in a forgotten file. What we demand is decisive action, transparency, and fairness. Anything less would be an affront to justice and to the principles of equality upon which our nation stands.
Let us turn to the energy sector, which is arguably the backbone of our economy. Mr. President, I have cautioned you repeatedly about complicating an already chaotic institution. Yet, you chose to add another layer of bureaucracy by appointing Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, fondly referred to as “The Prince,” to oversee two capable deputy ministers. These deputies are well-versed in their roles, but their work is now hampered by the addition of another figure who has brought confusion rather than clarity.
Dr. Yumkella is reportedly demanding his own office within the Ministry of Energy, complete with a separate backroom staff. Mr. President, why? This isn’t an ego contest; this is about delivering reliable power to the people. While Dr. Yumkella’s credentials from his time at UNIDO are notable, it’s essential to remember that his successes were the result of a capable team, not an individual effort.
Furthermore, his role in the “Feed Salone Project” has been marred by complaints from staff who describe his leadership style as overbearing and his belief in a monopoly over knowledge as stifling. Mr. President, this is not the type of leadership we need in such a critical ministry. The energy sector demands focus, efficiency, and a reduction in bureaucracy, not an expansion of egos and titles.
Mr. President, there is growing speculation that Dr. Yumkella is being groomed as your heir apparent. If this is the case, you must recognize that his actions are already muddying the waters for your government. His involvement is not strengthening your administration but weakening it by creating discord within key institutions, especially the SLPP party.
It is not my business, Mr. President, to dictate your political strategy. However, as a concerned citizen, I must warn you: the path you are treading with “The Prince” is fraught with danger. If you continue to prioritize personal loyalty over competence, your government risks not only failure but a legacy of irreparable damage.
Finally, Mr. President, I return to the plight of the Fula community. As a Fula man myself, I implore you to ensure that justice is served. Those responsible for the raids against innocent Sierra Leoneans must be held to account. Retaliatory actions based on ethnic or community affiliation are unacceptable and threaten to erode the very fabric of our unity as a nation.
Mr. President, this isn’t just about the Fula community; it’s about the rule of law and the principle that no one, regardless of their position or affiliation, is above it. If we allow these injustices to go unpunished, what message are we sending to the next generation?
Mr. President, the challenges before you are immense, but so too is your responsibility. You cannot govern effectively with a table overflowing with unresolved issues and a bureaucracy hampered by personal conflicts and inefficiency. Sierra Leone deserves better, and so do its people.
It is high time for decisive leadership, genuine accountability, and a clear commitment to the principles of justice and fairness. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in you by the people of this great nation.
The ball is in your court, Mr. President. What will you do?
