By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, welcome back home after attending, not an inauguration, but a lecture on democracy by none other than the masters of African democracy themselves, Ghanaians. Mr. President, what thoughts crossed your mind when President John Dramani Mahama made statements that seemed to stand in stark contrast to the policies and practices being implemented under your leadership in Sierra Leone? Did you feel, perhaps, that his words were aimed directly at you, like a sermon that makes the guilty squirm in their seats?
Mr. President, I can only imagine the discomfort such moments might bring. It must feel similar to when a reverend or imam delivers a sermon that unintentionally stings those who are guilty of the very ills being condemned. It’s not personal, sir, but when one’s actions align with the critique, it’s hard not to feel the heat.
Let us pivot now to the pressing issues at home, especially the controversial “Safe Motherhood Bill” currently making waves across Sierra Leone. Mr. President, do you genuinely believe we, the people of Sierra Leone, are so gullible as to not see the broader implications of this bill? Are we to assume this bill is good for our advancement as a nation? “Naw na pwel belle biznes yu bring cam fo wi?”
We are well aware of the foreign influences at play here. The United States, under the Democrats, failed to win the hearts of their electorate in part due to their attempts to impose policies like unrestricted abortion. While Americans may not wholeheartedly embrace President-elect Donald Trump, they saw him as the lesser evil compared to Kamala Harris and her progressive agenda. Mr. President, Sierra Leone is a deeply religious nation, with both Muslims and Christians united in their reverence for the Almighty. Yet here you are, seemingly poised to force a policy on us to curry favor with the Americans and secure MCC (Millennium Challenge Corporation) funds. Mr. President, let me assure you: our values and beliefs are not for sale.
Mr. President, let us now reflect on how you closed 2024 in style, as some might say. Why are you giving me that look, sir? Yes, I said “in style,” but not in the way you might think. I am referring to the commissioning of that boat, the boat that was, to put it bluntly, not fit for purpose. Allow me to be even more direct: that event was a reckless endeavor, not just because of the boat itself but because of the glaring security risks it posed to you personally.
Mr. President, your security is of paramount importance to every Sierra Leonean. Regardless of political affiliation, you are our president, and any harm that befalls you would throw our nation into chaos. On that day, your very presence on an unvetted and unprepared vessel screamed negligence on the part of your security team. It was a breach of protocol so egregious that it’s hard to fathom how it occurred.
Your Excellency, as I observed your facial expressions during the event, it became clear that you might not have been fully briefed on the state of the boat you were about to commission. It appeared as though no one had given you prior knowledge of what awaited you. This oversight was not just embarrassing but dangerous. I don’t support your party, Mr. President, but I am a concerned citizen who prays daily for your safety. What happened that day was not just a failure of optics; it was a failure of duty by those tasked with ensuring your protection.
Returning to the broader theme of governance, Mr. President, let us ask the hard question: Is our democracy truly reflective of the principles outlined in the books of governance? The democracy President Mahama spoke of during his lecture is one of accountability, transparency, and respect for the will of the people. Can the same be said of Sierra Leone under your administration?
We, the people, are watching as our democratic values erode under the weight of policies and actions that prioritize external validation over internal integrity. Whether it’s the push for controversial bills influenced by foreign powers or the failure to address pressing domestic issues, the gap between rhetoric and reality grows wider by the day.
Mr. President, while I have your attention, let me remind you of the myriad challenges facing our nation. From the crumbling health system to the lack of economic opportunities for our youth, Sierra Leone is crying out for leadership that puts the people first. The commissioning of an unfit boat may seem like a minor misstep in the grand scheme of things, but it is emblematic of a larger problem: a governance style that often appears reactive rather than proactive, superficial rather than substantive.
Mr. President, the Safe Motherhood Bill is another case in point. While its stated aim is to improve maternal health, its underlying provisions on abortion have sparked widespread concern. In a nation where both Islam and Christianity hold strong sway, any policy that appears to undermine the sanctity of life is bound to face stiff resistance. Rather than imposing such a divisive policy, why not engage in meaningful dialogue with religious leaders, healthcare professionals, and civil society groups to find a path forward that respects our cultural and moral values?
Mr. President, let me address the issue of accountability. The people of Sierra Leone deserve better than a government that prioritizes image over substance and foreign approval over local needs. Your frequent travels abroad, while perhaps well-intentioned, often give the impression of a leader more concerned with international accolades than domestic challenges. It is time to refocus your energy on the home front, where the real work of governance awaits.
Mr. President, I hope you take this message in the spirit in which it is intended: not as an attack but as a heartfelt plea for better leadership. Sierra Leone is a nation of immense potential, blessed with natural resources and a resilient people. All we need is a government that truly believes in and works for the welfare of its citizens. Mr. President, can we talk? The future of our nation depends on it.
