By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, here we are again. I hope you are recovering from your cold. Mr. President, do you know that most of us find it hard to believe you can get sick like anyone else? Yes, I know you might think we are inhumane, but it is because, as our president, we view you as a superhuman, a figure so powerful that even sickness seems beneath you. I began this way to remind you of how we see you, how we revere your position, and the enormous expectations we place on you. But Mr. President, do you see yourself and your role in the same light? If so, do you think you are leading us in a way that honors the reverence we have for you?
Even I, someone who has had the privilege of sitting and chatting with you, am lost, utterly lost, when it comes to understanding the direction of our country under your leadership. The challenges Sierra Leone faces today are overwhelming, and many of us are left wondering if we can see the light at the end of this dark tunnel.
Mr. President, let me address the elephant in the room: the recent drug scandal implicating our embassy in Guinea. According to reports from Radio France International, a vehicle linked to our embassy was involved in a drug trafficking incident that occurred on December 31, 2024. Yet, it took almost two weeks for this news to surface through social media. Mr. President, this is not just a scandal; it is a national tragedy that tarnishes the image of Sierra Leone on the global stage.
Who orchestrated this act? Who was in the car? Why is our ambassador being recalled? These are questions that demand answers, Mr. President. While I understand the protections afforded by diplomatic immunity under the Geneva Conventions, this situation cannot be swept under the rug. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable.
Mr. President, your government has a worrying tendency to shield individuals who tarnish our national reputation. Time and again, we see those responsible for serious offenses walking free, often rewarded with new roles or promotions. This culture of impunity must end. Sierra Leoneans deserve a government that holds wrongdoers accountable, no matter their rank or connections.
Mr. President, let us turn to another issue that may seem minor but is emblematic of a deeper systemic rot: the misuse of government vehicles. It is a long-standing problem in Sierra Leone that government drivers, especially those employed by ministries, abuse their positions. They ferry passengers for a fee, pocketing the money, and often, their passengers include the very ministers they serve. These behaviors’ stem from a lack of oversight, late or unpaid salaries, and the absence of a proper monitoring system.
Mr. President, this situation calls for a complete overhaul of how government drivers are hired and managed. Ministries should not be allowed to recruit drivers directly. Instead, drivers should be vetted and employed through a centralized government agency, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications and adhere to strict professional standards. Without such reforms, the misuse of government vehicles will continue unchecked, further eroding public trust in your administration.
Last year, when the devastating effects of Kush, a cheap, deadly drug, swept across our nation, your government released funds to tackle the crisis. Yet, here we are today, still grappling with its impact. The funds allocated to combat Kush abuse appear to have gone into the wrong hands, achieving little in terms of real progress. Mr. President, why do we continue to entrust critical issues to individuals and organizations that lack the capacity or willingness to deliver results?
The Kush crisis is not just a health issue; it is a social and economic time bomb. It destroys lives, families, and communities. Mr. President, it is time for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond token financial gestures. We need robust public education campaigns, stricter law enforcement, and a well-funded rehabilitation program for victims. Anything less is a disservice to the future of Sierra Leone.
Mr. President, another troubling issue is the case of the deputy minister known as Lawrence Kai Mbayo “KLM,” who publicly accused the vice president of engaging in illegal diamond dealings. While this matter was initially handled by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the outcome remains shrouded in mystery. Sierra Leoneans are left wondering: What became of this case? Was justice served, or was it buried like so many other controversies?
This culture of silence and inaction only fuels public discontent and cynicism. When serious accusations arise, the government must act decisively and transparently. Otherwise, we risk becoming a nation where truth and justice are perpetually out of reach.
Mr. President, the drug scandal, the misuse of government resources, the Kush crisis, and the unresolved accusations are all symptoms of a deeper malaise: a failure of governance. These issues demand your immediate attention and decisive action. As our leader, you must address the nation openly and honestly, offering clear solutions and a renewed commitment to accountability.
Mr. President, this is not just about damage control; it is about restoring faith in your leadership. Sierra Leoneans are tired of empty promises and half-measures. They want a government that listens, acts, and delivers results. They want a president who prioritizes their well-being over personal or political interests.
Mr. President, leadership is not just about occupying the highest office in the land; it is about setting an example for others to follow. When you lead with integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to service, you inspire those around you to do the same. But when leadership falters, so too does the nation.
Mr. President, Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads. The decisions you make today will shape our country’s future for generations to come. Will you rise to the occasion and address these pressing issues head-on? Or will you allow them to fester, further eroding public trust and national pride?
The choice is yours, Mr. President. But know this: the people of Sierra Leone are watching, waiting, and hoping for the leader they believe you can be.
As we say in our beloved Krio, “But wae money nor dae, Na Fo mammy Koka, anything kin hápin.”
Mr. President, can we talk?
