By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, can we talk? In this critical moment for our nation, I find it imperative to address the series of events that have left many Sierra Leoneans questioning the direction of our government. The public has grown weary of empty accolades, extravagant travels, and a cascade of contradictory narratives that serve only to distract us from pressing national concerns. I say this with both conviction and a deep sense of responsibility, urging you to confront these issues head‐on. Our country’s future depends on transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people. Let us move forward together, now.
Mr. President, I extend my congratulations on your wife’s sweeping victory in Addis Ababa, where she was declared President Extra Ordinaire of the First Ladies of the African Union. This achievement, while celebrated by some, strikes many as profoundly ironic. In the midst of an administration that proudly collects awards, it seems almost paradoxical that your family’s honor coincides with controversial national actions. The juxtaposition of such accolades with the pressing needs of our people leaves us wondering if symbolic victories can truly compensate for the neglect of critical issues at home. We demand genuine progress, not mere titles.
Mr. President, it is equally perplexing that while your wife garners international acclaim, you accepted an award in Liberia during an event designed to honor an army. This ceremony, meant to celebrate the valor and sacrifices of the Liberian forces, now appears to be co-opted into a platform for political theatre. How did such a convergence occur, where military respect is intermingled with personal accolades? This spectacle raises serious questions about priorities and the authenticity of our national commitments. The people deserve clarity on whether these events serve honor or simply mask deeper issues. We insist on truthful, unwavering explanations.
Mr. President, your record now compels us to ask about the whereabouts of the recalled former ambassador from the Republic of Guinea. While the government parades its accomplishments and collects prestigious honors, crucial questions about accountability remain unanswered. The disappearance of a key diplomatic figure signals a troubling lapse in governance and transparency. It is time to shed light on this matter and reveal the truth behind these maneuvers. Our nation deserves answers, not evasive rhetoric. The pursuit of prestige must never come at the expense of integrity and responsible leadership, for the silence of truth undermines our collective trust.
In yet another display of ostentatious achievements, your chief minister recently travelled to Dubai and returned with an award recognizing the best education providers for the people. While such accolades are touted as milestones of progress, one must ask: Na Wetin Don Fala Una So? The relentless accumulation of honors and certificates appears to have become a substitute for meaningful policy and tangible improvements in our society. Instead of addressing the systemic challenges that beset our education system, these symbols of superficial success only widen the chasm between political spectacle and the everyday struggles of our citizens. We demand substance.
Mr. President, it is equally troubling that a Dutch journalist was arrested under circumstances that appear to defy logic and fairness. This incident, widely condemned as a myopic error by your police forces, casts a long shadow over your commitment to free expression and democratic accountability. The suppression of critical voices and independent reporting undermines the very foundations of a society that prides itself on openness and justice. Such actions not only silence dissent but also erode the credibility of your government, leaving the people to wonder if truth and justice are mere casualties in your pursuit of political expediency.
Mr. President, the relentless parade of awards, extravagant travels, and grandiloquent speeches has become a hallmark of your administration. Despite the impressive rhetoric, these displays do little to address the daily hardships faced by ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Instead of investing in sustainable development and improving public services, your government seems intent on curating a spectacle of self-aggrandizement. The people are no longer impressed by empty gestures; they see through the superficial charm of well‐orchestrated events. “Dem Say Mek Ar Tell Yu So Ya,” yet the substance behind your actions remains conspicuously absent. We demand accountability.
Mr. President, let us now turn our attention to the saga of Jos Leijdekkers. Your minister of information and civic education has spun tales that border on the unbelievable, fabricating narratives with such audacity that it seems he is running out of steam. “Naw Na So So Bak Tok En Open Kol E Dae Pan,” a sentiment that resonates with those who have grown weary of deception. The barrage of falsehoods has not only eroded public trust but has also left our citizens disillusioned. It is high time for an update on this matter and for accountability to replace political spin.
Mr. President, it is disheartening to observe the decline of Mr. Chernor C. Bah, an individual once hailed as a promising asset to Sierra Leone. Despite his evident talent and potential, your administration’s heavy-handed interventions have damaged the young man’s integrity and spirit. His remarkable journey, once a beacon of hope for our future leadership, now appears marred by manipulation and neglect. As we witness this unravelling, one cannot help but echo the local lament: “Luk Wetin Yu Don Do To Dis Fyn Borbor Naw.” The nation mourns not only a talent wasted but also a future compromised by political gamesmanship. Truly unacceptable.
Mr. President, I now turn to the conduct of your Chief Immigration Officer, who has acquired lavish properties in the United States. His opulent purchases not only baffle us but also risk serving as unintended gifts to foreign interests. Be warned, for the DAE are coming “Do Ya Na Fo Tel Am.” Furthermore, the scandal of the Jos Leijdekkers “Umar Sheriff” saga implicates nearly every government official. Equally troubling is the revelation that your ex-wife, Mrs. Zainab Kandeh, your daughter, Mrs. Agnes Bio Leijdekkers Sheriff, is positioned on the Rada of the DAE, and your First Lady, Dr. Fatima Jabbie Bio, is the only one so far in your family out of their net. “Na Di Wod Dat O”
