By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Wow, Mr. President, “Good morning, woo are taya dis morning.” Today, I am not just here to talk but to appeal to your humanity and to honor you as the fountain of honor, the commander of the forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and the father of the nation.
Mr. President, I am speaking about your daughter and fellow Sierra Leonean, who, by all indications, has a question to answer to the people of Sierra Leone. Yes, Mr. President, she went too far and portrayed us in a very negative manner.
But today, I come not to judge, but to ask for mercy. Mr. President, I want to use our discussion to appeal to your magnanimous love for Sierra Leoneans and ask you to forgive our sister, Hawa Hunt. This is not about weakness; rather, it is about the love of humanity. Her parents and children are already going through unimaginable distress. Mr. President, as a friend and brother, I crave your indulgence to forgive Hawa Hunt. I am certain she has learned her lesson, and others have undoubtedly learned from her experience as well.
On behalf of every Sierra Leonean, we plead for your mercy, especially as we approach the sacred month of Ramadan, a month of forgiveness and prayers. We know that you and your wife believe in the doctrine of religion and the mercies of God/Allah. “Do ya, Pa, wi dae beg.”
Mr. President, today is a special day for our chat. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and your wife, Mrs. Fatima Bio, for her contributions at the Sierra Leone Fula Progressive Union (FPU). She was like, “Wan Fula Musu,” and the way she spoke moved people. She inspired the others to contribute generously; even Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella (KKY), whose hands are usually dry “Stingy”, left something behind. It is indeed commendable that the First Lady engaged so deeply with the community.
But, Mr. President, I must also raise some pressing concerns. What is happening with the influx of awards you, your ministers, and your wife have been receiving? The rate at which these awards are coming is alarming. Mr. President, what do these awards actually mean for Sierra Leone? Do you think the people of this country will be deceived by these empty accolades while they continue to sleep hungry, with their children deprived of the education they deserve?
Our people are suffering, Mr. President. The economy is in crisis, and many Sierra Leoneans can barely afford a meal a day. No amount of awards can replace the need for food security, quality education, and good healthcare. Instead of accumulating plaques and certificates, wouldn’t it be more meaningful to focus on tangible development?
Furthermore, Mr. President, I cannot help but notice how the media has been weaponized to deflect attention from critical issues. The case of Jos Leijdekkers, the Dutch drug kingpin, was swiftly silenced, while cases involving top government officials, including your Chief Immigration Officer and the Ambassador to Guinea, remain unaddressed.
The question is, Mr. President, why the double standards? Why has your government refused to address the pressing concerns surrounding corruption, drug trafficking, and institutional failures? Sierra Leone is facing serious allegations of becoming a transit hub for narcotics, yet your administration remains silent. Mr. President, silence cannot fix this problem.
The people of Sierra Leone deserve answers. We elected you, and we demand accountability. The government’s failure to address these issues head-on only breeds speculation and mistrust. The people are watching, and history will judge.
Mr. President, I sincerely hope that in the spirit of leadership, you will choose transparency over secrecy, truth over deception, and compassion over retribution. Sierra Leoneans are resilient, but they cannot be taken for granted. We need action, not just words or ceremonial awards. We need real leadership, not photo ops or public relations stunts.
As we approach Ramadan, I hope you reflect on these issues with sincerity and a genuine desire to make amends. The power to change the narrative lies in your hands, Mr. President. Will you listen to the cries of your people, or will you continue to turn a blind eye?
Time will tell, but history never forgets.
