By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, how far now? As our Nigerian brothers would say in their local parlance, “What is happening?” After your sweet-talking end-of-year address filled with promises of a brighter 2025, we find ourselves grappling with the harsh reality you subtly hinted at: 2025 will indeed be tough. Yes, Mr. President, it is tough for us, the people.
Let’s dissect your government’s trajectory so far. The 2023 Audit Report has painted a grim picture, exposing widespread malpractice within your administration. Your so-called Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), under the leadership of Ben Kaifala, is making noise about financial rule violations across virtually all our diplomatic missions. These embassies, we’re told, have flouted basic financial regulations and failed to pay necessary taxes as required by law. This is embarrassing for a nation that should be striving to uphold global standards of integrity. What is your government doing about it? Bra Yu Nor Dae Sack”? Mr. President, with all the bad pills the very people you appointed are giving to the people, yet you failed to fire them, instead, you do more appointing, which further exhausts our fragile economy. “Wetin go lef fo di pipul naw wae una take ol tin”?
Mr. President, while citizens struggle to make ends meet, our country’s name is splashed across international headlines for all the wrong reasons. It is not for groundbreaking technological achievements, scientific discoveries, or advancements in food security. No, Mr. President, it’s because of drugs and corruption. From the scourge of KUSH (a synthetic drug wreaking havoc on the youth) to mass deportations of Sierra Leoneans from Guinea, and now the arrests of diplomats caught with drugs and cash totaling hundreds of thousands of United States dollars, the stories are a national disgrace. Is this the legacy your government wants to leave behind?
These incidents are not isolated, Mr. President. They represent a systemic failure of governance under your watch. The diplomatic corps, which should serve as the face of Sierra Leone, has instead become a symbol of rot and scandal. How do you intend to restore the dignity of these institutions and, by extension, our country’s reputation?
Mr. President, your penchant for foreign travel has once again come under scrutiny. This time, it is your recent trip to the United Kingdom on the King’s invitation, as announced not by your press secretary but by your wife. Is the First Lady now your official spokesperson? This glaring misstep only raises more questions about your administration’s priorities and communication strategies.
More importantly, where is the money coming from to fund these frequent trips, Mr. President? Sierra Leoneans are struggling to afford basic necessities, yet your government finds the resources to finance lavish international excursions. Is this not a slap in the face of the people who trusted you to prioritize their welfare?
Mr. President, everything happening in Sierra Leone, the good, the bad, and the ugly, is your responsibility. Leadership is not about shifting blame or turning a blind eye to problems. It is about accountability, and as the saying goes, “The buck stops with you.” Even your Minister of Information, who has been your staunch defender, seems overwhelmed. The lies and spin are no longer working. The people are waking up, and the reality of their struggles is too glaring to ignore.
It’s one problem after another under your administration. Every time a single project is commissioned, your government spends an entire month celebrating as if it were a monumental achievement. These overblown celebrations serve as distractions rather than solutions, Mr. President. Is this your strategy to divert the public’s attention from the real issues?
The 2023 Audit Report is a scathing indictment of your administration’s failures. It highlights gross financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and endemic corruption. The ACC, which should be at the forefront of tackling these issues, appears more interested in media appearances than actual enforcement. Mr. President, what is your plan to address these findings? Or will this report, like many before it, gather dust on a shelf?
Diplomatic missions are supposed to represent the best of Sierra Leone. Instead, they have become hubs of corruption and inefficiency. The arrests of diplomats with drugs and large sums of cash are not just embarrassing but also detrimental to our international standing. How do you intend to reform these institutions? Will there be accountability, or will the culprits walk free as usual?
Mr. President, the issue of KUSH cannot be ignored. This drug epidemic is destroying the lives of our youth, the very future of Sierra Leone. The government’s response has been tepid at best. Where are the rehabilitation centers? Where are the public awareness campaigns? Where is the support for families affected by this crisis? Your administration’s inaction speaks volumes about its priorities.
Mr. President, Unemployment, particularly among the youth, is another pressing issue. Young people are desperate for opportunities, yet your government has failed to create an environment conducive to job creation. Instead, the focus seems to be on cosmetic projects and grandiose promises that never materialize. How do you plan to address this ticking time bomb?
Mr. President, let’s talk about the First Lady. While it is commendable for her to take an active role in public life, her overreach into areas traditionally handled by official government channels is problematic. When she announces your trips or speaks on behalf of the government, it undermines the credibility of your administration. It’s time to draw clear boundaries and ensure that roles are respected.
Mr. President, the people of Sierra Leone deserve better. They deserve a leader who listens, acts decisively, and prioritizes their needs over personal gain. Your government’s record so far has been disappointing, to say the least. From the audit report’s revelations to the international scandals involving our diplomats, the failures are piling up. It’s not enough to make promises; you must deliver tangible results.
As we move into 2025, the challenges are immense, but they are not insurmountable. Here are a few recommendations: Empower the ACC to act independently and prosecute offenders, regardless of their political affiliations. Transparency and accountability must be non-negotiable.
Conduct a comprehensive review of all embassies and consulates. Appoint qualified, competent individuals based on merit, not political patronage. Launch a national campaign against KUSH, including rehabilitation programs, public awareness initiatives, and stringent law enforcement measures. Focus on industries that can absorb large numbers of young people, such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. Provide incentives for private sector investment.
Limit international travel to essential trips and redirect those funds toward social programs that benefit the people. Ensure that official government announcements come from the appropriate channels, not ad hoc statements from the First Lady or other unofficial sources.
Mr. President, leadership is not about grand speeches or elaborate ceremonies. It is about action, accountability, and results. The people of Sierra Leone are watching and waiting. They have endured enough hardship and disappointment. It is time to show them that you are capable of delivering the change you promised.
The ball is in your court, Mr. President. The question remains: How far now?
