By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, finally, you want to show some sign of action, but will you stop there? Or is this just another fleeting moment where you appear to take charge without real substance behind it? Sierra Leoneans are tired of empty promises, recycled political narratives, and leadership that fails to deliver tangible change for the people. In the past, we have seen you rise to the occasion, but only to fall short when it matters the most. This time, Mr. President, we need more than just symbolic gestures. We need an unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and reform.
I am deeply concerned, Mr. President, about the ongoing drug scandal in our nation and the silence that surrounds it. This issue has already tarnished your administration’s credibility. People are watching, and your government’s ability to navigate these murky waters will determine whether you can restore even a sliver of trust in your leadership. Jos Leijdekkers is no ordinary criminal, Mr. President; he is a symbol of everything that is wrong with the system that enables corruption and crime to flourish. Your failure to address this scandal will forever haunt the legacy of your administration.
Mr. President, it is time to take action. You cannot sit back and watch as these corrupt figures, involved in drug trafficking and the degradation of our society, continue to operate without consequences. There are individuals within your government and your inner circle who are complicit in this scandal. Jaia Kai Kai, for instance, should no longer have a position at the Anti-Drug Commission or any other governmental body. His continued presence in public office serves only to validate the status quo of impunity and inefficiency. Mr. President, we expect you to lead by example. If you are serious about tackling corruption, you need to make bold decisions.
Furthermore, Mr. President, Alusine Kanneh is another individual whose position should no longer be tenable. His connection to this issue cannot be overlooked, and you have a responsibility to ensure that those who have abused the trust placed in them are held accountable. Firing him would be the first step, but it cannot stop there. He must be handed over to the police for further investigation. Anything short of this will send the message that the law is not meant for everyone and that those in power can operate above it.
But, Mr. President, the story doesn’t end with Kai Kai or Kanneh. The scandal that surrounds Jos Leijdekkers is a blight on this country. His involvement in the drug trade, his links to corrupt individuals within your government, and his flagrant disregard for the law cannot go unpunished. This is not just a personal issue; it is an issue of national importance. Your government’s credibility is at stake here, and the longer you remain silent, the more the people will begin to question whether you are truly interested in putting an end to the drug trade or if you are merely paying lip service to the idea of fighting corruption.
The extradition process for Jos Leijdekkers is another area where your leadership must be tested, Mr. President. You must make it crystal clear to your Justice Minister that there can be no delays or obstructions in the process of bringing Leijdekkers to justice. Time and time again, we have seen high-profile cases drag on, giving the impression that certain individuals are untouchable. The people of Sierra Leone are tired of the double standards. We deserve justice, Mr. President, and we demand that the extradition process be fast-tracked immediately. Failure to do so will suggest that this government is complicit in allowing these criminal elements to continue wreaking havoc on our society.
But it doesn’t stop with Jos Leijdekkers, Mr. President. The appearance of impropriety surrounding your family’s involvement in government must also be addressed. The appointment of your daughter to a high-profile position at the Sierra Leone Mission to the United Nations raises serious concerns about nepotism and favoritism within your administration. Mr. President, it is crucial that you take immediate steps to withdraw your daughter from her position at the UN. This is not an attack on your family, but rather an attempt to ensure that the integrity of the government is upheld. Sierra Leone cannot afford to have a system where family connections determine who gets to serve in positions of power. Your daughter’s role is a clear conflict of interest, and it undermines the public’s confidence in the fairness of your administration. Removing her from this position will send a strong message that you are serious about addressing corruption at all levels, including within your own family.
Mr. President, the people are fed up. “Wi Don Taya,” as we say in Krio. The patience of Sierra Leoneans has been stretched to its limits. You cannot afford to ignore the cries of the people any longer. While you continue to hold the reins of power, the daily struggles of ordinary citizens grow more and more unbearable. The poor traders who form the backbone of our economy are being crushed under the weight of your administration’s policies. The decision to increase customs fees is a direct blow to the hardworking men and women who rely on their businesses to survive. How do you expect them to bear the cost of higher fees when they already struggle to make ends meet? And how will they pass those costs onto their customers without driving up the cost of living? This is not the solution, Mr. President. This is the problem. You cannot expect to continue increasing costs on the backs of those who already have little to spare. This kind of policy will only drive inflation higher, create more poverty, and exacerbate the struggles of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Mr. President, instead of addressing the real issues that face the people of this country, your administration is lifting a ban on lantern parading. What does this have to do with the welfare of the people? How does this decision serve the interests of Sierra Leoneans who are crying out for a better standard of living, better healthcare, and a more functional economy? It’s decisions like these that demonstrate the disconnect between the government and the people. Sierra Leoneans do not need parades; they need jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities to thrive. Your focus must shift back to the real issues, Mr. President. The country needs leadership that is focused on tangible change, not distractions.
Mr. President, it’s time for you to make a statement. We are still waiting for you to address the nation regarding the Jos Leijdekkers issue. Your silence speaks volumes, and it leaves the door wide open for speculation and distrust to spread. It’s clear that the longer you delay, the more you jeopardize your administration’s credibility. The people of Sierra Leone have already endured too much. They deserve answers, and they deserve leadership that is willing to face the tough questions head-on.
Mr. President, I urge you to take action. Remove those in your administration who are complicit in the drug trade and corruption. Address the public’s concerns about nepotism and ensure that the extradition of Jos Leijdekkers is expedited. Withdraw your daughter from her position at the UN and send a clear message that there is no place for favoritism or corruption in Sierra Leone’s government. Your people are waiting, Mr. President. Will you show them that you are truly committed to the change they so desperately need, or will you once again fall short of expectations? Time will tell. But one thing is certain: the people are watching, and they are no longer willing to be ignored.
