I rest my case – NYC treads on wrong pathways
The National Youth Coalition (NYC) headed by colleague Al-Sankoh Conteh, is no doubt moving away from its original focus and now being nearly political. (Photo: author)
The main reason why the NYC was founded was to advocate for the enactment of a National Youth Policy. This objective has since been achieved. Thanks to the NYC and other like-minded organizations such as the Centre for the Coordination of Youth Activities (CCYA), the Sierra Leone Youth Empowerment Organization (SLEYO) among others and certain individuals including journalists who were busy doing all the writing in newspapers and most of the talking on radio.
Until the 2007 general elections that saw the All People’s Congress (APC) clinching state authority from the former Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the NYC was working in line with its mandate as a youth-based non political and non profit making entity.
Recent actions by the NYC since the swift of state authority however, point to the fact that the organization whose focus is geared towards enhancing youth empowerment, has changed completely.
Following the unprecedented hike in the pump prices of petroleum products in the local market, NYC issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Government of Sierra Leone, threatening to embark on a nationwide strict action should nothing is done to bring down the prices.
How it happened remains a mystery, but what came out clearly was that within the period of the ultimatum, the President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma himself sanctioned a reduction of the pump prices. While the reduction was deemed minimal, it is worthy to note that at no time has an official of government come out bluntly to state that the president’s move was in response to NYC’s ultimatum, even though the said move made more than a good publicity for the latter (NYC).
As if taking advantage of that publicity (however due or undue), NYC has now gone miles further away from its vision and mission, to imprudently seek the reinstatement of the suspended Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Allieu Sesay.
It could be noted that Mr. Allieu Sesay was charged with 57 counts relating to corruption and misuse of office, but later in what was been dubbed by many as a controversial court decision, freed on all counts; despite all the tangible evidences adduced by prosecutors of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) against him and others; his wife inclusive. Even the simplest charge relating to conflict of interest arising from the fact that he granted huge contracts to his wife, was dismissed.
As if unconcerned with the nature of the suspicious court ruling, and unaware of the fact that the ACC has filed a motion in the Appeals Court challenging the decision of the presiding judge, NYC unthinkably summoned journalists to an emergency press conference, calling on the government to immediately reinstate the suspended NRA chief, referring to him as a victim of witch-hunting perpetuated by the ACC.
While we wait to see whether the NYC will issue yet another 21-day ultimatum in an event that the government fails to reinstate Mr. Sesay, it makes sense in my view to state that NYC has nothing absolutely to do with the matter under review. It’s none of their business. The matter is still in court, and I want them to know that.
What if Mr. Sesay is reinstated today and the Appeals Court eventually reverse the suspicious ‘not guilty’ verdict of the Supreme Court judge? Wouldn’t that amount to a foolish move by the government?
NYC is not building itself a good image anymore, rather, it seems to be undermining the very successes it has recorded over the years. Just over three weeks ago, NYC held a joint program with a group called Friends of President Koroma. For whatever reason, I don’t think NYC should have gone that low as to dancing to the same music with a clearly political or call it bootlicking or praise-singing group.
NYV should stand out as a neutralizing force, having successfully contributed in enhancing the legislation of a National Youth Policy and the subsequent establishment of a National Youth Commission. In recognition, NYC was given a place in the board of the commission.
During the heightened political intolerance involving youths supporting the ruling All People’s Congress (APC) and the opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), NYC played a neutralizing role by engaging youth representatives from all political parties across the country in peace and non violent discussions. That’s the kind of role NYC should be playing, rather than meddling in legal and/or politically charged matters such as the Allieu Sesay issue.
If anything, NYC should be seen complimenting the work of the ACC, because in the first place, corruption is the major factor responsible for the massive youth unemployment and youth incapacitation the country is experiencing. It’s not their job to castigate the ACC to an extent of sending signals that the anti corruption outfit has outlived its usefulness.
Who knows what may have happened behind the scenes to have warranted such an unwarranted move, considering the fact that when following the suspension of Allieu Sesay, hired thieves broke right into the offices of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) headquarters and carted away confidential materials including computers and documents. Doesn’t that ring a bell?
Note: No malice meant…just cautioning!
I rest my case!!!
By Theophilus S. Gbenda
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