To hands-off politics… ABC Secretariat wins soldiers
“It is compelling on us to come to terms with the reality that the military has no place in politics since the adoption of the multi-party constitution in 1990s,” were the precise words uttered by the Commanding Officer of 9th Infantry Battalion in Kono District, Major Alex K. Kamara while responding to lectures by top executives of the Attitudinal and Behavioral Change (ABC) Secretariat past Friday March 16th, 2012 to sensitize military officers on the ABC Concept Importance of Positive Attitudes and Behaviours within the Military. (Photo: Dr. Ivan Thomas Executive Director ABC Secretariat, preaching on political tolerance and politically motivated violence)
Major Alex K. Kamara who ranked the lectures as most appropriate for security personnel ahead of the 2012 polls called on his men to make good use of it. He pointed out that heeding to the Secretariats’ highlighted points will not only restore the lost dignity of the Regimental Sierra Leone Arm Forces, but also help the officers present to avoid landing themselves into problems with the tenets of democracy.
He conceded that poor attitudes and behaviours that were professed by certain military officers gravely affected the image of RSLAF among which he named coups, collaborating with enemies of the state and violation of basic human rights.
Major Alex Kamara, Commanding Office 9th Infantry Battalion, thanking the ABC Secretariat
Major Kamara called on the officers present to count themselves blessed as such lectures will serve as constant reminders whenever they come under the temptation to breach oaths taken while passing out from trainings. He urged them to propagate the message to their comrades as well as family members.
National Coordinator and Second-in-Command, Nanette Thomas lecturing the soldiers on positive attitude
In her presentation the National Coordinator and Second-in-Command of ABC Secretariat, Madam Nanette Thomas warned the soldiers to remain apolitical before, during and after the November 2012 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council elections since according to her although the officers have the right to vote they should be more engaged with defending the territorial integrity of their mother land and not politicking. She assured the soldiers if only they can endeavor to manage their finances, relationships, environments, spiritual lives and health well nothing will stop them to put up positive manners.
Madam Thomas sensitized the officers that their over indulgence in drug abuse, misuse of state assets, violations of traffic rules, domestic violence and conniving with notorious armed robbers are unprofessional and warned them to abstain from participating in such acts which she termed as negative attitudes and manners.
She encouraged the officers to remain patriotic and commended the RSLAF for taking the leading role in the campaign against HIV/AIDS and their resounding performances in foreign peace keeping missions.
Considering the sacrificial nature of the military profession Madam Thomas pleaded with the soldiers to be courageous, understanding and patient. She called on the soldiers to cease from distorted thinking which according to her comprises of over magnification of issues, destructively labeling others, thinking imperatively, mind reading and dividing institutions to conquer for personal aggrandizement. She beseeched the soldiers to serve Sierra Leone to the fullest of their abilities and strength. By this the National Coordinator and Second-in-Command of the ABC Secretariat assured will make their names be etched in the annals of Sierra Leone.
In his lecturer the Executive Director of ABC Secretariat, Dr. Ivan Ajibola Thomas educated the soldiers that change is a permanent, dynamic and transformational attribute of human beings. He said although it is difficult to make due to fear of moving from what he described as the individual’s comfort zone, he stressed that it is a noteworthy venture to make.
Dr. Thomas said for soldiers to perform professionally they need to improve on their academic qualifications and encouraged them to do so. He called on them to refrain from being selfish and try to be selfless in the way of doing things. With this selfless nature he assured the officers that they will be able to understand that their role is not active politics but rather the protection of their compatriots.
He concluded that if only the military officers remain apolitical the country will remain peaceful and thus woo plenty investors and other development partners.
Regional Coordinator East Arnold Kaima introducing staff of the ABC Secretariat
In another development the ABC Secretariat executives visited the members of the Traders Union Kono Branch and by the same token sensitized them on the ABC Concept and Relevance of Political Tolerance to national development.
National Coordinator and Second-in-Command Nanette Thomas talking to the traders
Talking to the traders Madam Thomas bewailed the adulteration, falsifications of standard measurements and unreasonable hike in the prices of consumables. She termed these events as negative attitudes and behaviours which she called on the trades of Kono District to stop doing and further called on them especially the women to register so that they can be eligible to exercise their franchise in the 2012 elections. Madam Thomas encouraged the traders to educate and train their children to become responsible citizens that will loathe immoral behaviours. On political tolerance the National Coordinator and Second-in-Command tasked the female traders to sensitize their husbands, children and other close relatives that violence is criminal.
“Political stability promotes trade and consequently the development of a nation,” said Dr. Ivan Ajibola Thomas when addressing the trader of Kono District.
Executive Director lecturing the traders
He advised the traders to facilitate for the coming elections to be peaceful, free and fair as to him the outcome of the polls will determine the country’s seriousness towards becoming a developed nation. In this light he called on them to them to show respect for each other regardless of political indifferences. Dr. Thomas stressed the importance of traders towards the socioeconomic development of the country and called on them to be role models for others to emulate.
Programme Manager Ishmeal talking to the traders
In response the Chairman of Sierra Leone Traders Union-Kono Branch, William D. Sesay called on his fellow traders to embrace the call to change negative manners and deeds that they have been doing at the detriment of unsuspecting buyers.
The Kono District Chairlady of the Traders Union, Maseray Bangura thanked the ABC Secretariat for reaching and adequately empowering them to realize that positive attitudes and morals are everything for upward mobility.
By Momoja Lappia
Day 3, March 16, 2012
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