‘No alternative for the law’ says ABC boss
Executive Director of the Attitudinal and Behavioural Change (ABC) Secretariat has disclosed that the laws in the national constitution have no alternative. (Photo: Dr. Ivan Ajibola Thomas lecturing the Officers of the 2nd Infantry Brigade on the Constitution)
Dr. Ivan Ajibola Thomas made this statement while addressing police personnel attached to the Bo East Police Division in the morning hours of Wednesday 16th January 2013.
While encouraging the police officers to professionally exercise their mandate of protecting lives and properties, he reminded them that the laws must be enforced as dictated by the national constitution without fear or favour.
“There should be no exceptions in the implementation of the law; it should be enforced as it is,” he emphasized, noting that fair treatment is the beginning of justice.
He argued that what Sierra Leone needs is enforcement of the laws and not the creation of new laws as others believe. “This explains why the ABC Secretariat would be seriously engaging in challenging indiscipline and law enforcement in the coming months,” he disclosed, noting that the rule of law stands supreme above everything.
According to him, the maintenance of law and order will immensely contribute to the development of Sierra Leone.
Dr. Thomas highlighted that the SLP has the capacity and capability to transform itself and the country. He encouraged the SLP to stand up and regain the dignity, confidence and respect it deserves. To achieve this, he continued, the force must be seen to practice what it preaches.
He congratulated the SLP for its contribution towards the conduct of a violence free 2012 generation elections.
He used the forum as an opportunity to condemn the act of politicians interfering with the work of the police. He also vehemently slammed the act of civilians attacking and disarming the weapons of police officers.
National Coordinator and Second-in-Command talking to Police Officers of their rights and responsibilities
On her part, the National Coordinator cum Second-in-Command of the ABC Secretariat, Ms. Nanette Thomas, reminded the officers that every citizen of Sierra Leone have the same rights. She advised the officers to always do their jobs diligently. “There is always a reward for a job well done, especially when you diligently do your job without expecting sweeteners,” she disclosed.
Freedom of expression, she said, is the constitutional right of each and every citizen. She therefore encouraged the citizens of this country to muster the moral courage to express themselves and contribute to the development of the country.
Sierra Leone remains backward because the citizens are refusing to positively change their attitudes.
According to her, payment of taxes and other contributions towards national development are the responsibilities of the citizens. She called on all not to dodge such obligations.
Ms Thomas advised Sierra Leoneans to desist from doing things that serves as hindrances to development. She called on the police officers to always ensure that they defend the country at all times.
On political tolerance, the ABC Second-in-Command pointed out that Sierra Leoneans must see themselves as a single family irrespective of their political difference.
The elections, she continued, have come and gone, while admonishing everybody to accept and respect the elected President of the country.
The ABC team also visited and lectured military officers attached to the 5 Infantry Brigade in Gondama.
Addressing military officers, Ms. Thomas cautioned the military officers to act like statesmen who think of the next generation and not politicians who think of the next election.
The officers, she said, must have passion for their jobs, as according to her, they were not coerced to join the force. “You should therefore regard your job as a calling and must do it to the best of your knowledge and ability,” she noted.
“The time for us to stop accepting square pegs in round holes in the interest of tribe, religion and politics is over,” she pointed out. She said lawlessness is a major threat to the progress of Sierra Leone.
In his lecture, Dr.Ivan Ajibola Thomas disclosed that democracy is widely acclaimed because it is intertwined with rights and freedom. The military, he emphasized, should be apolitical, noting that they have no business to forcefully take power and rule a country. He however pointed out that the military has a very significant role to play in a democracy.
Brigade Commander of the 5 Infantry Brigade, Colonel S.E.T Marrah explaining the concerns of the officers
In his response, Brigade Commander of the 5 Infantry Brigade, Colonel S.E.T Marrah said the citizens seem to have forgotten the factors responsible for the war in Sierra Leone, noting that the ABC could serve as an instrument to remind people and encourage them to change those bad things.
He emphasized that there will never be any coup d’état in Sierra Leone again; pointing out that any military officer who thinks about overthrowing a legitimate government should be ready to face the consequences.
He further encouraged the ABC Secretariat to endeavor to deliver the concerns of the citizens and various institutions in the country to the government.
National Coordinator and Second-in-Command talking to Officers of the Fire force
At the Fire Force Office in Kenema, the ABC Team was warmly welcomed and an interesting interactive session was held there.
Courtesy of the ABC Communications Unit
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