Where APC has not made a difference?

I am reproducing this piece in an attempt to remind us all about some issues that came up in the press some months back. However, I am doing this piece with some editing and with additional views. (Photo: Pa John Baimba Sesay)

A Sierra Leonean, living in Niger, by the name of Idrissa Conteh, aka Atomic Pen has attempted to state some areas where, in his opinion, the APC led government of Ernest Bai Koroma has made a difference. In response to that, a columnist I hold in high esteem, not for his subjectivity on political debates, but for always taking people on issues, Dr Sama Banya also attempted to differ from most of what Atomic Pen has highlighted as the successes of this government.  One thing with Dr. Banya is that he is always at his best to challenge people on issues that have to do with the performance of the past government, a government he was practically a part of.  No doubt, he is a fine writer.

That said, I also hold the view that there are areas this government has made a difference as compared to the recent past government of President A(h)med Tejan Kabba(h). In the first place, it must be stated however, that the Tejan Kabba (h) led political administration, which began from 1996 and ended in 2007 was able to create some institutional reforms necessary for the sustenance of democratic credentials. Therefore, it would be fair if, we at least make reference to this fact.  

Where they have made a difference

Tejan Kabba (h) succeeded in formulating state institutions like NaCSA, NRA, IMC, PPRC et el.  Also, credit should be given to Kabba (h) for creating the Anti Corruption Commission, an institution that is today making President Koroma flying high in terms of his governance style and success. But there are areas where, in my view   Pa Kabba (h) failed to perform.  He promised us the Lungi Bridge, and I am still waiting, may be, my two years old daughter will come tell me one day that the bridge had been constructed. Kabba (h) promised us food security by 2007, but… I mean a big but…  These are some of his failures… ‘I will do this’, but he never did.. He was not a mixer…unlike Koroma, who is a loved grass root politician. Ernest will drive down town to test his popularity, Kabba(h), as far as I know, never did that…

Pa Kabba (h), no doubt wanted to pursue corruption to his finger tips. He made an attempt, in fact, several attempts to prosecute corrupt officials, but he   could not meet the expectations of the people.  This, in my view, was because the whole idea of fighting against corruption was tied to party politics. All decisions regarding charging people to court on corruption related matters were going through the Attorney General’s office. And so even where a matter should be charged to court, the political implications would first be discussed before reaching a final decision.

At least in theory and in my view, in practice, this is not the case today, under the President Koroma led government. Tejan Cole, the ACC chief is now enjoying prosecutorial powers and interestingly, the number of prosecution has today increased from 5 in a year to 15, under the Koroma led government. Tejan Cole will always pay tribute to President Koroma for allowing him to be independent in running the ACC. So, this is another area the Koroma government has made a difference.  Pa Kabba (h) was, in my view always timid in sacking those Ministers who were either not performing, or being involved in corruption related issues.

Where they have not made a difference

But despite these areas here they have made a difference, the APC has areas they have not been able to make a difference. About or over seven months back, I wrote extensively on the need for the APC to ensure the PMDC does not disintegrate as a political party. In that piece, I opined that that it is only with a divided south-east that the APC shall continue to stay in power, taking into consideration the role the PMDC  played in dividing  the southeast thus leading to the fall of the SLPP. I have continuously argued that it is only when this trend continues the APC should be thinking of seeing anything like political longevity.

But it would appear the PAC as a party does not take this seriously, and they have not been able to make a difference insofar as this issue is concerned. And they are about to repeat the mistakes of the SLPP, when compared to what they did to PDP, and the effect that followed in 2007. If the APC does not work behind the curtain to ensure, the PMDC is intact and politically strong, then the SLPP well capitalize on this and work on ensuring that they win future elections. Generally, all those resigning today from the PMDC are bound to getting back to the SLPP for it was out of frustration that they left the SLPP to join the PMDC. 

 

Freetown the venue where Koroma's popularity is always at test. (Photo credit Pa John Baimba Sesay)

 

I have had interviews with top brass of the SLPP and I know for sure they are also working assiduously to catapult to the Presidency come 2012.  Charles Margai would not tell you he has been having behind the scene meetings with the SSLPP, but the fact is, that has been happening. And this is more the reason the APC should not allow the PMDC to disintegrate, if it is to continue enjoying the confidence of the electorate. A disintegrated PMDC would mean a united SLPP and this has the potential for the APC not to gain the attention of people in.  So APC should try to make a difference here.

Ernest Koroma from all indications was not a liked man in Kailahun prior to the elections; he was allegedly attacked on his way to Kailahun together with Charles Margai. But he eventually won the elections. I learnt he is planning to pay that part of the country a visit, and until he does that, then he is yet to make a difference as far as reaching the Kailahun people could go.

Difference has not been felt in the area of political accountability at the local level. Despite the efforts of the government to curtail corruption and ensure accountability at the central level, the local councils have not lived up to expectations. I only would refer us to the clock tower-good initiatives by the Freetown City Council, but much money gone, and clock, less than 2years, is begging for repairs.  Corruption in the health ministry is glaring-Cottage hospital, hotspot for corrupt practices, and even the ACC must have got a feel of what is happening at Cottage, and likewise must be happening in other government hospitals. Expired drugs sold to patients, no drugs at cost recovery basis etc etc …

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