APC skeptics giving in!
In the early sunrise of President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s ascendancy to the throne, a considerable number of Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora remained fundamentally locked in a ‘corner of skepticism’ whenever a matter of political discourse was thrown on the floor. Here in Saudi Arabia, most of the folks I regularly engaged simply refused to be drawn into generously giving undue optimistic assessments of the new regime regardless of the promising signs filtering in then. Indisputably, there were solid examples in the historic archives to draw from, which tend to support their cautious stance. Some were unequivocal in their condemnation of what they referred to as “political trickery” in which new leaders, basked in the afterglow of election victory, quickly make lofty promises without even getting themselves familiar with the complexities involved in executive decision-making. Â Â
President Koroma’s Developmental Agenda on track
But, as the months passed, I have come to distinctively recognize a relative moderation in the concerns expressed by former skeptics. Folks are beginning to buy EBK’s governance policies for their value. There is reason for a transformative shift in assessment toward the positive. There is no doubt that mixed messages are still filtering from home nowadays. While a cross section of the media is focusing on projecting the government’s strides towards fulfilling its election promises by providing basic amenities for the welfare of the nation, others prefer to concentrate on the economic difficulties eloquently depicted in Creole – “Salone Jes Dae Tranga”! Yet, there is an overwhelming admission from both sides that the execution of government policies and the drive towards fulfilling broad national developmental agenda are very much on track.
Global Economic Crisis
To us here, and presumably elsewhere, it is extremely difficult to dispel the argument that the whole world is facing economic hard times as a result of the devastating financial bubble that was inherited from institutionalized US financial rogues. Consequently, a “tranga Salone” cannot be entirely blamed on EBK’s government per se. Rather, some would even commend the government not only for managing this much, but for speedily creating, through the help of international financial institutions, avenues of sustaining a failing economy. The economic gains that the SLPP claimed to have left in the government coffers have been interpreted more like an act of morphing an economic problem whose full repercussions were felt more seriously in the APC era.
Water Quay Fiasco
A series of firm, clearly defined steps taken by President Koroma have actually made a compelling case in favour of his government. There are certain issues of relevance to national development which the government either has to boldly confront, with unflinching resolve, or face the peril of constant disloyalty from the rank and file of his cabinet as well as distrust from the civil society. The Water Quay fiasco was a test case to the effect. Even though critics have referred to it as declarative rhetoric difficult to eradicate in a society fraught with corruption, the fact that the President made the threats to take action is enough to send a no-nonsense message to would be culprits. Â
President Koroma’s Successes
To underline the prudence of appointing a Press Attaché to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia, I think it’s fair to mention some of the successes of President Ernset Bai Koroma, which I was able to catalogue from the regularly documented and updated information from the Embassy. Since he came to power in less than three years, he has helped reduce what was the highest infant and maternal death mortality rate in the world. Today, the death rates in Sierra Leone have diminished significantly through the efforts of the dynamic leader and his government. In celebrating our 49th Independence anniversary, the President made a radio and television broadcast announcing a free health delivery care system for children under five, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
In the area of electricity supply, Freetown was one of the darkest cities in the world. But today under the leadership of H.E. Ernest Koroma, electricity has been restored in the capital. Although critics say that the light fluctuates and is expensive, the fact remains that there is light in most parts of the city today, bringing to an end the perennial problem of black out.
It is, but worth mentioning that, the current government restored donor confidence to the country. When President Koroma took over in 2007, Sierra Leone was at loggerheads with international donor agencies. The IMF and World Bank had withdrawn their officials from Sierra Leone because of the inefficiency of the erstwhile SLPP Government which reportedly failed to account for millions of dollars of donor funds.
The President, who was able to quickly establish leadership virtues of International repute, however, succeeded in winning back the support and goodwill of these donor agencies. Now Sierra Leoneans have started enjoying, directly or indirectly, the fruits of such donor agencies.
Like in the West, Sierra Leoneans have now been offered the opportunity to own their own homes. Under the HFC Mortgage and Savings Limited, which is owned by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Sierra Leoneans will now be provided with affordable loans and mortgage to own their own homes.
Youths are very important in any society. That explains exactly why the President has placed premium on Youths. He made no mistake when he set up a national youth council to explore the possibility of providing jobs for youths in the country.
The President’s “AGENDA FOR CHANGE’’, is making banner headlines in both the Local and International media. Critics will agree with me that under this change, key priority areas like the Energy Sector, Agriculture and Fisheries; Transportation, Education and Health, to name but a few have rapidly improved in the country. It is quite evident that the successes of President Koroma and his government in the last 30 months are numerous.
Re-branding In Saudi Arabia
Perhaps, the most remarkable strategic move undertaken by the government that has brought immediate returns is the appointment of Press Attachés in various Embassies. In Saudi Arabia, the idea of re-branding the country was automatically set in motion. All nationals were asked to submit their email addresses to the Embassy for regular update of Sierra Leone news. That has been going on since! Not long thereafter, Sierra Leoneans have been heard taking to the podium in several conferences of international significance. One wonders why the SLPP hadn’t ever thought about such an enterprising initiative when in fact their era was immediately after the war.
Now check this out! I was just about concluding the writing of this piece when I saw this news in my mail box.
Labour Minister leads 4-Man Delegation to Saudi Arabia
“Sierra Leone’s Minister of Labour, Social Security and Employment, Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, arrived in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a four – man delegation including President Koroma’s Senior Adviser on Political Affairs, Alhaji Mohamed S. Kargbo, Chairman, Hajj Committee, Sheikh Abubakar Conteh and Chief Imam, Freetown Central Mosque, Sheik Ahmed Tejan Sillah, …… for this year’s Hajj season which is expected to officially commence on 14th November, 2010……”
Minkailu Dine and Drink with 597 pilgrims
Immediately after reading this news, I decided to include it in my writing. The reason for this is quite simple. Good Governance! I could remember, quite clearly, that Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray was among last year’s contingent of pilgrims who stayed with the Pilgrims on ground. He was not amongst the pilgrims who were hosted by the Saudi Royal Protocol. He came along with the 597 pilgrims. Now here we go! Easy to read! By being there with the rest of the pilgrims, the honourable Minister had selflessly lent himself to the actual feel of the pilgrims and thus knew exactly how to address the situation firsthand. Bravo! Mr. Minister.
Far from partisan politics, as a society with a country-first doctrine, we must learn to applaud virtue and condemn vice in whoever these qualities are found, for only then can we have true heroes as role models.
By Unisa Kanu, Saudi Arabia. The Author is an Ex- President of the Sierra Leone Union In Saudi Arabia and a political commentator.Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
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