By Sylvester Samai
Leadership is not just about the attainment of power but how one manages it in a way that brings development, prosperity, and stability to a nation and its people. When a leader ascends to the highest office of the land, especially in a country as diverse and complex as Sierra Leone, the expectations are immense. Julius Maada Bio, the current President of Sierra Leone, came into office with grand promises, hope, and a vision to bring about significant changes that would inadvertently improve the lives his compatriots.
However, after six years in power and counting, and his leadership is being grossly marred by unfulfilled promises thereby deepening the national crises because the masses are disgruntled, despondent and they feel largely disappointment by his deliberate populist agenda whose human impacts have hardly been felt since he attained power in 2018. Bio therefore has the moral responsibility to apologize now rather than later, for his iniquities, and then to resign as President and Leader of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) in the greater interest of Sierra Leone. Why so is because, if he adamantly continues to pursue his avid ambition of completing his second term and overseeing the SLPP leadership transition to another person, the tendency of that person wanting to follow his leadership style and tactics could be worse because, like the saying goes, he would want to be more Catholic than the Pope. But when he resigns now because of his proven inability to govern this country well, his immediate successor will likely want to turn around his unfruitful programmes to better ones that are people-oriented and of the interest of the people.
When Bio launched his “Free Quality Education” initiative, it was heralded as a landmark policy that would uplift Sierra Leone’s future generations. Education is indeed the cornerstone of any nation’s development, and Bio’s promise of providing quality and accessible education to all was met with enthusiasm. However, the reality has been starkly different.
Schools are overcrowded, underfunded, and lacking in basic infrastructure. Teachers are underpaid and demotivated, and the quality of education being delivered is far from the promised standard. Many students, especially in rural areas, still lack access to proper learning materials, and the dropout rate has surged. The discrepancy between what was promised and what has been delivered has left many parents and students disillusioned.
Bio’s administration promised to boost Sierra Leone’s economy by creating jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, and attracting foreign investments. However, under his leadership, the economy has continued to struggle. Inflation has risen, the national debt has increased, and the value of the Leone has plummeted, making basic necessities unaffordable for many citizens. Unemployment, especially among the youth, remains at an all-time high, leading to increased frustration and social unrest.
The “Feed Salone” initiative, aimed at making Sierra Leone self-sufficient in food production, has also faltered. Agriculture, which should be a cornerstone of the economy, has been mismanaged, and food insecurity remains a significant issue. The promises of economic growth and self-reliance have become hollow, with many citizens sinking deeper into poverty.
One of the key promises that brought Bio to power was his pledge to fight corruption. His government even established the Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate corrupt practices under the previous regime. While the COI initially seemed like a step in the right direction, it quickly became apparent that corruption within Bio’s own administration was rampant.
High-ranking officials have been accused of mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds, yet there has been little accountability. Corruption has permeated every level of government, from procurement contracts to the misallocation of development funds. The very promise of fighting corruption has, in itself, become a mockery under Bio’s leadership, leaving the people of Sierra Leone with little faith in the government’s ability to govern transparently.
To err is human, but to acknowledge one’s mistakes and take responsibility is a mark of true leadership. President Bio owes the people of Sierra Leone an apology. It is clear that his administration has not lived up to the promises made during the 2018 election. From the failing education system to the struggling economy, and the unchecked corruption, Bio’s leadership has failed to meet the expectations of the citizens who placed their trust in him.
Apologizing does not make a leader weak; instead, it shows humility and respect for the electorate. Bio must acknowledge that he has not delivered on the grand visions he outlined. He must speak directly to the frustrations of the people and admit that the administration has not only fallen short but has, in many ways, contributed to the worsening state of the nation.
One of the most difficult yet necessary steps for any leader is to openly acknowledge their failures. In Bio’s case, this means recognizing that his policies have not produced the intended results. The Free Quality Education initiative is failing, the economy is in decline, corruption is rampant, and the people are suffering. Sierra Leoneans deserve more than empty promises; they deserve a leader who will take responsibility for the current state of affairs.
Mismanagement of public resources, unrealistic micro and macroeconomic policies, and unprofitable international relations drive; have further minuscule Sierra Leone’s position on the global stage as a true democracy and a force to reckon with. President Bio must admit that many of the promises made were not grounded in realistic or achievable goals given the prevailing conditions in Sierra Leone at the time. By doing this, he can at least preserve some integrity and show that he is not disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
A leader’s mandate is based on the confidence the public places in their ability to steer the country toward prosperity. Bio’s inability to deliver on his promises has led to a loss of public trust. Demonstrations, criticism from opposition parties, and the growing discontent among citizens all point to a governance crisis.
If Bio continues to cling to power, he risks further alienating the very people who voted for him. His resignation would show that he respects the will of the people and understands that leadership is not about personal gain but about serving the nation.
Sierra Leone is at a critical juncture, and it needs leadership that can address the numerous challenges the country faces. By resigning, Bio would make way for fresh leadership that could potentially bring new ideas, renewed energy, and a genuine commitment to addressing the nation’s issues. Bio has had his chance, but his inability to meet his commitments means it is time for someone else to take the reins.
Resigning from the presidency would set a powerful precedent in Sierra Leonean politics. It would demonstrate that leaders are not above accountability and that when they fail to deliver, stepping down is the honorable and responsible thing to do. In a country where politicians often cling to power despite widespread discontent, Bio’s resignation could mark a turning point in how leadership is perceived and exercised.
While Bio’s presidency has been fraught with failure, his legacy does not have to be defined entirely by his time in office. By taking the bold step of resigning and acknowledging his shortcomings, Bio can still leave a lasting, positive mark on Sierra Leonean history.
Resignation would show that Bio prioritizes the nation’s welfare over personal power. It would be seen as an act of statesmanship—a recognition that true leadership is not about holding onto power but about knowing when to let go for the greater good of the country.
By stepping down, Bio would have the opportunity to reflect on his leadership, learn from his mistakes, and perhaps contribute to Sierra Leone in other ways. Whether through mentorship, advisory roles, or working within civil society, Bio can continue to serve the nation without the burden of the presidency.
Bio’s resignation would serve as a lesson for future leaders, reminding them of the importance of keeping their promises, governing with integrity, and placing the nation’s interests above their own. It would show that power is not an entitlement but a responsibility that must be exercised with care and humility.
The current state of Sierra Leone under President Bio is one of disillusionment and stagnation. His failure to deliver on key promises has left the nation struggling with an education crisis, economic instability, and rampant corruption. While Bio’s intentions may have been noble, his inability to execute his vision effectively has led to widespread disappointment.
The most honorable course of action for President Bio is to apologize to the people of Sierra Leone and resign from his position. By so doing, he will demonstrate true leadership; salvage the country from plummeting further and giving for the setting of new standards for accountability and transparent governance in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone deserves a better leadership other than what Bio is conjecturing, and Bio’s resignation will be the first step towards a brighter and freer future for the country.