Sierra Leoneans do not seem to agree with the much-trumpeted constitutional review process saying any constitution that is not participatory and inclusive will not stand the test of time and will be powerless.
It goes without saying that President Bio will be powerless once the constitution is powerless.
Concerns about the secret review of the 1991 Constitution have become the talk of the nation where many including lawyers have raised serious eyebrows about the document.
One of the newly elected MPs have stated that if government secretly reviews the constitution without the knowledge of the opposition, it will not pass through Parliament because of its one-sidedness.
The current Parliament is not fully constituted as the opposition have rejected the outcome of the elections and have taken the sound decision not to attend any government work under what they perceive as an illegal regime.
Sources within APC have it that the secret review of the constitution will be a waste of time and will be rejected at all levels.
Others say the attempt to secretly review the constitution by the Bio regime is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
The new constitution, according to concerned Sierra Leoneans will be a ploy to add another two years to the president’s term instead of five years as per the 1991 Constitution.
If he succeeds Bio will serve seven years as president in his second term with successive presidents following suit.
During the State Opening of Parliament, President Julius Maada Bio confirmed that in the 6th Parliament, “where no party has attained a two-thirds majority, the need for dialogue and negotiation resonates with utmost urgency.”
“We must find common ground within the political divide. Through unity, we can achieve stability, progress, and prosperity in our democracy,” he said.
He made the submission on Thursday, 3rd August, 2023 during his Presidential Address on the opening of parliament.
He urged all not to forget that the true holders of power in a democracy “are the people we represent.”
He added that “we must always remember their voices, aspirations, and hopes for a better future in every debate and conflict.”
He appealed that individual egos must yield to the greater national cause, and their quest for power must never overshadow deep-rooted desire to be a government that genuinely serves the people.
“Our purpose transcends personal enrichment or fleeting fame; it is firmly grounded in pursuing our nation’s and people’s collective well-being,” he appealed.
He went on to state that the path to greatness lies in putting the nation’s interest first which transcend party lines and forging alliances outside political parties.
As Parliamentarians, he went on, it was their duty to embody the spirit of statesmanship and to seek dialogue and common goals even in the face of differing opinions.
“We can foster progress through such engagements laying the foundation for Sierra Leone’s ascent to middle-income status by 2035.”
On behalf of the Executive, he pledged to nurture a healthy relationship with Parliament and other agencies of government.
“Together, we shall strive to achieve our shared goals over the next five years, remaining steadfast in our commitment to democracy, peace, and the rule of law,” President Bio stressed.
He stated that the country had long since departed from the darkness of conflict and embraced the illuminating light of freedom and democratic principles.
“Let this Parliament, this beacon of hope, continue to lead the way, exemplifying dedication to the noble task of nation-building,” he further appealed.
He urged them to never take the peace and stability we are currently enjoying for granted, adding “Look around us, both on our continent and worldwide, and we witness the devastating consequences that unfold when political actors fail to resolve their differences with maturity and respect for the law.”
He said it had fallen upon their shoulders to safeguard democracy, support citizens as they propel the economy forward, and create a safe and stable atmosphere where every Sierra Leonean can flourish holding their heads high with pride on the global stage.
He said his government was committed to ensuring that state institutions undertake their mandates efficiently. Political pundits have however held contrary view to Bio’s fine speeches.
For them, President Bio speaks nicely on paper but always does the reverse in reality adding that the president is not compromising making it difficult for him to negotiate with the opposition.
They said the president’s statement during the state opening of parliament was nice but will not be translated into reality.
For political analysts, the secret review process is another plan of the Bio regime to lord over the opposition.
Sierra Leoneans however urged the president and his cabal to have a rethink about secretly reviewing the national document as it has several implications.