Sierra Leoneans have appreciated Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, who they wish a merry Christmas and happy New Year.
They informed Nightwatch that they appreciated the former president of Sierra Leone whose 11- year rule was replete with strong record in the nation’s governance narrative.
“We appreciate Dr Bai Koroma for not only the work he did while he was state president, but especially for what he has done since handing power over to the opposition SLPP. President Ernest Bai Koroma has made Sierra Leone proud on the continent and rest of the international scene,” the citizens pointed out.
They said the former president and leader of the main opposition, APC worked in the interest of the country while he was president.
“From the darkest city in the world in 2006-07, Ernest Bai Koroma restored power to the city in less than a hundred days after taking over from President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah. In terms of infrastructure, several city and town roads were constructed thereby cutting down on travelling time to the provinces. Because of Ernest Bai Koroma, we can now leave Freetown and arrive in Kono in a matter of hours compared to days before his regime. Subsequently we can now go to Kailahun also in a matter of hours. Also President EBK paid subsidies for critical goods and commodities or services such as rice, fuel, education and the like which ensured that prices remained stable despite global concerns or economic issues,” the Sierra Leonean citizens reminded their fellow citizens.
The citizens who described themselves as nationalists said Ernest Bai Koroma not only exemplified himself locally, he also did so on the international scene and made the whole nation of Sierra Leone proud.
“You can see that Ernest Bai Koroma is very different from any president we have ever had as a people. Imagine that he organised an election that his party lost under mysterious circumstances but he was instrumental in the election result being palatable to the then APC. He handed power over to the opposition SLPP without hindrance,” the citizens recounted.
After his exemplary service to the nation and making Sierra Leone one of the fastest growing economies in the world, ex-President Koroma then went on to make a name for himself and the country on the continent and world.
For his outstanding service and record setting tenure, EBK was invited to give many speeches across the world as a keynote speaker at universities, think tanks and other world assemblies.
But the work we are most proud of is his effort in observing elections across Africa for democratic consolidation. After heading several election observer missions, President Bai Koroma received several international accolades for his tremendous service to Africa and the world.
Members of Brenthurst Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa confirm Koroma’s move at strengthening democracy saying “We know former President Koroma as a defender of democracy. He is a member of the Brenthurst Foundation Advisory Board. He is notably one of the most outstanding leaders who has relinquished power to opponents peacefully in the interest of entrenching democracy. He has led election-observation missions across the African continent with great distinction.”
Meanwhile, Sierra Leonean citizens from all walks of life said no other leader in the political history of Sierra Leone has done what EBK has done for the image and reputation of the country. Not only that he is also accredited with maintaining one of the most peaceful run in state governance in the history of Sierra Leone characterised by national peace and cohesion, there was never a time during his tenure when the nation was facing destabilisation.
Our fear is that President Ernest Bai Koroma might be the first and the last in a long time. We don’t see anyone in the current crop of leaders that will or can emulate him. We hope and pray that our future leaders will see EBK as the standard bearer in our ruling or presidential narrative.
“He is a man of integrity and standing that the nation can do very well emulating regardless of partisan, regional or tribal considerations. For this and much too many to name here, at this critical juncture we wish Dr Ernest Bai Koroma a merry Christmas and happy New Year,” the citizens said in closing.