An Educator, Dr Fatu Takie and concerned citizens have urged President Julius Maada Bio to implement government’s plans and policies for the common good rather than just seeing it in Black and White.
Dr Takie said every Sierra Leonean was aware of the status quo and knew that were not favourable considering the country’s economic challenges under the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
She made this statement at the usual government press briefing at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Freetown where Chief Minister, Dr David Monina Sengeh was deliberating on government’s plans and programmes for 2024.
“It IS rather unfortunate that Sierra is back to dark days when it comes to electricity or power supply, especially in Freetown, the capital city,” Dr Taqie recounted.
She also encouraged government to embrace and respect the rule of law, and politicians should be custodian of the law and not law breakers.
She also hits out at government officials who circumvent or break traffic laws and stop using vehicles with covered number plates.
The female educator also criticised government for recent tax increase saying it did not match with workers’ salaries. “It will create more economic crises for majority of Sierra Leoneans,” she asserted.
She however described 2023 as a fantastic year amid the crises including November 26 failed attempted coup among others.
Dr Takie said the failed coup resembled the January 6, 1999 onslaught when rebels invaded Freetown causing untold destruction of life and property.
She called on the Information Minister, Chernoh Bah to engage on civil education in schools and public institutions and commemorate those tragic events that occurred in Sierra Leone.
By so doing, she said, such sad occurrences would be prevented in the future as Sierra Leoneans learn from them.
She suggested to government to establish state farms where prisoners could work to improve food security in the country instead of keeping them in cells, a move that does not benefit the country.
“They will not be working free of charge, but government should give them stipends. It is another punishment from which every Sierra Leonean will benefit,” she said.
She also warned the people of Sierra Leone against lawlessness.
Dr Taqie said she was shocked when she heard that Sierra Leoneans damaged a power house at Kingtom in Freetown as such action will affect the poor as politicians had their own generators.
“It is indiscipline on the part of those who do such an act,” she claimed as she reiterated the need for government to focus on the implementation of their plans, policies and programmes for the betterment of every Sierra Leonean.