Where morality holds stronger, a leader who confesses openly that he cannot change the country he claims to have been elected to administer, resign honourably to allow for a more competent and resolute successor that will resurrect his fallen pieces. This is what is moral standpoint expects of President Julius Maada Wonie Bio.
Leadership is about service, vision, and accountability. When a leader acknowledges that they cannot solve the problems of their nation, the logical and honourable course of action is to step aside and allow someone more capable to take charge. However, in Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio has openly admitted—both to the Sierra Leonean people and the international community—that he cannot fix the country’s problems.
This revelation is not just an admission of failure; it is a betrayal of the hopes and trust that millions of Sierra Leoneans placed in him. If he recognizes his own incapability, why is he still holding onto power? Why is he wasting time, resources, and opportunities that could be used to rescue Sierra Leone from its current state of economic hardship, political instability, and social decline?
The Weight of Bio’s Admission: A Leader Who Has Given Up:
When Bio campaigned for the presidency in 2018, he made lofty promises. He assured Sierra Leoneans that under his leadership:
The economy would be revived.
Corruption would be eradicated.
Education and healthcare would improve.
Hunger and poverty would be reduced.
However, after six years in power, Sierra Leone is worse off than it was before he took office. Instead of taking responsibility and working harder, Bio has now admitted that he cannot fix the country’s problems. This is not just an indictment of his leadership—it is an insult to the people who trusted him with their future.
A leader who recognizes his own failure but chooses to remain in power is selfish, reckless, and unfit to govern. It raises a fundamental question: What is Bio still doing in office if he admits he cannot solve Sierra Leone’s problems?
The Consequences of Bio’s Continued Rule:
By staying in power despite his admission of failure, Bio is dragging Sierra Leone deeper into crisis. His leadership is causing irreversible damage in several critical areas:
Economic Collapse: The Country Is Becoming Poorer:
Under Bio, Sierra Leone’s economy has collapsed. The cost of living has skyrocketed, businesses are shutting down, and unemployment is at an all-time high. The country’s debt burden has increased, with the government borrowing recklessly while failing to implement meaningful economic reforms.
If Bio himself admits that he cannot fix the economy, why is he still in control of the nation’s finances? Why is he holding onto power while ordinary Sierra Leoneans suffer daily from hunger, joblessness, and economic despair?
Corruption: A Government Built on Deception:
One of Bio’s biggest campaign promises was to fight corruption. However, his administration has been one of the most corrupt in Sierra Leone’s history. Millions of dollars have been misappropriated, stolen, or wasted on lavish government spending, while hospitals lack medicine, schools lack resources, and public workers struggle to get paid.
By staying in power despite admitting his failure, Bio is not just wasting Sierra Leone’s time—he is allowing corruption to thrive unchecked.
Political Instability: Holding Onto Power for No Reason:
A leader who knows he cannot lead but refuses to leave creates political instability. Sierra Leone needs strong, visionary leadership, but Bio is standing in the way of progress. Instead of stepping aside, he is: suppressing opposition voices to remain in power; using state resources for personal gains, rather than ensuring national development; blocking political alternatives that could rescue the country from its current decline.
His refusal to step down is not just a sign of failure—it is a dangerous act of selfishness.
International Embarrassment: Sierra Leone’s Image Is Destroyed: Bio’s admission that he cannot fix Sierra Leone has not gone unnoticed by the international community. Foreign investors are losing confidence in the country, development partners are withdrawing support, and Sierra Leone’s reputation is sinking further.
A leader who publicly declares his incompetence but still clings to power is making the country a laughingstock on the global stage. Sierra Leone deserves better than this.
Why Is Bio Still Holding Onto Power?
If Bio knows he cannot solve the country’s problems, why is he refusing to step aside? There are several possible explanations:
Fear of Losing Privilege and Power:
Being president comes with power, wealth, and influence, therefore, if Bio steps down, he will lose all the perks of office—the luxury lifestyle, the protection of the state, and the ability to control national resources. His refusal to leave suggests that he is more interested in personal gain than in Sierra Leone’s progress.
Fear of Being Held Accountable:
A major reason Bio may be holding onto power is the fear of facing accountability for his administration’s failures, corruption, and abuses. If he steps down, he could be investigated and prosecuted for mismanagement and corruption. By staying in power, he is shielding himself from justice.
Political Greed and Manipulation:
Some leaders refuse to leave office because they believe they can manipulate the system to remain in control. Bio’s strategy may be to delay political change, weaken the opposition, and secure another term despite his failures.
Apathy toward the Suffering of the People:
A truly responsible leader who sees that his governance is failing would step aside for the good of the nation. Bio’s refusal to do so suggests he does not care about the suffering of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. If he did, he would not waste time in power while the nation crumbles.
The Way Forward: What Should Happen Next?
If Bio himself admits that he cannot fix Sierra Leone, then the time has come for him to step aside. The country cannot afford to waste more years under failed leadership. The following steps must be taken immediately:
President Bio Should Resign Immediately:
A leader who admits that he is incapable of solving national problems has no right to continue governing. Bio should do the honourable thing and resign to allow someone more capable to take over.
Sierra Leone Needs a Transitional Government:
If Bio steps down, a competent, transitional government should be established to restore order and prepare the country for credible elections. The nation cannot afford another rigged or manipulated election.
Corrupt Officials Should Be Held Accountable:
Sierra Leone cannot move forward without justice and accountability. If Bio leaves office, his government’s corrupt dealings should be investigated, and those responsible should face the law.
The People Must Demand Change:
Sierra Leoneans must rise and demand better leadership. If a president admits failure but refuses to leave, it is the duty of the people to hold him accountable. Protests, legal action, and civil movements must push for a leadership change.
Sierra Leone Deserves Better:
A leader who admits failure but refuses to leave is not just wasting time—he is destroying the future of an entire nation. Sierra Leone cannot afford another wasted year under Bio’s leadership. The people deserve a leader who is competent, visionary, and committed to real change.
If President Bio truly cares about Sierra Leone’s future, he should step down immediately and allow the country to move forward. The time for excuses and incompetence is over—Sierra Leone deserves better leadership now.