THE POLITICAL HISTORY of Sierra Leone cannot be complete without the mention of the prominent role of an infamous family known as the Margais. The only positive Margai was our first Sierra Leone Prime Minister, Sir Milton Augustus Strieby Margai, who was not built to last. He died suddenly on April 28, 1964 just a day after the country’s third independence Anniversary.
THE APPOINTMENT of Lawyer Charles Francis Margai, the son of former Prime minister, Sir Albert Margai, as Attorney -General and Minister of Justice after all his gimmicks and intrigues, is certainly not a popular one.
THIS IS IN SPITE of the fact that the President has the sole responsibility to hire and fire. His appointment sent ripples of revulsion into many thoughtful sections of the SLPP. Many party faithfuls are aghast that a man who was a very Judas has come round to be resuscitated instead of hanging himself. People have wondered why he was not appointed Attorney-General and Minster of Justice under the APC regime that he helped to prop up. Instead he was rejected and later detained. People will be further dismayed if it is later discovered that his appointment is due to family ties or an attempt by President Bio to be the boss of the great Charles Margai, the failed Presidential candidate of the SLPP.
THE PRESIDENT may argue that he promised to have a Cabinet of inclusion but if his inclusion is of renegades rather than others who have stayed the course the choice is his. If this is not selective forgiveness, other renegades, like Chief Somano Kapen, Suliaman Banja Tejansie, Mrs. I.J.
Kabbah and others, are expected to be in the next batch of Cabinet and other patronage appointments.
CHARLES MARGAI was a former Cabinet Minister, and during his service the good and the bad sides of him were exhibited. He was on the one hand known as a stickler for principles and on the other hand he was known for nepotism. Whether he is going to behave like an Ethiopian who cannot change his skin or the Leopard that cannot change his spots remains to be seen this time round. He can rein in the Anti-Corruption Commission that is now specializing in indicting the small fry and letting off the seals and whales.
INCIDENTALLY WE are set to see the pursuit of justice in the Hajj gate in which top APC personalities were involved.
At Nightwatch, we don’t want to be caught in the sycophantic syndrome that spoils good leaders and we shall continue the middle course as stated in our policy and motto “Night gathers and now our Watch begins.” We would not like to be seen taking part in making President Bio vain and self-complacent. That is the beginning of deification, which should be eschewed by all genuine journalists.
CHARLES MARGAI has been forced to eat humble pie. He has reentered big time politics through a mighty queer circuit after nearly hitting his nadir. Thanks to President Bio, his adopted son.