By: Audrey Raymonda John
“Sierra Leone is not at war. We expect political parties and politicians to caution their wards and supporters on the need to avoid hate speeches, violence and confrontation. We must all remember Sierra Leone comes first and no individual or group of people should create confusion”, Dr Cyril Umeh cautioned.
The interest of a few politicians should not be allowed to undermine our electoral process as power rest in the hands and will of the people. The philanthropist and founder of the Non-Governmental Organization Hawamack called on ECSL amidst some imminent challenges towards a transparent, free fair and credible election in Sierra Leone. That Sierra Leonean expects to see the process of this election on Saturday as one of its kind for generation and history to recognize and remember.
Dr Umeh called on all politicians to caution their supporters across the country to stop instigating violence and put away their pride and ego to ensure citizens are free to exercise their right to vote. That it is so prudent for all parties to fully comply and recognize the presence of the international community and fully abide by the Constitution of the land and ensure that all supporters strictly adhere to the electoral laws provided by the necessary authority.
Speaking to this medium, he said for the country to move forward, youths should stop blaming people who have brought the nation to its knees and start thinking of the way out because there are several ways to solve the nation’s many challenges.
On the reason for establishing his NGO, Umeh said it was the instant of sanitizing the youth on the way forward to its rebirth. Since the inception of the foundation, it has become a blessing to several youths across the country who have benefited from his generosity. He stated that his aims and objective are to support and complement government policies and efforts to the creation of a peaceful society where all and sundry can succeed irrespective of individual political beliefs, religion or ethics stand.
On Saturday, June 24 Election, the only solution rest in the hands of Sierra Leonean themselves. “It is understandable that in a period of elections, everybody wants to flex muscles but at the end of the day, national interest must prevail.
And that is one of the messages that Sierra Leonean should send to every Sierra Leonean; there must be a peaceful election because Sierra Leone must remain intact after the elections. Regardless of what part of the country we are from, we will be collectively affected by the outcome of the elections.
“Therefore, our collective prayers should be for unity and peace throughout this election as the Nation’s greatness comes from all of us”, Mr Umeh pleaded.
