By: Hafsatu Z Bangura
President Julius Maada Bio has disclosed that during his last discussion he had with President Joe Biden he told him that he is not the right person to teach democracy to anyone.
President Julius Maada Bio made this statement at the state house press congratulatory briefing by various women coalition groups who expressed joy of His Excellencies re election victory.
The women comprised of various women’s wing groups who went to congratulate his Excellency on his victorious win and furthermore addressed the Gender Empowerment Bill that seeks to open up the country’s political space and establish a level playing field for women in politics.
During the meeting President Bio expressed joy seeing women coming together for a common cause that no other government has given importance to as much his government has done.
According to the President he said there has been a loophole in the bill that his government wishes to change because he said it was an honest mistake.
He said his government is committed to addressing and identifying issues of women’s interest in the country as he said women are strong pillars of every home or country.
He also noted that the past five years has been the most difficult time but his government has shown commitment and consistency in serving the nation.
“I see being a President as the best weapon for effecting change in a country and I am that change” he said.
He also affirmed that he is going to lay the foundation of development for this country as his purpose is to serve the people of this nation wholeheartedly.
The President called on Sierra Leoneans to move past party colors and work together as one.
He said during the campaigns he had a strong message that he preached to the people that gained him his re election victory and that he toured the length and breadth of this country with developments that his government successfully established.
He also alluded to the fact that the international community should respect the will of the people and the country and it is his duty being the President to protect the country and its people.
He went on that the decision he made about peace and democracy during his youthful years is what we have and still enjoy as a country.
Therefore he called on the women to work effectively with one another and be respectful towards one another as he said the Bill is a full commitment in improving the lives of women.
He concluded his speech by imploring Sierra Leoneans to vote for issues rather than vote for party colors, to vote development and transformation for a better nation.
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Madam Manty Tarawallie expressed delight at the bill as a woman. She said she is proud of President Bio’s relentless effort in fighting for women as such this was a move that garnered support for his re election amongst the women.
She added that the bill will change the dynamics of women and increase opportunities across the country.
She expressed joy in this and applauded the President that indeed he is “Tok and Do” a man of his words.
President of the Women’s Forum Madam Sally Adams thanked the President for giving them a voice in a male dominated world. She called on all women’s group and women to support the president’s agenda and build a better nation for future generations to come.