By: Charles Pujeh Esq
Bob Nestle Marley once wisely remarked, “Know your history and plan your destiny,” underscoring the importance of honoring those who paved the way for us. Disregarding the wisdom and experience of our elders is a recipe for failure, both as leaders and as a nation. Our past leaders and elders are the foundation of our history, having struggled to bring sanity to our nation. Neglecting them jeopardizes our future success.
As Sierra Leoneans, achieving our full potential hinges on fostering unity between the old guard and the younger generation. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity; it means working together despite our differences for the greater good of our party and country. Only through collective unity can we truly advance and develop our longstanding party, the SLPP.
In the pledge of allegiance to our beloved Sierra Leone, we vow not only devotion but also unity – a unity that transcends political affiliations and personal biases. It’s a call to recognize and respect our elders, who have paved the way with their sweat and blood, regardless of party lines. Today, as the younger generation, it is incumbent upon us to embrace this unity and work towards a common goal: the progress and prosperity of our nation.
However, amidst the political landscape, we find ourselves entrenched in divisions that threaten the very fabric of our society. Political polarity has reached a tipping point, leading to distrust, aggression, and withdrawal from national issues. It’s disheartening to witness how these divisions have permeated various sectors, from the judiciary to the armed forces, further deepening the rifts within our society.
But it’s not too late to change course. We must shift our focus from political power struggles to national cohesion. Regardless of party affiliation, we are all stakeholders in the future of Sierra Leone. It’s time to dismantle the barriers of division and embrace a mindset of oneness.
National cohesion requires a collective commitment to building our nation beyond the confines of electoral cycles. We must engage in constructive dialogue, listening to each other with the intent to understand rather than to argue. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and cooperation, we can harness the diverse talents and perspectives within our society for the greater good.
Critical to this endeavor is the recognition that unity does not equate to uniformity. We can celebrate our differences while working towards a common vision for the advancement of Sierra Leone. This means consulting each other on critical issues, from infrastructure development to healthcare, and pooling our resources and expertise for the benefit of all.
Moreover, unity in action is essential at every level of governance, from the judiciary to the ballot box. Instead of succumbing to suspicion and criticism, let us approach challenges with a spirit of collaboration, seeking solutions that transcend political agendas. Together, we can learn from past mistakes and chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity.
Ultimately, fostering national unity is a conscious choice that requires commitment and perseverance. It’s a choice to rise above political divides and prioritize the collective well-being of our nation. In doing so, we can pave the way for a brighter future, where unity triumphs over discord, and the people of Sierra Leone stand united as one.
