The Chief Minister alongside the Deputy Minister of Information and other government officials took to the streets of Freetown yesterday to engage citizens and traders across Freetown as part of proactive efforts to demonstrate normalcy in the country.
They entirely debunked rumours of illegal protests in Freetown by some faceless people.
As rumors of a protest by an unidentified group of people hit the media over the past weeks, many Sierra Leoneans yesterday were stranded either in their homes or on the streets as motorists and general transport providers failed to ply their trade for fear of being caught in the line of the so-called demonstrators.
The Chief Minister, Dr. David Sengeh in assuring residents of the Western Area of the government’s preparedness in terms of security took a stroll from Lumley through P.Z, Up Gun, Wellington, Calaba Town, to Hastings junction in the rural district.
This move is geared towards solidifying the security status of the city and thereby urging residents to go about their normal daily activities as everything is under the government’s control.
He further highlights the fact that the government of President Bio is very much aware of the hard times facing his people, and is working assiduously on possible solutions. As he moves from one point to the other, Dr. Sengeh reminds the youths that development is only possible when there is peace in a country. He therefore admonished them to remain steadfast and resilient in their strive for peace, development, and growth.
During his several engagements, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq. stated that consolidating peace and national cohesion is a collective responsibility by all citizens. He encouraged citizens and traders to continue ignoring calls for protests and any deliberate plan to undermine the peace of the country.
“There is no justification for protests because in many countries across the world things are far worst. We urge the political forces behind the incitement and orchestrated protests to desist. Elections are over and President Bio is committed to seeking the welfare of all citizens and deliver on his elections manifesto commitments. We must now focus on consolidating our peace and sustainable development,” the Deputy Minister stated.
Several citizens and traders expressed their appreciation for the initiative by the Deputy Minister to visit the streets and give assurances to citizens and traders.
“This business is where I feed myself and family. If I don’t come out to sell, those who are calling for protests will not feed me. Government should continue to focus on addressing the bread and butter issues for ordinary people,” one trader stated.
The Deputy Minister travelled from Westend to Eastend of Freetown visiting shops, markets, parks, Okada Riders, Keke Riders and Ataya bases” from PZ, through “Up Gun”, Calaba Town to Jui.