By: James Kamara-Manneh
President Julius Maada Bio has responded to the clarion call made at the just concluded political dialogue and in his yesterday nationwide address called on the main opposition party All People’s Congress to come together and work to embrace national cohesion, peace and unity for Sierra Leone.
It will be recalled that at the end of the three days dialogue between the ruling SLPP party and APC a resolution was agreed upon that the President should do a nationwide address within a stated time.
President Bio in his address called on the opposition to show allegiance to the country instead of political parties, and that we may have different socio-political interest but our focus should be on national developments.
“Sierra Leoneans are tired of political bickering, hate speech, and disunity, and together, we must say never again. It is time to focus our energies, ideas and our collective will towards national agenda that delivers food security, provides jobs for our youths, empowers our women, and prepares our nation into a middle income economy”, he explained.
He recognized the efforts from the international bodies-ECOWAS, AU, Commonwealth, for mediating between both parties and for reaching to an amicable settlement. President Bio further appreciates the opposition for their strong willingness to join the political train by putting aside their difference in bringing development to Sierra Leoneans.
“To every citizen of this country, I tell you, this dialogue transcends politics and political divides. It is about our country and our people, and we must continue to work hard to promote the values of inclusiveness and unity”, he noted.
He said there is need for building state institutions and strengthening our democracy and the dialogue clearly demonstrate our commitment to put our differences behind us and solicit the way forward for the interest of Sierra Leone.
“My government will work tirelessly to address the concerns and aspirations of our citizens. We will focus on fostering economic growth. Improving education, health care, agricultural productivity and infrastructure, and ensuring that all Sierra Leoneans feel the benefits of our development aspirations”, he stated.
He further commended the leadership of both parties who took part in the three days dialogue for putting the nation ‘first’ by seating down and pouring their heart to one another in a genuine bid in raising their concerns and ambitions in promoting inclusive governance.
President Bio confidently said the agreement signed in the resolution will be given the highest level of consideration from his government as they will work with the main opposition party and all other political parties to ensure the resolution full implementation. He called on all to respecting and upholding the rule of law as it is vital to our young democracy.
“Reviewing our electoral system is critical to strengthening our democracy; it is in that spirit I uphold the establishment of a national system regime as a first step uphold electioneering process in Sierra Leone,” he reveals.
He urged all Sierra Leoneans to embrace the spirit of unity, peace and reconciliation.
