April 8, 2021
By: James Kamara-Manneh
President Julius Maada in a nationwide interview granted to African Young Voices has among other things reacted to corruption allegation against his wife saying: “that woman I know will not steal a penny.”
He said the accusation of corruption against his wife is connected to the Hand-off our girls project, noting that whether you like or hate her, she is a different type of woman.
He argued that the program Hand-off our girls is more popular than most governmental projects and that Sierra Leoneans should asked themselves whether the funds were used for the rightful purpose.
He said the project is impacting all corners of the country, as they don’t want to leave any woman and girls behind.
He stressed that the monies were allocated to the First Lady and used for the right purpose, as national issues are not cheap to carry out. To his critics, the President said he seldom give credence or acknowledgement to frivolous claims that are politically motivated.
President disclosed that when the allegations were made, the Anti-Corruption Commission set out to conduct an investigation into the said issue. He said the commission will come up with their findings and promised the nation of his full support to the commission on all alleged corruption issues.
He also stated that the fight against corruption is a fight for everyone and has been a way of life in the world but Sierra Leone will surely make a difference in curtailing it dispassionately.
“Corruption is a fight we must fight as a nation and a fight we must win as a nation. I am not satisfied with the pace, a lot needs to be done,” President Bio said.
In assessing the audit report on corruption, the President described it as an effective tool that should be used at all times as one of the tools we have to control corruption in the country.
He further stated that he does not support corruption within his cabinet; even if accusations are leveled it has to be proven before actions will be taken. The said such claims should be legitimate and ascertained using the due process.
Speaking on broad developmental issues the President said: “In 3 years, my government has done a lot in rebranding Sierra Leone internationally which was completely muddled by past administration, empowering the youths, developing the human capital in the form of Free Quality Education, improving road connectivity, investing in agriculture propelled by mechanized farming, which is a paradigm shift from the traditional subsistent farming, among others.”
President Bio did not mince his words when he acknowledged there were challenges, neither did he use the medium to politically sway electorates with savory platitudes, but was rather keen on the efforts made in fighting corruption and aligning to the imperatives that put the country on a proper footing. He emphasized that Sierra Leone is a work in progress, believing what his administration has done will bear fruit in the not-too-distant future and lay a solid foundation for posterity.