In retrospect, Sierra Leone is at a critical phase of its transformation. With the foundations for rapid economic growth already laid down, our ability to take off and fly is also contingent upon our ability to shake off our traditional political loyalties and vote in people with proven administrative competence and international diplomatic pedigree. The job of a modern day Chief Executive certainly goes beyond attending flamboyant public functions and making lofty speeches. Certainly, Sierra Leone needs a president who is not only well grounded on domestic and international economic policies but also a big boy on international relations. President Ernest Bai Koroma is now a brighter example of how countries should chose leaders to match their aspirations and as his second and final term expires, he had decided to choose a successor – one that can ensure a smooth progression from the impressive foundations he has laid. Sierra Leone now need leader a that is accustomed to daily governance administrative procedures and well in tuned with local socio-economic and cultural dynamics.
Dr. Matthew Samura Wilson Kamara may not be your trade mark politician. *He is certainly not that loud mouth diplomat whose only credentials is making speeches about renewable energy when his home district had not boasted of a single solar bulb until recently when President Koroma embarked on a massive solar lights projects nationwide. Samura Kamara may not come with the experience of those who have mastered the art of political deception to claim votes. He has not been obsessed with political power even as previous heads of states had employed his services in top policy positions*.
The new APC flagbearer comes with an impressive record of managing our economy to the extent that Sierra Leone was billed one of the fastest growing economies of the world. As Bank Governor, it was believed the reforms he instituted helped stabilized inflation at a time countries in the sub region failed to tackle the rising cost of essential commodities. As Foreign Affairs Minister, he had embarked on an ambitious economic foreign policy that has invariably placed Sierra Leone on a higher pedestal on the international stage. Sierra Leone’s leadership of the Committee of Ten pushing for reform in the UN Security Council was partly influenced by Samura’s ambitious foreign policy implementation.
Samura Kamara has been well packaged to continue with our development agenda. Any alternative in electing our next president will mean the antithesis of what we aspire as a nation hungry to catch up with rest of the world. He is the proverbial missing piece of the puzzle, he is what Sierra Leone needs now.
