According to the fine woman politician, on June 16 this year, she will be officially launching the Ahmed Tejan Kabbah Peace Foundation at the Bintumani Conference Hall, an event she said President Bio has consented to grace and serve as the official launcher.
She went on to say she has also invited former President Koroma to graciously serve as a very distinguished guest at the all-important event, adding that at the event, both President Bio and Ex-President Koroma will be joined by other important personalities including foreign friends of Sierra Leone to discuss Sierra Leone’s everlasting peace and tranquility.
According to Mrs. Kabbah, she will be leading a top delegation from the Foundation’s membership which includes top statesmen to visit Ex-President Koroma at his Makeni residence to personally invite him to the event, amidst official invitation letters already sent to him by the Foundation.
Many people this reporter spoke to before press time, expressed optimism that should this meeting be held with the two senior statesmen present on the table as planned, it will be good for Sierra Leone’s democratic development, peace and tranquility.
Chief Minister Maintains Integrity, Credibility
Countless clear-headed and neutral Sierra Leoneans have commended and continue to appreciate the work and efforts of the Chief Minister Professor David Francis in regard to good governance and transparency and accountability.
The Governance Transition Team Report produced in July 2018 under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister of the Government of Sierra Leone has brought credibility and integrity to the image of Sierra Leone.
The report was widely accepted both locally and internationally, including credible organizations that have been mentioned the report in public discussions.
The Governance Transition Report provided a blueprint for the New Direction Government to carry on with their business of providing the needed services for Sierra Leoneans, while demanding accountability for the misappropriation and unaccounted for funds expended during the previous government.
The GTT Report has been able to correct many wrongdoings within the governance structures in Sierra Leone and set a pathway toward restoring public trust and confidence in the government.
The report has improved on the transparency and accountability in the business of governing the state, with publication of monthly revenue generated by the state, especially the National Revenue Authority.
The ongoing Commissions of Inquiry are predicated on the findings of the GTT Report. The commissions have exposed so many social ills and corrupt activities warranting the summoning of many stalwarts in the previous government.
The Commissions of Inquiry initially created huge tensions in the country, as the opposition APC called on its officials and supporters not to subject themselves to the commissions. But with the current revelations in the commissions, it is but fitting to commend Professor David Francis for the implementing the transition task effectively given to him by the President Julius Maada Bio.
It was one of the imperative recommendations of the GTT Report that a judge-led commission of inquiry be set up to probe into the activities of the Ernest Bai Koroma’s regime.
As mentioned in the GTT Report, evidence tendered at the Commission of Inquiry on Thursday shows that the former government of Ernest Bai Koroma sold the 30% shares the state owned in Sierra Rutile Ltd.
Sahr Jusu, the Financial Secretary submitted a document received from the Bank of Sierra Leone regarding the sale of the shares.
“The central bank has committed to give more details on the swift transaction in respect of the sales,” he said. However, he also disclosed that there was no trace of any document in the ministry regarding the sale of the shares in 2012. “I requested the Accountant General to provide details in respect of Sierra Rutile shares and the Accountant General came back and could not provide details of the sales,” Jusu added. “From the Minister of Finance office, we could not trace any record regarding the sales of the 30%”.
Emmanuel Osho Coker, the Secretary to former president Ernest Bai Koroma, also took the stands on Thursday regarding the same probe. He said he did not have any idea whether the country sold any shares. “I was secretary to the president but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I know everything that comes to State House,” he said.
What more justification does one need to show that the Chief Minister did a job for Sierra Leone that generations yet unborn will learn out?
