Citizens who spoke to AYV newspaper before press time last evening are perturbed, wondering if President Bio is now copying the bad examples of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, while expressing dismay over the New Direction’s interest in forming new cabinet positions added to some already unnecessary existing positions.

According to many, the incorporation of new ministers and ministries such as Deputy Finance 2, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Minister of Environment, Deputy Agriculture and Forestry 2 are all means of wasting tax payers’ money.

People saw President Bio’s recent appointment as a blatant copy of very bad example of his predecessor ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma and his past 444-Tolongbo leadership.

It can be recalled that this was part of the same bad moves made by the Koroma Administration that saw the persistent fiscal imbalance with government expenditure far exceeding revenue.

This bad example also landed Sierra Leone in bloated public spending against the background of shrinking domestic revenue.

The Koroma Administration was very much notable for waking up in the morning and incorporating new ministries, ministers and other appointments which many people described as mere waste of tax payers’ money on paying salaries to these new appointees.

“President Bio must have been ill-advised on this appointment”, an Abacha Street trader commented, adding that it is clear that every government has to cater for ‘Job for the Boys’ but definitely should not be to the detriment of tax payers.

Incorporating such major ministries at a time when all hungry mouths are open to feed, amidst the existing ugly economy and hardship, yet little or nothing is forthcoming, is a very bad start for the New Direction leadership.

Hope His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has not forgotten that which he was well notable for standing and advocating against as opposition leader? Bio was so admired by many for his no-nonsense stands against Tolongbo wasting tax payers’ money on unnecessary appointments.

Hope President Bio has not forgotten his promise to the people of Sierra Leone, not to repeat Koroma’s bad examples?

What is the need for an environment ministry when there is already an existing Environment Protection Agency (EPA)?

How important is the positions of deputy finance 2, gender and children’s affairs, and deputy agriculture and forestry 2?

These and many other questions are currently seeking answers on the new reshuffle and appointments.