AYV News, September 11, 2023
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially invited the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party to work with his government in strengthening democratic State Institutions.
He said this can be achieved by APC encouraging their elected officials, including Members of Parliament, Councillors, Chairs and Mayors, to take their rightful seats and responsibilities entrusted to them by our citizens.
The president had an audience with the arbiters of peace, Michelle Scobie, Head of the Commonwealth Good Offices within the Governance and Peace Directorate and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion at the State House in Freetown.
He commended the Commonwealth Good Offices for their interest in mediating between the political parties as an impartial third party to foster meaningful dialogue in the ongoing efforts to help resolve the political impasse in Sierra Leone.
He also commended the leadership of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNCSL) for their unwavering commitment to maintaining sustainable peace in Sierra Leone through proactive engagement in all aspects of conflict resolution and enhancing peace with all stakeholders.
President Bio said: “My Administration remains committed to leading an inclusive Government. One that embraces constructive dialogue for the overall interest of the nation.
President Bio said: “My Government is open to working with all Sierra Leoneans, including the Opposition Party, APC. We believe that though we may have chosen different paths, our collective interest is the peace and progress of our country. As we continue to pursue a common ground for the advancement of our country.
“I invite the APC to work with us in strengthening our democratic State Institutions by encouraging their elected officials, including Members of Parliament, Councillors, Chairs and Mayors, to take their rightful seats and responsibilities entrusted to them by our citizens.
“Participating in the comprehensive and independent review of all Election Management Bodies and subsequent implementation of recommendations, to be conducted with the support of our national and international partners.
“Participating in broader governance improvements for state institutions, including the justice sector reform and our constitutional review processes. I also call on all the security sector personnel to protect the right to life and freedom of all citizens. As the Commander-In-Chief, I remain committed to our national values of peace, unity, freedom and justice. May God protect Sierra Leone and its citizens”.
The President maintained that his leadership will always prioritise National Cohesion over partisanship because the task of nation-building requires the contribution of every well-meaning Sierra Leonean.
He also assured that he will continue to promote an open-door policy because every Sierra Leonean is an equal stakeholder in building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
