The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), Director of Training and External Relations, Lucien Momoh, has called on media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to play the role of whistle-blowers and not referees in the June 24th 2023 general elections.
He was speaking at a non-violence symposium organised by the Commoners Club Sierra Leone, a social club that comprises various university students and graduates right across Sierra Leone.
Mr. Momoh called on every Sierra Leonean, especially CSOs and journalists to acknowledge their roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the much-anticipated June 24th general elections.
He said journalists and CSOs are the moral guarantors and they should portray that which is always expected of them.
“The loyalty of Civil Society Organisations and the media should be to the state and must not be shifted to any other, not even political parties”, he said.
He continued his speech by admonishing every participant who was present at the symposium on the ills of violence in a nation. He recalled the attention of the audience to the civil war which Sierra Leone experienced for a little over a decade.
He pointed out the ripple effects of that war and hoped that such doesn’t reoccur in the future of the country.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo who served in the just dissolved Parliament said the relevance of the symposium was greatly appreciated and it was an honor for him to talk with all those that were present.
He expressed satisfaction with the efforts and commitment made by the Commoners Club Sierra Leone to ensure that the program was a success.
He further expressed frustrations over many issues ranging from abuse of power to the use of state forces to oppress certain individuals, who are deemed to be in opposition.
He cited many instances where the SLPP government failed to promote peace and stated that such failure has led to a lot of violence and disorder in the country. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the Sierra Leone Police Force and called on them to do their job as professionals.
