By Joseph Sherman, Guest Writer, Washington, DC.
It is apparent that from all indications the opposition in Sierra Leone is designing a systematic approach to dislodge the APC government either by covert or overt operations.
The call by the President Ernest Koroma for all forces to come together in fostering development seems to go unheeded; instead the opposition is bent on a provocative campaign of calumny, slander and an attempt to sow seeds of discord in the military.
It will be counterproductive for a sector of the military to attempt any subversive activities to bring back Sierra Leone into chaos and anarchy after 11 years of fratricidal war. The emergence of a so-called DREAM team is a cause for concern for peace loving Sierra Leoneans and should not be taken lightly by the authorities.
As the adage goes, “There is no smoke without fire,” so it is therefore prudent for the Defense Minister and the security apparatus to investigate thoroughly and bring the culprits to justice who are trying to incite chaos and anarchy in the war-ravaged country.
The Ndorgborwusu movement failed, the NPRC sponsored coup against the APC government succeeded and the RUF rebels comprising mostly of people from a certain part of the country was brought to a halt with the help of the international community.
Now, a group of disgruntled military officers calling themselves “DREAM team" is threatening the peace and stability of the country. Let it be known that, whatever ambition is ingrained in these soldiers, they would have the people’s power to contend with.
Day by day, I found myself mourning the fate of millions of people in Sierra Leone, not for the merciless machinations of AIDS nor the crippling efforts of poverty but after the decades of oppression and brutal civil war its humble people remain bound in shackles and evil machinations of heartless people.
The rule of law is absolute necessity because it ensures life and personal security. It helps to provide a stable framework of rights and obligations that can successfully help reduce political risks to investors. One of the core functions of any democratic government is to protects its citizens from crime and provide a sense of security. Therefore, the emergence of this so called “DREAM Team” needs to be thoroughly investigated in order to ensure public security for all.
Politics is only what we make politics to be. Some people are irreconcilably averse to politics, and that is perfectly within their right. But for some progressive citizens the quest for development of the country is the utmost concern and this principle must be held consistently if we as a nation should develop socially, economically and politically.
One does not have to agree with everything within a political party to help make it better. However, if we can resolve our differences and come to an understanding within a small group, how can we do as a nation? I am of the opinion that this comes down to what is important to us. How badly we want and how much discomfort we are willing to endure to make a better Sierra Leone.
If the opposition want to be a better opposition, then by all means, they should be firm, engage in constructive criticism, respect our government officials and be consistent and have high expectations.They must also be peace loving, patient and understanding.
*Joseph Sherman(photo) is editor of the New Rising Sun newspaper.
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