Opinion
By Alfred Sorie Kargbo, Guest Writer, The Netherlands.
Sierra Leone gained Independence almost 51 years ago after after 150 years of colonial rule by the British.
Colonialism benefited Sierra Leone but very little. The British (and the Western World) spread Christianity which convinced many Sierra Leoneans to abandon so-called useless black magic, senseless superstition, destructive witchcraft and so on which many believe have not benefited any African country to date. Most significantly the Whiteman’s crusade of spreading education in Sierra Leone was the most valuable benefit from the Whiteman’s invasion in Africa at large and Sierra Leone in particular.
Sir Milton Margai, an educated man reigned after independence and he could be considered ‘good’ because the British left him a ‘better’ economy by then. There was not enough chance for Sierra Leoneans to assess him over a longer period due to his untimely death.
Then came the reign of Dr. Siaka Probyn Stevens who ruled Sierra Leone for 17 to 18 years under the One-Party Constitution which was the common political practice in Africa then. He could ONLY offer Sierra Leoneans Aberdeen Bridge, Youyi Building, National Stadium ( previously Siaka Stevens Stadium), Sam Bangura Building, the ill-equipped Lungi Airport and few highways out of all the minerals the country he had sold.
Under the regimes of Joseph Saidu Momoh (APC), Strasser (NPRC), Maada Bio (NPRC), Tejan Kabbah SLPP) nothing substantial was done to sincerely improve Sierra Leone as a country.
Not until God’s appointed time. In 2007 God commanded the SLPP regime to appoint the ‘John the Baptist’ of Sierra Leone, Dr. Christiana Thorpe as Chief Electoral Commissioner of the National Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone to oversee the 2007 Sierra Leone democratic election which has been the most free and fair election from the perspective of truth- loving Sierra Leoneans and the international community. She prepared the way and genuine playing ground for a meaningful change in the political arena of Sierra Leone.
After ‘John the Baptist’ (Dr. Christiana Thorpe) came, then the full-grown ‘Messiah’ (Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma) came from nowhere, little known in the political history of Sierra Leone who has achieved sustainable and rapid development under his Agenda For Change principles JUST within four years.
The EBK administration has improved electricity capability considerably (Bumbuna hydro-electric), is developing the transportation network and enhancing productivity in agriculture and fisheries, free healthcare and better education is being enjoyed by Sierra Leoneans. Now he has formulated a proposed Development and Transformation plan for the next 50 years for Sierra Leone (yet to be approved by parliament) which no political party should deviate from. His successful achievements surpassed all his predecessors’ achievements put together.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says: ‘If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land’.
Sierra Leoneans have been praying and fasting (both Christians and Muslims) for a very long time for a good leader, a patriotic and nationalistic one, the one that TRULY loves the country and the people which God has listened to by giving us Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma (EBK). As if it was not enough God said I am not done yet for Sierra Leone.
He has raised and transformed a once a one-sided journalist, Dr. Sylvia O. Blyden of Awareness Times on her way to ‘Damascus’ to a fair and objective journalist. Her conversion should be compared to Saul’s conversion on his way to Damascus to destroy innocent people there where he was touched by God to preach the good news in place of destruction. As a result of his transformation he changed his name from Saul to Paul and gave made contributions in the Holy Bible.
Sierra Leoneans today want to thank God that Sylvia has been genuinely touched by God on her way to ‘Damascus’ and been transformed into a good journalist. Her name now should now be ‘ Dr. Sylvia Paulina O. Blyden.
The pursuit of truth is rough and tough and not easy but this will award her immeasurable pride and dignity in the end both on earth and heaven. Let her continue her good work in collaboration with her team and she will see what God has in stock for her. Her initiative to visit Gendema with her team of Journalists for the Truth was welcomed by all true Sierra Leoneans which has allayed their fears over the unrest and cross-border registration there. Thank you and may God bless you all. Such initiative should be undertaken to unearth the truth in any silly, concocted and fabricated stories and lies which would bring clarity to people and peace and tranquility in Sierra Leone.
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