By Expo Media Network
The Ministry of Transport and Aviation has on Saturday 9th September 2023, engaged its Partners and members of the security sector in Kenema.
According to the Deputy Minister of Transport Mr. Rex Bonapha, the motive of the engagement was to admonish members of the transport sector in Kenema to refrain from any form of violence and to always put the interest of Sierra Leone above all other interests.
The engagement took place at the Kenema city hall, attracting the attention of the Press, the Mayor of Kenema city, to name but few.
The meeting was chaired by the chief administrator of Kenema city council Joseph G.T Gando.
In his opening remarks, C.A Gando welcomed all participants and admonished them to pay keen attention so that the purpose of the meeting will be achieved.
Speaking to members of the Transport sector present, the Mayor of Kenema city Thomas Karimu Baio called on them to disregard any claim indicating that, there will be no businesses come monday September 11.
He described the proposed protest planned by some Sierra Leoneans come September 11 as illegal and uncalled for, and one that is aimed at undermining the peace and stability of the state.
Mayor Baio therefore appealed to members of the transport sector present including Bike riders, Keke riders and Drivers Union, to deviate from any activity that will destroy the peace of Kenema city and by extension Sierra Leone.
He called on the people of Kenema to go about there normal activities on Monday.
The Regional Commissioner of police East Andrew Mustapha Kamara, admonished Bike riders, Keke riders and Drivers, to always prioritize the security of the state thereby helping the police with intelligence.
Commissioner Andrew Mustapha Kamara said, it is a collective responsibility by every citizen to ensure the safety of the state, while calling on members of the transport sector not to take the law into own hands.
Representatives of the drivers Union, Bike riders Keke riders, traders, among others, all pledged total commitment towards ensuring the peace and stability of Kenema city and the Country as a whole.
Director of operations at the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, Augustine Kaitongie highlighted some of the measures put in place by government as a way to addressing some of the challenges faced by drivers and riders as a result of the hike in the pump price of fuel.
Some of which include the reduction of personnel deployment points and the reduction of fines for various traffic offences.
Director Kaitongie however cautioned drivers and riders to obtain their licenses and observe the various traffic rules for the safety of all.
In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation Mr. Rex Bonapha thanked everyone present for making it a point of responsibility to attend such a gathering.
The Minister described the current trend of issues in Sierra Leone as a global trend while affirming the government’s willingness in making sure things get back to normalcy.
He applauded drivers and riders for their recent strides in moulding the characters of their membership nationwide.
Minister Bonapha said Sierra Leone is all we have and therefore, we must not allow few individuals to undermine the hard earned peace of the Country.
He re-iterated the government’s commitment in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for its citizens.
The Minister called on riders and drivers not to allow anyone to persuade them against the security of the state saying it’s unpatriotic.
The Minister called on all Sierra Leoneans to support the President for the transformation of the Country.
