By Sorie Fofana
In his address on the occasion of the Opening of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone in the Chamber of Parliament Building on Thursday, 3rd August, 2023 His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio had this to say:
“Today, we gather here to reflect upon the importance of cohesion in politics and to recognise the paramount significance of unity and collaboration in our noble endeavour to serve the people”.
“In this very Parliament, where no party has attained a two-thirds majority, the need for dialogue and negotiation resonates with utmost urgency. We must find common ground within the political divides. Through unity, we can achieve stability, progress, and prosperity in our democracy”.
“Let us not forget that the true holders of power in a democracy are the people we represent. We must always remember their voices, aspirations, and hopes for a better future in every debate and conflict”.
“Our individual egos must yield to the greater national cause, and our quest for power must never overshadow our deep-rooted desire to be a Government that genuinely serves the people. Our purpose transcends personal enrichment or fleeting fame; it is firmly grounded in pursuing our nation’s and people’s collective well-being”.
All along, some of us have argued that, dialogue is the way out of the current political stalemate that has seen the newly elected Members of Parliament of the main opposition APC boycotting Parliament and not cooperating with the Government in the governance of the state. This move by the APC party is likely to undermine the security and stability of the country.
Thankfully, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has taken the bull by the horns in calling for peaceful inter-party dialogue, national unity and cohesion.
We now call on the leadership of the APC party to take advantage of the offer made by the President and engage in a constructive dialogue with the Government to address their concerns
Time is running out. The APC party needs to positively respond to the call made by His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio in a timely manner. The ball is now firmly in the court of the APC party.
May common sense prevail!
