Kabs, just interested to know whether you are a party to Cocorioko front page article "SLPP 'mavericks' should not mistake President Koroma's tolerance for timidity", which is clearly justifying violence against Salone People irrespective of political following?
I'll humbly like to remind the author that as the Fountain of Honour, I see no reason why the President of the Republic should be timid. The President, as the author rightly stated in accordance with the 1991 Constitution and as the first 'gentleman' of the nation is charged with the responsibility to ensure that every LIMB and PROPERTY is protected at all times irrespective of political affiliation.
I find it lamentable that the author has the audacity to offer flimsy excuses for Mr. Nabe's attack and threats against the US Ambassador - a diplomat who was only carrying out her duties under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
As I have always posted in this medium - Sierra Leone belongs to all of us whether u come from the North, the South, the East or West. We are all one - let us agree to disagree but VIOLENCE is not part of it. Therefore, VIOLENCE from whatever angle it raises its ugly head should be condemned. Particularly, as reports indicates, when it is directed against our Women.
YONGAWO
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
THE WILLOW PATTERN
THE WILLOW PATTERN
One evening, the moon was full, every where and everything was quiet and still in the house of the Lee’s. A young woman named Yin was crying sorrowfully in her bedroom. The reason for her sadness was she fell in love with a young man but her father wanted her to wed another man that she herself did not want to marry. She was not brave enough to stand up to her powerful father. So, she decided to runaway from home with the young man of her choice – Yang. Before their escape, Yin’s father over heard their conversation and took out his war sword from his days in the Chinese Army where he had served as a young recruit. He chased after them outside and caught up with them several yards from their house.
Yin’s father challenged Yang to duel and asked him to draw his sword as he was also in the Army. They then began to fight. There were sounds of groans and clashing of swords whilst the fighting went on. Yin could only stare in amazement. Suddenly, the clashing of swords stopped and the loudest groan could be heard miles away in mountains and valleys.
Yin’s father was defeated by Yang and was getting weaker by the second. More groans followed and he dropped down dead right in front of Yang’s feet. Yin was upset at the sight of her father’s death but finally got over the shock at her wedding to Yang. It was on the same day her father’s funeral took place.
The tragic ending of her father did not stop Yin from marrying the man of her choice. This shows us that although a sad event has happened, there is no other way to cheer up the sadness in everybody’s heart than on a happy occasion to turn things that are sad into happiness.
This is my version of the well known Chinese folk tale:
THE WILLOW PATTERN
By Mohamed Yongawo (jr)
One evening, the moon was full, every where and everything was quiet and still in the house of the Lee’s. A young woman named Yin was crying sorrowfully in her bedroom. The reason for her sadness was she fell in love with a young man but her father wanted her to wed another man that she herself did not want to marry. She was not brave enough to stand up to her powerful father. So, she decided to runaway from home with the young man of her choice – Yang. Before their escape, Yin’s father over heard their conversation and took out his war sword from his days in the Chinese Army where he had served as a young recruit. He chased after them outside and caught up with them several yards from their house.
Yin’s father challenged Yang to duel and asked him to draw his sword as he was also in the Army. They then began to fight. There were sounds of groans and clashing of swords whilst the fighting went on. Yin could only stare in amazement. Suddenly, the clashing of swords stopped and the loudest groan could be heard miles away in mountains and valleys.
Yin’s father was defeated by Yang and was getting weaker by the second. More groans followed and he dropped down dead right in front of Yang’s feet. Yin was upset at the sight of her father’s death but finally got over the shock at her wedding to Yang. It was on the same day her father’s funeral took place.
The tragic ending of her father did not stop Yin from marrying the man of her choice. This shows us that although a sad event has happened, there is no other way to cheer up the sadness in everybody’s heart than on a happy occasion to turn things that are sad into happiness.
This is my version of the well known Chinese folk tale:
THE WILLOW PATTERN
By Mohamed Yongawo (jr)
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
ACCOUNTABILITY EQUALS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Irrespective of which political flag we fly, I believe all Sierra Leoneans should stop the unrelenting sycophancy and kowtowing to our leaders. We should adopt the habit of questioning their actions or inactions. For a very long time our leaders have and continue to trample on us with impunity and unabated because we have been seen to be soft and are always prepared to roll the red carpet for them irrespective of their misdeeds in public service. In the process, our politicians have been dehumanized and turned into demagogues. They should be humanized again by any means possible.
Say for instance, if President Ernest Bai Koroma states he is going to float a bridge across the Atlantic connecting Freetown and Lungi. I agree he should be applauded for such a brilliant idea. However, he should also be asked when, why and how he intends turning his pronouncement to reality. Also, he should be questioned to outline the benefits this would bring to the nation. Most importantly he should be grilled about funding and how the contracts for the project will be awarded. Are there going to be open or kitchen bids? The latter being the normal practice blatantly ignoring procedures put in place to regulate such activities.
I have no problem with the leadership globe trotting. I also have no qualms about whom the leader dines or dances with. However, I have issues with the size of the entourage, the price tag - huge or small, for the poor tax payers and the benefits these global visitations will bring to Sierra Leone. If my President for example, jets to Nigeria, I would expect at the end of the state visit, meaningful economic or other deals are concluded with the Nigerian Government and Individuals or organisations interested in investing in the Sierra Leone Economy.
On his return, I would also expect the deals so agreed to be placed before the nation’s parliamentarians for ratification, if this is deemed necessary and published for public consumption. By so doing the government becomes answerable to its citizenry and increases the latter’s interest and participation in the activities of the state. This is a very straightforward accountable statecraft that does not require knowledge of cosmic engineering.
I am tired of reading some online news outlets preaching again and again that the last administration was more corrupt than this one. If anyone of the public servants who served in the last administration is found wanting let the individual be brought to book. However, this should not serve as an excuse for the current government to wallow like freed convicts and continue to be complacent on this burning issue of corruption while the general populace continue languishing in abject poverty.
I have to admit that I have no facts at hand to point fingers at particular government functionaries. However, reading from news outlets, it appears that there is abundant evidence of systemic corruption and the current administration seems to be turning a blind eye.
The $25 million Wanza fiasco and the $32 million generator ‘wahala’ are two examples the government is yet to make the record straight on. Also, I have not seen or heard a government statement debunking allegations that Vice President Sumana bought a million dollar property somewhere in the US. Furthermore, I am yet to read or hear that the government or the appropriate arm of the state has held anyone accountable for the countless political or other acts of violence perpetuated in the name of their political party since this administration took power.
In that respect, I would particularly like to draw the leadership’s attention to Kambia District, which I understand is turning into a political hot potato. I hope I am wrong on some of the issues raised here; otherwise, the government would appear in the eyes of intelligent observers to be colluding with corrupt officers and political hoodlums.
With the cocaine debacle I would rather not pre-empt the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings. My only hope is that those handling this cocaine issue know there is a symbiotic relationship between drug trafficking, corruption and chaos. Also, I hope those in power understand the ramifications of the availability of drugs within a very poor society like ours. Although, it is widely trumpeted by supporters of the government that the final destination of the cocaine was Europe, it will be naïve to presume that some of it will not end up in street corners and alleys in parts of our country. If this happens we will be doomed for decades to come.
At every stage of our nation’s development our politicians and other public servants have always let Sierra Leone and Sierra Leoneans down. These group of people appear to know no tomorrow - they only live for today. They appear to have organised themselves into what I call a “Paris Club” or can I say cabal. They appear to only care for themselves and those closer to them. No plans, no programmes. Even where one is present rather than developing it, they ensure it is destroyed before they leave office. Sadly, sadly, today it seems some members of the Fourth Estate who the people rely on to champion their case appear to be kowtowing to these politicians. I love this popular Sierra Leone Maxim - ‘tell friend true nor dae pwel friend’.
I am pleading to my fellow Sierra Leonean brothers and sisters to open their eyes. We cannot afford to be blind anymore. Yes, there are problems all over the globe and most of the issues in Sierra Leone are not unique to her alone. Even the most successful economies are not immune to the current economic virus that is fast becoming a pandemic. However, we cannot continue blaming global problems for the ineptitude of our long dreadful history of uncommitted and indecisive leadership that has plagued our beloved Sierra Leone for decades. We have suffered for far too long, we deserve better. Join me to say very loudly and clearly that enough is enough.
We can all go around talking about democracy and changing of attitudes but actually what we are preaching is ‘DEMOCRAZY’, if we fail to tell the truth to those at the helm. Truth is perhaps the first principle of democracy and trying to be hypocritical even where the truth flashes in ones face is dangerous and counter productive because, if one is not careful you may fall victim or worst still be spurned by your own lies - just because you fail to tell your friend the truth.
Remember the famous saying - ‘what goes round comes round’. Journalists, even pretending ones are humans and therefore should not be expected to be interest immune. However, I and many others expect them to put the national interest before their selfish interests. Therefore, next time, when they put their pens to paper or click their keyboards, they should search very deeply within their conscience and ask themselves whether what they are writing is in the nation’s interest or they are doing so to prop up a friend, ‘Ngor’ or ‘Kortho’.
Everywhere you look around Sierra Leone - North - South - East and West, there are many lovely, industrious people and natural resources but we are still down and out. No, no we are not; we should only make our opinions known - by voicing them out. Even if it is going to hurt your brother, sister, father, mother, uncle, your political friend or foe - say it as it is. There should be no sacred cows. Gone are the kowtowing days. This is one means I believe we can all play our part in redeeming our beloved motherland from the woeful state it is today to that of sustainable development.
As always, I am one of those who still believe all is not lost. However, the government should start acting now before another generation is lost to empty words, empty promises and importantly to safeguard our baby democracy. Giving further powers to the Anti-Corruption Commission as reported is a noble gesture, the president signing what I would term a memorandum of understanding with his cabinet in respect of their performance in their different ministries is good.
However, these and others will in the end become short term gimmicks if they are not seen to be implemented to the letter. Nevertheless, I do not really think the president needed a bye-law in his dealings with his cabinet. I would like to presume His Excellency knows what he is doing.
In that respect I believe we the Sierra Leonean citizenry both at home and abroad should also review our approach towards our politicians and other public servants. So, my brothers and sisters next time you stumble across the president, a minister, a parliamentarian or a civil servant, demand to know any good she or he has done or doing to still deserve being in the position she or he has been entrusted with. We should never again allow our politicians and other public servants to continue fooling themselves and feeding their egos with resources, which belong to us all. Enough is enough.
YONGAWO
Say for instance, if President Ernest Bai Koroma states he is going to float a bridge across the Atlantic connecting Freetown and Lungi. I agree he should be applauded for such a brilliant idea. However, he should also be asked when, why and how he intends turning his pronouncement to reality. Also, he should be questioned to outline the benefits this would bring to the nation. Most importantly he should be grilled about funding and how the contracts for the project will be awarded. Are there going to be open or kitchen bids? The latter being the normal practice blatantly ignoring procedures put in place to regulate such activities.
I have no problem with the leadership globe trotting. I also have no qualms about whom the leader dines or dances with. However, I have issues with the size of the entourage, the price tag - huge or small, for the poor tax payers and the benefits these global visitations will bring to Sierra Leone. If my President for example, jets to Nigeria, I would expect at the end of the state visit, meaningful economic or other deals are concluded with the Nigerian Government and Individuals or organisations interested in investing in the Sierra Leone Economy.
On his return, I would also expect the deals so agreed to be placed before the nation’s parliamentarians for ratification, if this is deemed necessary and published for public consumption. By so doing the government becomes answerable to its citizenry and increases the latter’s interest and participation in the activities of the state. This is a very straightforward accountable statecraft that does not require knowledge of cosmic engineering.
I am tired of reading some online news outlets preaching again and again that the last administration was more corrupt than this one. If anyone of the public servants who served in the last administration is found wanting let the individual be brought to book. However, this should not serve as an excuse for the current government to wallow like freed convicts and continue to be complacent on this burning issue of corruption while the general populace continue languishing in abject poverty.
I have to admit that I have no facts at hand to point fingers at particular government functionaries. However, reading from news outlets, it appears that there is abundant evidence of systemic corruption and the current administration seems to be turning a blind eye.
The $25 million Wanza fiasco and the $32 million generator ‘wahala’ are two examples the government is yet to make the record straight on. Also, I have not seen or heard a government statement debunking allegations that Vice President Sumana bought a million dollar property somewhere in the US. Furthermore, I am yet to read or hear that the government or the appropriate arm of the state has held anyone accountable for the countless political or other acts of violence perpetuated in the name of their political party since this administration took power.
In that respect, I would particularly like to draw the leadership’s attention to Kambia District, which I understand is turning into a political hot potato. I hope I am wrong on some of the issues raised here; otherwise, the government would appear in the eyes of intelligent observers to be colluding with corrupt officers and political hoodlums.
With the cocaine debacle I would rather not pre-empt the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings. My only hope is that those handling this cocaine issue know there is a symbiotic relationship between drug trafficking, corruption and chaos. Also, I hope those in power understand the ramifications of the availability of drugs within a very poor society like ours. Although, it is widely trumpeted by supporters of the government that the final destination of the cocaine was Europe, it will be naïve to presume that some of it will not end up in street corners and alleys in parts of our country. If this happens we will be doomed for decades to come.
At every stage of our nation’s development our politicians and other public servants have always let Sierra Leone and Sierra Leoneans down. These group of people appear to know no tomorrow - they only live for today. They appear to have organised themselves into what I call a “Paris Club” or can I say cabal. They appear to only care for themselves and those closer to them. No plans, no programmes. Even where one is present rather than developing it, they ensure it is destroyed before they leave office. Sadly, sadly, today it seems some members of the Fourth Estate who the people rely on to champion their case appear to be kowtowing to these politicians. I love this popular Sierra Leone Maxim - ‘tell friend true nor dae pwel friend’.
I am pleading to my fellow Sierra Leonean brothers and sisters to open their eyes. We cannot afford to be blind anymore. Yes, there are problems all over the globe and most of the issues in Sierra Leone are not unique to her alone. Even the most successful economies are not immune to the current economic virus that is fast becoming a pandemic. However, we cannot continue blaming global problems for the ineptitude of our long dreadful history of uncommitted and indecisive leadership that has plagued our beloved Sierra Leone for decades. We have suffered for far too long, we deserve better. Join me to say very loudly and clearly that enough is enough.
We can all go around talking about democracy and changing of attitudes but actually what we are preaching is ‘DEMOCRAZY’, if we fail to tell the truth to those at the helm. Truth is perhaps the first principle of democracy and trying to be hypocritical even where the truth flashes in ones face is dangerous and counter productive because, if one is not careful you may fall victim or worst still be spurned by your own lies - just because you fail to tell your friend the truth.
Remember the famous saying - ‘what goes round comes round’. Journalists, even pretending ones are humans and therefore should not be expected to be interest immune. However, I and many others expect them to put the national interest before their selfish interests. Therefore, next time, when they put their pens to paper or click their keyboards, they should search very deeply within their conscience and ask themselves whether what they are writing is in the nation’s interest or they are doing so to prop up a friend, ‘Ngor’ or ‘Kortho’.
Everywhere you look around Sierra Leone - North - South - East and West, there are many lovely, industrious people and natural resources but we are still down and out. No, no we are not; we should only make our opinions known - by voicing them out. Even if it is going to hurt your brother, sister, father, mother, uncle, your political friend or foe - say it as it is. There should be no sacred cows. Gone are the kowtowing days. This is one means I believe we can all play our part in redeeming our beloved motherland from the woeful state it is today to that of sustainable development.
As always, I am one of those who still believe all is not lost. However, the government should start acting now before another generation is lost to empty words, empty promises and importantly to safeguard our baby democracy. Giving further powers to the Anti-Corruption Commission as reported is a noble gesture, the president signing what I would term a memorandum of understanding with his cabinet in respect of their performance in their different ministries is good.
However, these and others will in the end become short term gimmicks if they are not seen to be implemented to the letter. Nevertheless, I do not really think the president needed a bye-law in his dealings with his cabinet. I would like to presume His Excellency knows what he is doing.
In that respect I believe we the Sierra Leonean citizenry both at home and abroad should also review our approach towards our politicians and other public servants. So, my brothers and sisters next time you stumble across the president, a minister, a parliamentarian or a civil servant, demand to know any good she or he has done or doing to still deserve being in the position she or he has been entrusted with. We should never again allow our politicians and other public servants to continue fooling themselves and feeding their egos with resources, which belong to us all. Enough is enough.
YONGAWO
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