Abdul Rashid Thomas
Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. In a shocking turn of events, it has come to light that Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, former presidential candidate for the NGC in 2018, has not only played a pivotal role in helping President Maada Bio secure victory in the controversial 2023 elections but has also been generously compensated for his efforts. However, as citizens and international observers continue to question the legitimacy of the election results, the nature of Dr. Yumkella’s compensation raises even more eyebrows and adds fuel to the fire of discontent.
Disguised under the name “Presidential Initiatives for Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security,” this compensation appears to be nothing more than an attempt to divert taxpayer funds towards rewarding political support. The timing couldn’t be worse, as many citizens are already questioning the integrity of the electoral process and the fairness of the outcomes. The allocation of such a significant amount of public money to a seemingly unnecessary office only intensifies the doubts and frustrations of the electorate.
Adding to the controversy is the puzzling creation of additional ministries. With existing institutions already tasked with addressing crucial matters like the environment, energy, and agriculture, the need for yet another office appears suspect. It raises concerns about the true motives behind these new ministries and their potential to serve as nothing more than bloated bureaucratic entities.
Let’s take a closer look at this labyrinthine structure of ministries that seems to prioritize political rewards over efficient governance. We have the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Energy and Power, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security—all tasked with addressing the very issues the newly established office claims to focus on. So why the redundancy? Why burden an already struggling economy with additional layers of bureaucracy?
To complicate matters further, we also have the Ministry of Lands, Local Government, and Resident Ministers for each region, all claiming responsibility for environmental management, alongside municipalities. This fragmented system only adds to the confusion and raises doubts about the ability to achieve meaningful progress when responsibilities are spread thin and competing departments vie for influence.
Amidst all these controversies, we cannot overlook Dr. Yumkella’s former constituency of Yeliboya and Samu, which remains vulnerable to rising sea levels. Despite his tenure as an MP, little has been done to address this pressing issue. This lack of action begs a vital question: If political leaders cannot make a difference in their own backyards, how can we expect them to address the challenges facing the entire nation?
It becomes increasingly apparent that Dr. Yumkella’s involvement in helping President Bio secure victory in the 2023 elections has indeed come with substantial rewards. However, as citizens, it is our duty to demand transparency, accountability, and fair elections from our elected officials. (Photo above: Yumkella signing pre-election deal with president Bio).
The irregularities surrounding the election results have left many citizens and international observers sceptical, and the extravagant compensation only serves to perpetuate a system of political patronage.
We must unite and demand effective action in addressing crucial issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and food security. Our hard-earned money should be invested in genuine progress, not wasted on political favours.
Let us remind our leaders that empty gestures and political compensation will not suffice; they must demonstrate a true commitment to the betterment of our nation.
As many citizens continue to question the results and push for transparency, let’s stay engaged, demand accountability, and work towards a future where our nation’s interests prevail over personal gains. Together, we can shape a brighter and more just future for all.
Source: The Sierra Leone Telegraph
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