December 19, 2016 By Jariatu S. Bangura
President Ernest Bai Koroma has urged representatives of the two biggest parties in the country; Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) to continue supporting the extra-ordinary measures the government has taken to move the country forward.
According to the president, the true measure of politics was not about fighting to divide the people but rather finding the common ground wherein all and sundry could work closely to build a better life for the people.
He was speaking last Thursday (December 15) inside the well of Parliament while officially opening the last session of the fourth Parliament.
President Koroma stated that 2016 has been a difficult year for everyone but the country has move forward with greater energy, strength and determination, adding, “We should move forward with greater inclusion, empathy and protection of the vulnerable. That is why I brought in the greatest number of women into the cabinet and other leadership positions than ever before.”
He opined that Sierra Leoneans should not be too quick to forget the collective achievements despite the challenges faced in the past years, claiming that Sierra Leoneans don’t often tell the good in them that pushes the country forward.
“We don’t often tell the story about how we are a most religiously tolerant nation, a most friendly citizenry, a very beautiful land with a solid history of achievements. We must not be too quick to forget our collective achievements. We have again been tested, but we must resolve to overcome our challenges with faith that wisdom inspires,” he said.
In order to get to the destination of prosperity which everyone desire, President Koroma called on Sierra Leoneans to remain united, focused and hardworking as according to him, the thriving economies of Asia did not achieve the great success people now admire because their citizens go to work late, leave their offices early or miss deadlines but because their citizens work hard, show discipline and commit their achievements to the advancement of their nations.