December 7, 2017 By Jariatu S. Bangura
Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) lawmaker, Hon. Foday Rado Yokie, has urged newly approved security chiefs to hold the balance in their operations as the country prepares for crucial elections slated for March 7, 2018.
Hon. Rado Yokie told new Inspector General of Police Dr. Richard Moigbe and Chief of Defence Staff Maj.-Gen. Brima Sesay that country was at a crossroads and that security forces could make or break the country.
The opposition lawmaker urged the new police boss to ensure that internal security remains neutral during and after the elections.
“We are at a crossroad wherein the police and Armed Forces can make or break the country. I. G Munu has done well and was a sincere man that will tell you what is wrong and what is right when issue arise(sic). I am asking you Mr. Moigbe to borrow the expertise of your boss. We need good leadership,” he said.
The lawmaker was yesterday speaking at the Well of Parliament during the approval of ten nominees that were recently appointed by the president to serve in various capacities.
Earlier presenting the nominees for approval, Majority Leader and Chairman of the Appointment Committee and the Public Service, Hon. Leonard S. Fofanah said the nominees were interviewed based on their past performances, asset declarations, tax obligations, educational background and their vision in their new offices.
On his part, Hon. Komba E. Koedoyoma of the SLPP expressed gratitude to the nominees and noted that the calibre of men nominated by the president shows that they were committed to serving the nation.
He cautioned the new security chiefs not to take their nominations as payback time but a call to national service, adding that both heads of the police and army were qualified as they have wealth of experience in the security sector.
He urged the nominees to perform well and live with the expectation and assurance they had given to the Committee on Appointment during their interview session.
SLPP’s Hon. Helen Kuyembeh also noted that the burden of the country rests on the shoulders of the military and police forces as parliament was on the verge of ending another life span.
“The security of the country will no longer be on the shoulders of the executive nor the legislature but on the security apparatus,” she said.
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Hon. Dr. Bernadette Lahai commended the partnership between the police, army and civilians to support nominees in parliament and urged that parliament should be honoured at all times.
She said security is an important sector for the development of any country, stating that the security sector receives more funds in the national budget than any other MDA.
Meanwhile, the other nominees include: Francis Alieu Munu to serve as Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia; Dr. Kaifala Marah as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Maj. Ishmael Sengu Koroma as Minister of Internal Affairs; Alhaji Alpha B.S. Kanu as Minister of Information and Communications; Momoh Vandi as Minister of State II in the Ministry of Finance; and Eric Dura Sesay as Minister of State in the Office of the Vice-President.
Also, Tamba Opel Pesssima Sam-Sumana and Brima I. Bangura were approved to serve as Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs and Finance and Economic Development respectively.