In an exclusive interview with this medium, Ahmed Saybom Kanu who doubles as the Managing Director of the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company and newly elected District Chairman of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party, (SLPP) Tonkolili District spoke on the timeliness of the appointment of Jacob Jusu Saffa (JJ Saffa) as the new Chief Minister. The erudite Saybom Kanu who is a prolific writer and seasoned management consultant.
Saybom Kanu is one of the SLPP loyalists who have been promoting the party’s ideologies in the Waterloo Rural and Tonkolili Districts respectively.
Mr. Kanu provided an apt analysis on the timeliness of the appointment of JJ Saffa as new Chief Minister thus:
He affirmed that JJ better understands the whole dynamics of the Party including the players from grassroots to the elites and described his appointment as well deserved.
He has been one of the brains behind the success of the party, tirelessly contributing both all resources for the SLPP to take power during the 2018 elections. JJ Saffa has served as a pen pusher of the party since the days of struggle.
In politics loyalty is the most precious commodity. While others continue to criticise and undermine the system from within; those who suffered and have remained loyal should be compensated, Mr. Kanu averred.
He prayed that God makes more provisions for HE and with JJ who understands sufferers that have not had any opportunity to be able to secure such: jobs, contracts, business capital, visitations and recognition and access to the President, Vice President and other appointees.
He stated that JJ is definitely an Ambassador of the grassroots. However the challenges ahead of him are going to be unreasonably daunting.
The unfulfilled expectations and gaps from 2018 to date and 2 years into elections, means critical and strategic thinking, planning, organisation and coordination for extending more opportunities to our supporters is required
The cooperation of all heads of MDAs, SOEs and Ambassadors is required. It is now time to support the SLPP agenda and collapse the divisions. Go into the NGC and remnant of the PMDC supporters and bring them home. All appointees should visit their villages and towns at least once every month. Leave the social media and target the grassroots in whatever little way. Let us encourage those who are not happy because they have not secured opportunities from government since 2018. It is their right to feel left out or even abandoned.
But here comes JJ the grassroots Chief Minister and master planner. More access to the Leadership and even the ability of the new CM to solve some of the critical problems for HE President Bio.
Perhaps another critical factor in this equation will be the nexus between the Party and the Government. Coordination remains a huge challenge. How we ensure that political appointees actually respect the party structure in their respective areas, remains a huge challenge.
May the good Lord continue to bless HE President Bio and all those who are genuinely serving the best interests of the State and SLPP.
JJ, the good Lord who rewards diligent servants will surely continue to bless and uphold you in your new role.