“Journalists, CSOs Should Play The Role of Whistleblower Not Referees” – Lucien Momoh

The Director of Training and External Relations of the Political Parties Registration Commission Lucien Momoh, has called on journalists and CSOs to play the role of whistle-blowers and not referees in the June 24th, 2023 general elections.

He made this statement at a non-violence symposium organized on 31st May 2023 by the Commoners Club Sierra Leone, a social club that comprises various university students and graduates right across Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the event which took place at the Multipurpose Hall on the shores of Fourah Bay College, Director Momoh called on every Sierra Leonean, especially CSOs and journalists to acknowledge their roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the much anticipated June 24th general elections.

He said journalists and CSOs are the moral guarantors and they should portray that which is always expected of them.

“The loyalty of Civil Society Organisations and the media should be to the state and must not be shifted to any other, not even political parties”, he said.

He continued his speech by admonishing every participant who was present at the symposium on the ills of violence in a nation. He recalled the attention of the audience to the civil war which Sierra Leone experienced for a little over a decade. He pointed out the ripple effects of that war and hoped that such doesn’t reoccur in the future of the country.

Hon Abdul Kargbo who served in the just dissolved Parliament said the relevance of the symposium was greatly appreciated and it was an honor for him to talk with all those that were present.

He expressed satisfaction with the efforts and commitment made by the Commoners Club Sierra Leone to ensure that the program was a success.

He further expressed frustrations over many issues ranging from abuse of power to the use of state forces to oppress certain individuals, who are deemed to be in opposition.

He cited many instances where the SLPP government failed to promote peace and stated that such failure has led to a lot of violence and disorder in the country. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the Sierra Leone Police Force and called on them to do their job as professionals.

ASP. Brima Kamara, Head of Media and Public Relations (Media One) Sierra Leone Police, in his presentation, responded to Hon Kargbo and assured him of how prepared the Police Force is ahead of the elections.

Speaking on behalf of the Students’ Union Government, Fourah Bay College, Alfred Micah Sesay, President of SUG-FBC said the event was held at the best location, which is at the FBC Campus. He said even though there have been some issues on the campus relating to student politics among students over the years, the institution still prides itself in quality service delivery and the preparation of the nation’s workforce.

He encouraged his college students to stay away from violence and any disorderly behavior that tends to disrupt peace before, during, and after the elections.

Buttressing the presentation by the Student Union President, FBC-SUG, Muhammed Rex Bonapha, President of the National Union for Sierra Leone Students commented on the importance of living in peace as students.

He expressed satisfaction with the way students conducted themselves on campus and hoped that continues.

He concluded by thanking the organizers of the symposium and admonishing the audience to preach and practice peace at all times.