The Leader of Sierra Leone’s Nation Grand Coalition (NGC) party, Hon. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella has said the NGC must reach out to other political parties to promote strategic alliances for peace and change, adding that as a party, they have taken a constructive approach to their opposition.
Hon. Yumkella made this statement whilst making a clarion call to all Sierra Leoneans to refrain from violence and embrace peace and forgiveness, ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
He said his Party has often been criticized in parliament for supporting government measures, but that when the government succeeds, everybody succeeds and when the government fails, it hurts everyone.
Dr. Yumkella went on to call on Sierra Leoneans and politicians to break what is often referred to as Do-Me ah Do-you politics, adding that the country needs a new progressive alliance to take Sierra Leone forward.
He stated that the country is not at war and that we must learn to forgive one another and abstain from violence, adding that Sierra Leone’s democracy is under threat because we are deeply divided with hate speeches.
“Do-me-ah-do-you” and “mammy cuss” fast becoming the new normal,” Yumkella asserted.
He appealed for all and sundry to define themselves not by what they are against but by what they are for-a prosperous, happy, united Sierra Leone that stands tall and proud among the family of nations.
He added that the reality today is that we live in a polarised country that leaves many people feeling uneasy.
“Let us leave our politics of ethno-regional rivalries and hatred behind us. Let us make a break with the politics of do-me-ah-do-you. An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind,” Hon. KKY said.
He noted that sierra Leoneans must learn from the example of the late President, Ahmad Tejan Kabba in forgiving the seemingly unforgivable, and suing for peace, all in the name of national unity.
He said thar progressive agenda requires forgiveness and strategic alliances to transform our nation.
Yumkella states that he has also been fearless in challenging the government on policies and issues he considers not to be in the public interest.
“Progressive ideas I included in my omnibus bill (which was not gazetted) two years ago have found their way into government bills on gender empowerment and the new electoral act,” he noted.