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With solid foundations in metaphysics, political science, philosophy, history, sociology, and comparative religions, the writings of Oswald Hanciles, also known as “The Guru,” are often so dense that readers must navigate complex intellectual terrains with a scholastic approach. Despite this, I find no difficulty in deciphering his columns, as I proudly publish his work as the only editor in Sierra Leone who edits his column for my newspaper. Moreover, I am one of the few Sierra Leonean journalists who scrutinize his articles, which he acknowledges and appreciates during our phone conversations.
However, today’s discussion will not focus on his Youth Arise organization, his dedication to yoga, or our past connections. Instead, I will address key points from his column titled “Bio’s Successor: Lessons for the SLPP,” published on August 2, 2024, at 18:53 hours in Freetown.
In this column, Hanciles critiques the SLPP’s arrogance, drawing parallels between past and present behaviors. He recalls the SLPP’s 2007 arrogance, a byproduct of the 72% victory of incumbent President Tejan Kabbah in 2002. This arrogance mirrored that of SLPP leader Sir Albert Margai in 1967, which led to significant losses for the party. Hanciles argues that similar arrogance is evident in the current Bio-led administration, noting the disregard for dissenting voices and violations of constitutional freedoms.
The use of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021 to suppress dissent is particularly concerning. Recent events, such as the harassment of a citizen at a presidential town hall meeting, reflect this troubling trend. Hanciles points out how this arrogance has also led to serious incidents like the destruction of ballot boxes and calls for violence by SLPP members.
Additionally, the SLPP’s corruption issues are highlighted. Despite the Anti-Corruption Commission’s efforts to show progress, there are numerous examples of rapid wealth accumulation within the party and dubious financial dealings involving high-profile figures. Hanciles draws historical parallels, noting how past allegations of corruption contributed to the SLPP’s electoral losses.
In summary, Hanciles warns that the combination of arrogance and corruption could spell disaster for the SLPP in future elections, echoing Chinua Achebe’s sentiment that insatiable appetites for power and wealth could ultimately lead to the party’s downfall in 2028.
“destruction of ballot boxes,” where did this happened by the SLPP? and “calls for violence by SLPP members,” when was this? “how past allegations of corruption contributed to the SLPP’s (do you mean to say APC’s) electoral losses? Maybe you want to say, the combination of arrogance and corruption has spelled disaster for the APC right now and in future elections. Am I sensing jealousy here by the APC when they heard about the billion dollars already pledged to the SLPP government for development in the country? Something your corrupt APC party never achieved because the International Community knows you very well.
Bio’s successor for now is everyone’s guess as he alone cannot handpick anyone neither influence the elections. Because SLPP doesn’t operates in that way.
Anchoring your diode dynamics on creating attention isn’t a workable solution here. What do you mean by arrogance? SLPP has proven to be gentle group that worth emulations. Talking about violence, where were you when Ibrahim Samura was attacked , beaten and he subsequently died. Where were you when SLPP HQ was attacked , women were beaten, raped, cars were burnt and the House was vandalized by Thuggery tolongbo functional illiterates? What did you say. ? Where were you when your colleague journalists were beaten in forefront of State House in the presence of deceitful EBK by Presidential guards headed by late Leather boot.?
This could be your last efforts to tarnish our characters with the aim of fighting for your reckless thugs. You never mentioned anything about bio’s efforts to harmonize peace. You never mentioned the total unbalanced mental situations of the tolongbo club disturbing/ disturting peace and development.
Anyway you have failed again. You wouldn’t get any information about who is next after Bio untill it is time .
Go and put your house in order because 2028 is for another formidable team to lead us to victory. WE MOVE.