By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The incoming Statistician General of Statistics Sierra Leone, Andrew Bob Johnny has committed to deliver in his new role in the institution and urged staff to continue working with him as before.
He made this statement at a press conference organized at the institution’s Headquarters in Freetown in response to social media posts claiming his predecessor Professor Osman Sankoh was sacked.
In his statement, Johnny noted that his former boss was never dismissed but successfully ended his tenure of office.
Speaking about his experience, he said the knowledge he gained while studying abroad has led him to introduce geographic information at the institution.
He emphasized that he has risen through ranks at the institution and has seen the good, the bad and the ugly and that the virtue of patience has led him to take the mantle of leadership.
“Good things come to those who wait, it is divine everywhere,” he said.
He said the affable nature of Prof. Sankoh made him to enjoy working with him as deputy. He referred to himself as a complete replica of his former boss and urged the staff to work with him in a professional way.
Chairman of Statistics Sierra Leone Council, Moses Williams explained that the job of the statistician- general is contractual and that the appointment comes directly from State House, hence a political position.
He said the initial duration of the job was three years and his tenure elapsed 2021, but said President Julius Maada Bio needed him further, and added two extra years which should expire on the 31st of March this year . He added that owing to the fact that there has to be a transition for the incoming statistician, state house decided to appoint him two months before the incumbent could leave office.
Chairman Williams went on to say that the new statistician’s appointment will be effective 1st April, 2023. He described Prof. Sankoh as a fine gentleman, a professional and someone that is dedicated to his job. He said, it could still be possible that he might not leave Statistics and that he might fit in other areas of work for the institution.
Prof. Sankoh in his reaction expressed delight for his successor, describing him as a perfect gentleman that can deliver. He urged everyone not to ignore the power of the deputy in any institution, saying his success was due to the ever proactive deputy that he had at the institution. He stated that together, they initiated projects which he said have been implemented successfully, with others to start soon.
Copyright © 2023 Politico Online (13/02/23)
