By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
In his latest address to the nation on the 18th of January 2024, President Julius Maada Bio stated that the ongoing treason trial is not a political witch-hunt but one aimed at unraveling the truth behind the events of November 26, 2023.
He noted that at resumption of the trial of Former President Ernest Bai Koroma on January 17th, his lawyers made an application to the court to permit him to leave the jurisdiction temporarily for specialized medical reasons and the Attorney General vehemently opposed the application.
He said the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the country’s Constitution, is a matter entirely for the courts to determine. He stated that the courts have thus granted the application for the former President to depart from the country purely for specialized medical reasons, and his trial will be suspended for the duration of his absence.
“Of course, it is important to note that this humanitarian gesture does not in any way detract from the seriousness of the ongoing trials,” he said.
President Bio commended the Police and the Judiciary for their professionalism in handling “this most important and delicate trial ever in the country’s history in the best interests of our nation and our justice system.” He assured every Sierra Leonean and families of the victims of November 26 that the authorities shall get to the root cause of the matter and bring all those involved, to justice.
He promised to make concerted efforts toward stabilizing the economy and prioritizing foreign direct investments as pathways to revamping the critical sectors of the economy. He further assured of strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks to make the country competitive for investments.
The President said that only a peaceful and secure country can present a fertile ground for investments and therefore called on everyone to invest in building peace and unity. He said Sierra Leone is a mosaic of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and traditions and that it is this diversity that enriches the heritage and makes everyone unique.
He further said that diversity should be seen as a source of strength, a wellspring of ideas that can propel towards a brighter future, and urged everyone to remember the importance of national pride as citizens embark on this journey towards national unity.
“We are Sierra Leoneans, and our pride in our nation should fuel our collective efforts to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. Together, we can build a Sierra Leone that stands as a shining example of unity in diversity,” he said.
The President in his address encouraged every Sierra Leonean to build bridges, not walls, and to celebrate the differences and find strength in shared aspirations. He assured that together, the country can forge a path towards a brighter and more prosperous Sierra Leone, where every Sierra Leonean is a stakeholder in the nation's success.
President Julius Maada Bio has been preaching peace and national cohesion since the November 26 failed coup insurrection in Freetown.
Copyright © 2024 (Politico (22/01/24)
