ATILLA’S SO-CALLED APOLOGY - TOTALLY REJECTED
Let nobody tell us that Rude Karaoke Minister was sincere about that rambling so-called apology he delivered on social media yesterday. As far as we are concerned we do not accept any such nonsense. And to attempt to use that as a path to political restoration is totally unacceptable. Sierra Leoneans are much more serious-minded than Karaoke Minister imagines.
Here are a few issues why we honestly believe the guy must simply go back to making low-life, rude music and forget about holding any public office for the next decade:
1. Millions of Sierra Leoneans found it absolutely strange that Karaoke man was capable of using the type of words he sprayed on the very people who, for the last three years, have done everything for him. Very disrespectful indeed!
2. Why did it take Karaoke Man so long to "apologise"?
3. In fact, he should never try to create the impression his outburst was spontaneous. As far as we gather from the audio, it was something well planned - like a plot in some Nollywood movie. Didn't he say "Ar don set you up"? meaning this was a set up with the possibility of future setups? Those are his own words. So this noise about him being human in this circumstance doesn't wash with us.
4. This man has to treat the people of Sierra Leone seriously. He injured decency and reputation so badly and all he could do is squeeze out a grudging apology out of himself through social media. Please use traditional media. Publish your apology in at least three newspapers. Then we might send you away to bathe in River Jordan, proper cleansing.
5. The other apology from Alhaji Emmanuel does not look authentic. Maybe it is. Is Alhaji Emmanuel really telling us he was so shocked and disorientated by his sacking that he couldn't even spell his own name correctly? Den man ya nor serious!
WHEN IS MAYOR LAMINA'S INQUIRY HAPPENING PLEASE?
So the Great Mayor Emerson Lamina of Koidu is now in some corner after having been forced out of office by the Kono Queen Minister. The lady minister has referred to many statutory instruments, including clearance from De Pa, to get the young man out of office.
Frankly, it makes no sense crying all over the place about the Mayor's dismissal right now. Let's move to the next stage and ask the following questions:
1. The nation was told that Mayor Lamina would be investigated over serious financial questions. When will that happen please? So far nothing has taken off in that direction.
2. Can the minister please tell the people who actually will investigate the Mayor and what exactly that person or organisation will be looking for and for how long!
3. Can the minister assure us that whatever investigation she launches would last no more than three months. We are dealing with an elected Mayor. Those who elected him are still sitting in Koidu waiting for a decision. Or was this just a way of getting him out of office? Our gut feeling is that they will keep the young man out in the cold until the next election and release a phoney report.
4. Can the NEW RULERS of Koidu assure us that they would NEVER withdraw the people's case against OCTEA from court? This is not part of the official line but we believe the OCTEA question is at the heart of Mayor Lamina's troubles, in addition to whatever relationship he might have with the sacked VP - Like Uncle, Like Nephew!
5. We ask all these questions because it's part of our job to do so. We believe Mayor Lamina will not return to office until his tenure ends. This investigation process, when it does start will run until the life of the Red Sun is out.
AT LAST SALPOST BUILDING CAN SMILE AND SMILE
We've been waiting for this for the longest time and now it seems someone somewhere has decided to do something about the shame that the SALPOST building represents in the heart of our city. The place brings us the image of a property overrun and occupied by rebels for a year and then retaken by rebels after a real dog fight. So what has brought about the sudden change of heart on the SALPOST HQ?
The truth is the staff of SALPOST are highly qualified. But like their counterparts at the Housing Corporation who can't collect their rents, they are badly demoralised. But let's not start celebrating so soon, we may end up disappointed with the whole renovation work now underway for the following reasons:
1. It may turn out to be very cosmetic - they simply paint the outside of the building and leave the rottenness inside. Just like the grave of a pagan. The SALPOST building leaks water like some stream. And the rains are coming.
2. The kind of thing we are seeing outside right now sends a very bad signal as to the quality of the work. Instead of metal scaffolding, we see crudely improvised sticks at work. We pray no casualties occur.
3. Can the authorities there put up a billboard to show us what the work is all about? We want to know the contractors and how they were awarded, the VALUE of the contract, the extent of the work and how long it will last. It's our money, guys!
4. What will happen to other SLAPOST facilities outside Freetown? It makes no sense creating paradise in Freetown while the other hellish units outside the capital remain.
5. Is there any CONTRACT SUPERVISOR for this job? How much money are we paying for that office and what is there to supervise anyway?
(C) Politico 10/03/16
