UNMASKING THE HOSTILITY: THE POLITICAL ESTABLISHMENT’s HATRED FOR CHIEF MINISTER Dr. DAVID MOININA SENGEH

by Mahmud Tim Kargbo

Sunday, 3 November, 2024

In the tumultuous political landscape of Sierra Leone, the disdain directed toward Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has reached alarming levels. This animosity is not born out of personal grievances but is deeply rooted in the actions and policies that threaten the entrenched interests of the rogue political establishment. Many of these powerful figures allege that Dr. Sengeh is responsible for uncovering and exposing their schemes to illicitly accumulate wealth at the expense of the state, reporting these findings directly to His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio. This perceived threat has fuelled a narrative among members of the rogue political establishment that attributes the current economic hardships in the country to the Chief Minister’s refusal to ignore their corrupt activities.

In response to the growing influence and effectiveness of Dr. Sengeh, the rogue political establishment has united in a concerted effort to undermine his reputation. They have enlisted the help of various individuals—often referred to as “stooges”—to launch a relentless smear campaign against him. This group has become particularly active on social media, using platforms to disseminate negative and unsubstantiated allegations aimed at tarnishing the Chief Minister’s image in the eyes of both his superiors and the public. Such tactics reflect a broader strategy of disinformation designed to deflect attention from their own malfeasance while also attempting to destabilise the government’s integrity.

It is essential to recognise that this systematic attack on Dr. Sengeh is not an isolated incident. Historically, members of the rogue political establishment in Sierra Leone have conspired against young, bright and patriotic leaders who take on positions of trust. The goal has often been to destroy their careers, forcing them to abandon their home country in search of opportunities in environments where their talents can be utilised without fear of harassment or character assassination. This pattern of behaviour underscores a troubling trend that stifles progress and innovation within the nation.

The clandestine methods employed by the rogue political establishment are particularly alarming. Individuals lacking respect in society have been hired to engage in character assassination, desperate to create irreparable damage to the Chief Minister’s reputation. Some have gone so far as to spread propaganda that misrepresents Dr. Sengeh’s actions and intentions, further complicating the political atmosphere and making it difficult for stakeholders to discern the truth. This culture of targeting bright, young minds not only discourages talent from emerging but also promotes a brain drain, resulting in a deteriorating standard of living for the majority of Sierra Leoneans. Paradoxically, it is precisely these citizens whose interests Dr. Sengeh has tirelessly defended and championed.

Another source of the hostile sentiments against Dr. Sengeh can be traced to his commitment to transparency and accountability. His practice of conducting on-the-spot checks within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies has ruffled feathers among the rogue political establishment, who view these actions as a direct threat to their long-standing practices of corruption and mismanagement. By exposing their failures and inefficiencies, Dr. Sengeh not only highlights his dedication to good governance but also positions himself as a formidable adversary to those who would prefer to operate in the shadows.

Amidst these challenges, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has emerged as a beacon of hope and exceptional leadership. His steadfast commitment to ensuring that President Bio delivers on his social contract with the people of Sierra Leone is commendable. For Dr. Sengeh, the success of the President in fulfilling this mandate equates to success for all Sierra Leoneans. This ethos has garnered significant trust among the youth, who recognise him as a leader genuinely dedicated to serving the interests of the nation rather than personal gain.

Moreover, the Chief Minister shares remarkable leadership qualities with First Lady Fatima Jabbie Bio. Both individuals possess a unique ability to identify and uplift talented Sierra Leoneans from diverse backgrounds, reaching out to encourage them regardless of their political affiliation, social status, or regional ties. This inclusive approach to leadership not only fosters unity among the populace but also sets them apart in a political environment often characterised by division and partisanship. Their dedication to nurturing talent is a vital catalyst for positive change and progress in Sierra Leone.

The animosity directed toward Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh is a reflection of a larger struggle within Sierra Leone’s political landscape. As he confronts the challenges posed by entrenched interests, Dr. Sengeh’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of his fellow citizens remains unwavering. The potential for progress and reform in Sierra Leone hinges on the ability of leaders like Dr. Sengeh to rise above adversity and work collaboratively toward a brighter future. As the nation navigates these turbulent waters, the resolve and vision of its young leaders will serve as a guiding light for the path ahead, fostering hope and opportunity for all Sierra Leoneans.