One of the main contenders for the leadership of the opposition Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) has told his supporters and well-wishes in the United States that Sierra Leone's "education system is gradually going on decline," and that "there is undue political interference in the administration/running of most supposed to be independent institutions of the state thereby affecting their operational efficiency."
Alpha Timbo who was addressing a fund-raising dinner, said throughout the country, safe drinking water was "still a major problem," and "in the area of agriculture and food production, we are yet to make a full untilisation of our potential...Many Sierra Leoneans still go to bed without having three meals a day."
Timbo said: "Sierra Leone needs everything in its march to prosperity...every sector of the economy can be a priority in itself." He argued that "a very astute political leader that can take the path to prosperity much faster than the current situation is," what Sierra Leone needs.
In the speech titled The Message of Hope, the former Trade Unionist and Minister took his audience through the tenure of late president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, outlining his re-building of national institutions to service the post-war recovery period and stated his own vision for the country, should be elected president on the ticket of the SLPP.
The former Labour and Industrial Relations Minister promised to "uphold the constitution of the country and the SLPP, promote the rule of law, promote unity while respecting diversity, promote probity, transparency and accountability and the interest of the state shall supersede all other considerations."
Timbo said late President Kabbah established many state institutions "whose vision and mission have been interfered with thereby militating against their efficiency." He said his first job as president of Sierra Leone would be to "re-visit the structures and operations of the said institutions with a view to ensuring that they take their rightful position in the governance machinery of the state."
The speech covered policy areas from mining to infrastructure, education and health care delivery. Many observers consider Alpha Timbo as one of the front runners in a crowded field of potential flagbearers of the main opposition party in presidential elections due in early 2018.
© Politico 27/05/15
