By Saio Marrah
President Julius Maada Bio has urged the new Inspector-General of Police, William Fayia Sellu and the Army Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Peter K. Lavahun, to support efforts at keeping the peace of the country.
He made this call during the oath-taking and insignia ceremony on Monday involving the two men as well as other newly promoted officers in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, (RSLAF).
He said the two-state security institutions are vital in maintaining law and order and defending the territorial integrity of the country.
The President said investors coming into the country would want to have a peaceful environment.
He acknowledged the challenges of their job as head of police and military but said it has to be carried out with diligence.
He also called on them to keep the peace noting that there are other people that are equally determined to break that which keeps the people safe and united together as a nation.
He added: “They are so determined that they will even incite the military to take over.” He pointed out that as people are leaving the country for greener pastures abroad, his government would want to change that narrative, for people to live a better life in Sierra Leone as well.
“So it is our duty to make Sierra Leone safe in the first place because it is that ecosystem on safety and security that investment will all take place,” President Bio asserted.
The president also noted that it takes the collective effort of everyone for the security of the state, noting that the peace and security of the country should not be solely left in the hands of the police.
He also extended condolences to the families of those that lost their lives during the August 10 violent riots, especially the police personnel that were killed in the line of duty.
President Bio also urged them by saying: “I want you to go to every length to identify so that those who are responsible will be held responsible for their actions.”
He also encouraged all to work together to build the country as nobody else from the outside will do so.
The new Police Chief reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the core functions of the SLP and to provide the right leadership. Sellu also promised to work closely with other colleagues in the security sector to enhance the peace and security of the country.
IGP Sellu encouraged his colleagues to work with him for them to achieve their mandate as a police force.
CDS Lt. Gen. Lavahun said it’s an honour to be head of the military and thanked the government and the people of Sierra Leone for their confidence and trust in the army which he assured will not be misplaced.
He also promised that RSLAF will continue to remain loyal and professional in serving the people of the country, upholding the peace, stability and tranquillity of the state, safeguarding its territorial integrity, and helping enhance national development and prosperity.
He also thanked the Minister of Defence, Retired Brigadier-General Kellie Hassan Conteh and his deputy for their guidance to the military. He also praised the serving men and women of RSLAF for their diligence to the force and extended appreciation to the Ministry of Finance for providing support for their operational needs.
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