By Ranger
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) held its Triennial General Meeting at the Golden Tulip Hotel at Aberdeen in the West End of Freetown with the theme ‘Social media and the Future of Journalism in Sierra Leone’ from the 12th July to 13th July 2019.
On the last day of the meeting, an election was conducted during which paid up SLAJ members from all over the country cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.
The atmosphere was highly charged and the moment was tense as journalists lined up to vote but impressively the whole process was very peaceful as there was no iota of violence that marred the elections.
There was a lot of fun, last minute campaigns were taking place right there on the ground, as journalists were seen cracking jokes, throwing taunts were as some were standing in small circles guessing, within the context of predicting the outcome of the election.
SLAJ has over the years turned out to be a very formidable pressure group which is always at the forefront to agitate for social justice, equality, widening of the political space, gender parity among a host of others.
It is for the simple fact that being the gatekeeper Governments have considered the Fourth Estate to be a force to reckon with.
The Fourth Estate plays key roles in the areas of informing, educating and entertaining the populace on important issues ranging from politics, economics, social matters, the environment and other areas.
Today, the social media has become very popular and now an accessible platform to capture a variety of news items but the only snag is that some individuals are misusing it to cause mischief.
The media can influence change in society but journalists must act professionally while practicing the trade in order to avoid defaming unassuming individuals. This is why it is of essence for the creation of opportunities for journalists to be taken through training programs in order to avail them the leeway to imbibe basic skills and techniques to perform professionally.
The New SLAJ Executive; Ahmed Sahid Nasralla aka De Monk (President) defeated his opponent Mustapha M.K. Sesay in the Presidential election (252 Votes), Esther Kine Kargbo is now Vice President thrashing Ahmed Sheriff (186 Votes), Mohamed Asmieu Bah was duly elected as the new SLAJ Secretary General defeating Elias Bangura (196 Votes), Alhaji Manika Kamara – uncontested SLAJ Assistant Secretary General, Fatmata Jalloh-Kamara (161) SLAJ Financial Secretary, Abubakar Singateh Jalloh SLAJ Organising Secretary – uncontested and Princess Gibson – uncontested SLAJ Public Relations Officer.
Political Analysts described this as a ‘Tsunami’ for the minority.
The newly elected President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk) has promised to be President for all SLAJ members and not a faction of the association.
He made this statement while delivering his victory speech at the just concluded SLAJ Presidential Elections at Golden Tulip in Freetown.
“Thank you all for voting me as your president for the next three years. I assure you I will not disappoint this confidence you have reposed in me”, the President noted.
“For those who do not have that confidence in me, I say thank you also. I assure you I will surprise you. I now have your mandate. I will be president for all SLAJ members, not a SLAJ faction”.
He congratulated his colleague candidate, Mustapha M K Sesay for sparring with him in this contest in a civil manner. President Nasralla ended by thanking the Kelvin Lewis Executive.
After the jubilation, celebrations die down it is expected that this new SLAJ Executive will positively champion the interests of journalists and solidly address burning issues one of which borders on welfare and repeal of Part V of the 1965 Public Order Act that criminalizes libel and sedition.
VICTORY SPEECH
Thank you!
Thank you!!
Thank you!!!
Thank you!!!!
Thank you!!!!!
Thank you all for voting me as your president for the next three years.
I assure you I will not disappoint this confidence you have reposed in me.
I am deeply honoured.
For those who do not have that confidence in me, I say thank you also. I assure you I will surprise you.
I now have your mandate. I will be president for all SLAJ members, not a SLAJ faction.
Congratulations to my colleague candidate, *Mustapha M K Sesay*, for sparring with me in this contest in a civil manner. Together we have shown the national body politic how candidates should participate in democratic elections.
I recognise your contribution to SLAJ. You are an asset to SLAJ. My administration will work with you. This is also your victory.
Fellow colleagues, this victory is proof that you believed in my agenda.
You believed that welfare, gender, mentorship and unity are more important to SLAJ than ID cards, library and chairs.
Together, we’ll pursue this agenda to the last.
We have noted the challenge the Hon Vice President of our beloved country, *Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh*, threw at us during the opening session of this Triennial Conference. We are greatly encouraged by the fact that the issues he raised resonated with our SALT Manifesto under welfare.
We accept the challenge and we will initiate a process to start engagement with the current government through the VP’s office.
