Subject: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 16:44:50 09/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.85.62.16
WHAT WENT WRONG, BRA TK ?
Message:
1. I would like to send congratulatory salutations to members of the APC, especially my cousin, Victor, for engineering the parliamentary victory over my beloved SLPP. Congratulations, Victor and Co.!!! But Saturday, 09/08/07 is only a few more days away, and hopefully, our leader, Bra Solo B, will wear the crown, and, in turn, I hope you will reciprocate my congratulatory salutations.
2. It is not such a bad idea for the APC to form a parliamentary majority while the SLPP heads the executive branch, as is certainly going to happen after Saturday, 9/8/07. This statement is made in premonition, knowing fully well what has transpired in the governance of our country under the “leadership” of Bra TK.
3. For those of you who are unaware of the patterns I have recognized politically since the entrance of Pa Kabba’s SLPP into governance, let me reiterate them:
a. Bra TK is NOT an inspiring leader; to the point of almost being very boring and inaccessible to the populace he was supposed to lead.
b. Bra TK did borrow some Machiavellian tactics to subdue the opposition in parliament through the power of their ineptitude, and the sycophancy associated with the plurality / majority of his party members in parliament. No one dared to question his policies over these past ten years. Those who did were left to drown in the political sea, never to be heard from again, until they managed to swim to come ashore, and/or were rescued through opposing affiliations that were bold and fearless.
c. Bra TK ruled from the mountaintop of Hill Station, never really associating himself with the great majority of the masses either personally, or through mass communication media. Now this aloofness may have been due to security reasons, but as a Commander-in-Chief I would NEVER be “afraid” to walk down KrooTown Road, or Kissy Road, per se, to talk to the peoples I govern. One must never isolate oneself from the peoples of the land and expect them to do your bidding at election time. You must be seen talking to the peoples all the time, and doing their bidding, in turn. A couple of years ago, I even suggested that a “satellite” radio or tv station be constructed at Hill Station so that Bra TK will minimize his inaccessibility to the peoples. Is this not one of the reasons why the late President Sekou Toure in neighbouring La Guinee’ had longevity in that position even though he had dictatorial tendencies that were very brutal in some cases? He always had a radio talk show with his peoples. In those talks he used his oratorical skills to underscore his visions for La Guinee; what his government had done; is doing; will do in future governance; etc. to ease the anxieties of the population at large. In those days, Guineans were very patriotic in their abject poverty due to their leader’s intransigence about not succumbing to the manipulative practices of the colonial power, France, for her sole economic benefit relative to the vast mineral/natural resources of that country, as a consequence of the fact that information was promulgated extensively to mitigate any dire repercussions from the opposing forces.
Sekou Toure TALKED to the people. Sekou Toure, and for matter, Osageyfo Nkrumah and Modibo Keita of Mali, TALKED to their peoples. A good leader MUST ALWAYS talk to the governed, officially, and unofficially. A good leader MUST strive to remove the specter of arrogance while serving the governed. The humility that is used to secure their votes, must remain throughout the duration of that reign. Periodic humility at election time is tantamount to failure in securing votes that once easily materialized. YOU MUST TALK TO THE GOVERNED. Don’t always stay inside the castle that the people built for you, and run a “mumu” government. The peoples must know what’s up. You MUST mingle with them to whatever extent is needed. Be gregarious, and unassuming at all times. Must NEVER miss the opportunity to outshine the opposition in debates when afforded the opportuinity to do so especially if you are lawyer. Did you hear me Bra Solo B?
d. A leader MUST lead in the interest of the peoples, and not be seen as a lackey for a more powerful force or nation. Must NEVER be positioned to seemingly take orders from a colonial “massa”, the circumstances notwithstanding. If one door is closed another one must be opened.
e. It has been staed that the divisions created within our GOP, the SLPP, and the reason for our parliamentary defeat, were mainly due to the Machiavellian tactics used by HE Pa Kabba. I can only guess/speculate as to why HE Pa Kabbah was so openly adamant in his support of Bra Solo, and “smallboy” Momodu. Could he not have done so in a more congenial manner, behind the scenes perhaps, as opposed to sitting right there at the head table twisting arms by his mere presence in favour of his chosen heir-apparent? Why was he so OPEN about that aspect at Makeni? He may have thought that Bra Solo is the best of the lot, but whose prerogative is it to decide? The delegates, of-course. And they did, sycophantically, perhaps, without realizing the ramifications inherent in the big picture. The lesson to be learned here is that; if you are at the end of your term of office, and you have done right by the peoples, you must allow them to choose, select and elect their own leaders. Stay on the sidelines, and give the peoples their due, no matter how savvy you may be about the person you think is most qualified. Allow the peoples to decide. Do not allow your mindset to be polluted with power to the extent that you feel you are omniscient, and that the peoples cannot choose on their own volition. They are NOT your kids who must be led by the proverbial hand at all times. Most of them may be illiterate, but they are NOT stupid. Stop meddling. Don’t coerce them. Let the peoples decide out of their own free will with the neccessary democratic practices put in place and ensured. A President must NEVER act like he is a Paramount Chief in our native administration. Two different ball courts.
f. So now the party is split, and my brother, Charles, is with the Akartas thinking his 14% will go along with him. Isn’t it ironic? In 1967, his father was in almost the same position as Bra Solo is in, and he is perpetrating the role played by Kutubu Kaisamba and Co. So now, in the year 2007, Charles is to Bra Solo B, and the SLPP, what Ngor Kutubu and Co. were to his Daddy, and his SLPP. Can y’all believe that? Yes! Because in the polity of Sa Lon, history repeats itself so that the nation and her nationals come second, and third to personal aggrandizement. It seems that morality plays such a tiny role in this plot. The peoples/supporters are hardly heard, except at election time. It must be a trickle down kind of democracy oberyanda, as opposed to what some of us are used to oberyaso. Not to fret, we have a long way to go, as our fledgling democracy was born only ten years ago through the leadership of our GOP, the SLPP. Will the akartas, with charles in “her” nightie, uphold it. I doubt it very seriously, as long as cousin Victor, and others in the old APC are still at the forefront.
4. So!! What must we do? We MUST go to the polls in the run-offs in droves, bringing along charles’ 14%, and about 25% of the progressive northwesterners – not the tribalists, liars, maggots, and sobels, they can stay with their akarta brethren, and sistren, since we do not need them even if they’d like to join us at this last stage – and winning the presidential run-offs hands down on Satiday 09/08/07. Hopefully the akartas will provide a formidable opposition in parliament this time around since they’ve doubled their numbers already.
5. After we win, we must only allow HE Pa Kabba to sit on the sidelines and not dictate his priorities to us as a Political Party. We will consult with him if needed. We must respect him in RETIREMENT, so that he can stay retired.
6. I believe that Bra Solo will win the presidency of Sa Lon, but he MUST be his OWN man in governance. Let us hope HONESTY in governace will prevail in na we Sa Lon in the next SLPP-led GoSL. I am tired of the rumours and innuendoes from the opposition. They should know, because that is how they operate. Is there always a fire where there is smoke? Probably.
7. Come on my peeps! Let us go vote for Bra Solo on Satiday. Our country will be the better for it.
I thank you kindly.
Sengbe
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 18:58:09 09/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ag14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.117.142
Message:
Sengbe, ow dee bodi?
I appreciate the civility with which you pointed the failings of the SLPP through Pa Kabbah’s leadership. Although your descr1ption of events came from the rose-tinted eyes of an ardent SLPP man, your congratulatory message was quite civil.
There is a lot to oppose in your posting. However, recognizing the failings of your party was a very democratic thing to do, and I salute you for that.
When I realize that the Right Honourable Gentleman, Charles Margai, was losing, I went into a brief but deep moment of grief. How can the APC come back with such ease? After regaining my emotional balance, I embraced the fact that democracy in Sierra Leone should be greater than my loyalty to Ngor Margai. I immediately recognized APC’s near-victory without necessarily wanting to do anything with that party. If the APC eventually wins the runoff, I will grudgingly but wholeheartedly compliment them without necessarily losing the misgivings I have for the party of Siaka Stevens. If the SLPP wins, my distrust of the corrupt and inefficient Berewa will remain while recognizing the people’s choice. In all this, I wish Margai was president! Democracy, however, dictates that the people’s choice must be respected, even when it is plainly unpalatable.
Long live Charles Margai.
Long Live Sierra Leone.
And let the people’s decision stand without warfare.
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 10:35:46 09/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.85.62.16
Message:
Thank you Bra E.
Kahui yieh na?
Bra E, in politics, one should never bite the hand that feeds one. Bra TK stepped on too many toes. Toes he should not have stepped on.
His worst sin was to leave Bra Hingha out on the limb to die before his time. Such gross ungratefulness does not sit well with our peeps, hence the negative results for us during the first round.
I know for a fact that we are gonna rebound in the second round. Thanks in part to Charles F. Margai – the Kutubu Kaisamba in 21st century Sa Lon. After 9/8/07, I will pray to God to “bless” him on our behalf.
Kehthamia!!
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 00:22:58 09/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Bra E you are a voice of “REASON” in the sierra leone cyber fora. For those who have not been blessed to have an hour long conversation with you like I have, it behooves them to know that your unshakable voice is one of reason and your nationalism is at a level higher than most sierra leoneans.
If I were a leader in sierra leone, I would invite you to present ideas to the government of sierra leone and I would do everything I can to implement that idea. Remember brother it is not the Party, it is the “PEOPLE” within the party. I am sure that you would agree with me that there some people in the SLPP party who are honest and hard working Nationalists, but it is the many within the party who are corrupt, and whose corruption is being ignored by the SLPP, that has given the SLPP its present negative image.
Similarly, it is the failing of the previous APC giovernment under siaka stevens and Joseph momoh, that corruption erupted when “GOOD” people within the party failed to curtail it when it happens. Believe me I have had many one on one conversations with Ernest Koroma and I do know that he will not “TOLERATE” any activities which will mar his legacy. Ernest Koroma realises that the task upon his head will either make him a hero or a villain. He is inrtent on being a hero. I trust the man just as much as I trus what we both have said to each other in our numerous conversations. (you and I)
Sierra Leone needs change and that change cannot come by the present SLPP. Your leader Charles Margai is a man of enormous vision. He has single handedly sounded the death knell to the endemic tribalism within the SLPP. He may become the most hated man in mende land for right now but “HISTORY” will record that he is a “DRUM MAJOR FOR JUSTICE, ANTI POVERTY AND ANTI TRIBALISM”
The problems with the SLPP can be summed up as follows: The Arrogance of POWER. The SLPP is a spent force and Sierra leoneans have become more AWARE of what is expected from their leaders. No more will they be taken for granted.
It is in the interest of the SLPP to create chaos so that they can maintain their fickle and weak hold on the power structure. Any good student of African politics can see that it is fear that is driving the present violence of the SLPP. They are scared of what the APC may do if it comes to power. The biggest that the APC would make is to start a “WITCHHUNT” because that would be counter productive to its goals and it would have a negative effect. The APC’s goal would be to rebuild, and reeducate and reorient and rejuvenate our faltering economy. Provide public sector, non governmental jobs for the unemployed. It is doable.
Stay Blessed
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 02:35:58 09/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: spider-mtc-ta01.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.112.1
Message:
Alphaa Iscandari, kabor. Ow dee West coast?
Ernest Koroma certainly looks comparatively promising in the eyes of many Sierra Leoneans. I have quite a number of friends in Freetown with hopeful opinions about the “new” APC under Koroma. Well, time will tell.
If he comes to power and proves his supporters right, then he will be Sierra Leone’s man for as long as the constitution allows. We want a workable alternative to the SLPP, and if Koroma turns out to be the provider of that alternative, then bravo to him. After all, that is the beauty of democracy–it allows people to prove efficiency by succeeding where other failed. In the name of Sierra Leone, may the next president be richer in integrity than Tejan Kabbah.
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: Mammy Blessing
To: All
Date Posted: 20:19:18 09/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ool-44c6d571.dyn.optonline.net at 68.198.213.113
Message:
Bra Enviable, as usual you have demonstrated why you are one of the most articulate and respected voices in all fora. I am glad to have been in the same fox hole with you, supporting Margai.
I have all confidence that Margai will be in a stronger position in 2012, with a national following, when he runs for president.
I have not been posting as much, but trust me, I am very much around in the thick of things here.
Take care and god Bless!
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 02:25:11 09/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: spider-mtc-ta01.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.112.1
Message:
Mammy Blessing, the respect is mutual.
Peace out bro
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 18:29:54 09/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-081271d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.113.18.8
Message:
Sengbe,
You love your Sierra Leone and so you too have a right to shout. It’s good that you are back. Yours is a welcome and necessary voice in the democratic society that this forum is trying to nurture. I must honestly tell you that what I most object to – have mostly objected to in the past although I have not expressed such an objection before, is your select use of the word AKARTA, with which you want to exclusively characterise the APC of old, whilst avoiding the same appellation to crown some of the denizens and demons in the current SLPP whose tenure of office has been on trial (not the APC opposition party). You can see for yourself, the people’s verdict as reflected in the results of the first round.
All that we want is a level playing field and not to unnecessarily upset the delicate balance. I would not go out of my way to do that. You know as well as I that had Berewa won the first round with some 75% of the popular ballot and let’s say with 84 seats in Parliament – that would ipso facto take us dangerously close to the edge of an abyss called one partyism in the making. For a very similar reason, ( fear of that kind of responsibility at that very delicate time of South Africa’s history) the ANC did not want to get more than a two-thirds majority in that first DEMOCRATIC ELECTION EVER TO BE HELD IN SOUTH AFRICA, as that would have given them the onus, and the possibility of changing the constitution – and you know that but for the existence of Buthelezi’s INKATHA and of course the Nationalist Party, still making a good showing, South Africa could have been a de fact if not a de jure one party ANC state …….!!!! So the ANC did not want to win as overwhelmingly as Mr. Berewa would like to do now…on the other hand Tanzania’s president Colonel Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete got 80 % of the popular vote.
No fear of that happening in Sierra Leone with the ethnic equilibrium of forces that keep the scales balance between North and South and in this respect the PMDC in the future could be the middle ground that attracts those who are neither SLPP nor APC…..
Kabbah’s earlier victory was at a very critical time with the James Jonah and Thaimu Bangura and civil war factors all contributing to what was perceived as a vote for peace in preference to continuity of meaningless war.……
Your posting is balanced and well written optimism and my response is a short comment and a short question to which you may answer as you wish – to enlighten us:
You have roundly criticized Mr. Kabbah for as you say not being a very inspiring leader, and rather aloof. I doubt that any other leader of Sierra Leone – apart from Mr. Siaka Stevens, has travelled as much within the four corners of our country or outside of the country as Mr. Kabbah has done so indefatigably the past ten years. Without a doubt he is also a great (and tireless) speaker most always saying the right kind of encouraging and inspiring things – mostly making speeches to his select target audiences – and not really carrying the masses of his people – a the way that – as you say Ahmed Sekou Touré talked to his people. (I don’t know what kind of role the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service has played in conveying his message (s). As you may have noticed I have often referred to Mr. Kabbah’s notions of our SEVEN NATIONAL VALUES – but am still at a loss as to how that message has been conveyed or is being conveyed to everybody. In the realm of communication – which is basic to political life, you too notice that Mr. Berewa on the flimsy pretext given, refused to debate with those who today control the Sierra Leone Parliament after a violence- free election and had we still been following our earlier Westminster type system, the APC-PMDC coalition would have already formed the new government of the people by the people for the people.
My question is this: In what sense does Mr. Berewa want to give CONTINUITY to Alhaji Kabbah’s way of doing things?
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 10:26:50 09/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.85.62.16
Message:
Bra Cornie, thank you for taking time out to read and respond to my musings in that article.
The term “akarta” is my nickname for the APC until they prove otherwise when and if they ascend to the throne in governance after 9/8/07. Until then, you’d have to forgive me, but I’d use that term, because they deserve it through their actions in the past. I will apologize and call them a more befitting name in the future, but that aspect depends on how reformed that party is in the future. For right now, I will not refrain from calling them that name, They deserve it until proven otherwise in the future. Please forgive me, but I will not compromise my principles in order to satiate your feelings about that nomenclature. I will never ask you to do the same.
Lastly, you ask a question of me, as follows:
“…My question is this: In what sense does Mr. Berewa want to give CONTINUITY to Alhaji Kabbah’s way of doing things?…”
Bra Cornie I cannot answer that question on behalf of Bra Solo B. Only Solo B can answer that question for you. I don’t know the correct answer.
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 18:26:47 09/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: smtpgateway.azdes.gov at 207.108.136.241
Message:
“It is not such a bad idea for the APC to form a parliamentary majority while the SLPP heads the executive branch, as is certainly going to happen after Saturday”
Really? did you consult Solo B before you utter the above statement? Or is what a defeated soldier called a “tactical withdraw”? Before election, I used to hear SLPPiss said we can hold to the majority in parliament and win the presidential. Now I think a new message? Go well my son, go well, this is the last attempt. By Sunday at this time the sun will start shining upon you.
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:53:01 09/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.22.236.230
Message:
After all those ills you pointed out about Pa Kabba and his cohorts why should anyone vote for Berewa who after all was a henchman that did nothing to voice his dissatisfaction in the name of patriotism.
My freind when did you realize all the misgivings? Weren’t you defending the SLPP wrecklessly before, as it is now evident from your above statement?
So even though the majority of the Sierra Leone public have expressed there dissatisfaction through the first round ballots and now you yourself agree that Pa Kabba was a misfit, you nevertheless want people to vote for Berewa because the SLPP party and not Sierra Leone is foremost in your preference.
Sometimes I wonder how illiterate you so called educated elements are? Does the sentence sound confusing? Go figure it.
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 12:32:50 09/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.85.62.16
Message:
Oh Dear!!! Here we go again.
I know the English language is NOT our mother tongue, so if one of us fails to comprehend what is written in English it behooves one of us to point out the shortcoming inherent in that misuderstanding.
I will now point out the FOLLY involved in the statements made by one A Lie Formeh Kamara in response to my article written above.
A Lie, did you read to fully understand the preamble to the items I listed in that article?
Let me copy and paste that preamble here for your perusal, so that you do not rush to make a judgement about something you know very little about. Here goes:
“…For those of you who are unaware of the patterns I have recognized politically since the entrance of Pa Kabba’s SLPP into governance, let me reiterate them:…”
Now who is the so-called “illiterate educated element”? It must be you, and your girly cheer leader. That preamble alone should have debunked the latent jealousy in your stupid statement pertinent to “educated elements”.
Do you consider yourself to be an “educated element”? Are you “literate” or “illiterate”?
It appears that you may have been alluding to yourself as opposed to me. Is that correct?
That preamble alone renders your response to be idiotic.
If Kabba was a “misfit” why did the people of Sa Lon overwhelmingly vote for him on two occasions as their leader? The first time in the history of Sa Lon.
I want people to vote for Solo B because he is the one representing my party, and he is a better person to lead than the other guy, in my opinion. What is so difficult to understand about that opinion?
When did I “realize all these misgivings”. Please read the preamble pasted above to understand that unlike some of you, some of us constructively criticize our chosen leaders as the situation arises without declaring World War III in the matter, and abandoning our principles for another party. We are not ALL blind followers like some of you folks, you know.
In my mind, and the minds of sane folks, Berewa and Kabbah are two different people. In leadership, Kabbah was Berewah’s boss. After Saturday, 09/08/07, Berewa, as President of Sa Lon will be his own boss in leadership.
Is this rationale so difficult to understand? I hope not.
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 18:52:13 09/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Sometimes I wonder how illiterate you so called educated elements are? Does the sentence sound confusing? Go figure it.
lrda marci ar wan we we. ROTFLMMFAO
Subject: Re: Musings, Part 7: So what went wrong?
From: Jay
To: All
Date Posted: 17:05:37 09/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-69-140-34-194.hsd1.md.comcast.net at 69.140.34.194
Message:
Keep Dreaming,bro.I will wake you up on Sunday,thr 9th.Have a nice sleep.
Subject: APC THUGS ATTACK MARRAY CONTEH
From: Alieu sesay
To: All
Date Posted: 15:59:52 09/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 65.107.153.146.ptr.us.xo.net at 65.107.153.146
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