By David Jabati
Former government minister, seasoned parliamentarian, veteran journalist, and respected elder statesman, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, has called for greater efforts toward national unity and fairness in public office appointments. Speaking in Freetown, Hon. Kargbo emphasized the need to combat tribalism in politics, which he described as a growing threat to peace and national cohesion.
Fondly known as “Kortor IB,” the elder statesman lamented the increasing tendency among some citizens to prioritize tribal affiliation over merit when determining suitability for public positions. “We must discourage the habit of supporting people solely because they share our tribal identity, especially when there are more competent individuals available,” he stated.
Reflecting on the past, Hon. Kargbo pointed to the one-party era, during which strong executive authority was sometimes used to ensure inclusion of underrepresented groups in governance. He cited the example of Hon. Tamba Juana, a Kissi from Kailahun, who was often appointed Deputy Minister to ensure the Kissi community; then numerically disadvantaged, had a voice in the governance of the State.
He also highlighted the deliberate inclusion of individuals from the Fullah community, including non-citizens like Chernor Maju and LaminSidique, in ministerial positions to promote broader ethnic representation in state governance.
“In our current multi-party democracy, however, tribalism is gradually creeping back into our politics,” Hon. Kargbo warned. He noted a troubling trend in which certain ethnic groups, particularly the Fullahs, are perceived as unfit for the presidency. “Even though the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) currently has a Fullah Vice President who has performed remarkably well, there remains a reluctance to see a Fullah as a viable presidential candidate.”
A political observer echoed Hon. Kargbo’s concerns, saying the prevailing perception is that Fullahs may be accepted as Vice President, but rarely considered for the presidency. “Despite Vice President Dr. Mohamed JuldehJalloh acting as President over forty times and demonstrating competent leadership, he is still not widely regarded as a political favorite,” the observer noted.
Hon. Kargbo praised Vice President JuldehJalloh’s diverse background, pointing out that he hails from the Themne ethnic group in the north, was mentored in Kono District in the east, and attended university in Freetown in the western region. “This makes him a potential unifier in Sierra Leone’s political landscape,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that the Vice President would face stiff competition from other prominent figures such as Chief Minister Dr. David MoininaSengeh, veteran politician John Oponjo Benjamin, diplomat Alie Kabba, and former ECOWAS Parliament Speaker Mohamed Tunis.
“VP JuldehJalloh’s strongest asset is his experience; having served as both Vice President and Acting President during critical moments, including the August 10 crisis, when he helped steer the nation away from chaos,” Hon. Kargbo said. “Nonetheless, for the presidency, he must compete like everyone else, though his grasp of statecraft gives him a clear advantage.”
In conclusion, Hon. I.B. Kargbo emphasized the importance of fair play in national politics. “All Sierra Leoneans, whether from minority or majority ethnic groups, must be given equal opportunity to compete for public office. We need systems in place that ensure fairness and promote national cohesion.”
