The media in Sierra Leone is battling a decision making process in so far as leadership is concerned. On the Presidency, Mustapha MK Sesay goes head-on with Alhaji Manika Kamara. As a media and communication professional of over 15 years and counting, I see this election as a greater decider. Foremost, I must acknowledge the effort, dedication and commitment of Manika over the years in so far as the tenure of Monk is concerned. However, I am very convinced that Manika needs more time to grow into the leadership and stewardship of SLAJ. I see several sentimental and prejudicial narratives against Mustapha for example, but those of us that know the width and depth of appreciable leadership can attest that Mustapha is tried and tested. He has the wherewithal to carry SLAJ and defend same. We have to say these things to keep the imagine and banner of SLAJ really high. In all of this however, I see Christian and Marrah going head-on for the position of Sec Gen. I will give the mantle to Chriz for obvious reasons. He has been there and he has the capacity. On publicity sec, Umu and Stom are battling things, but truth be told, Umu has the power of incumbency plus the urge of protecting and promoting feminism. I am not questioning the suitability of Stom. He has what it takes, but he faces some backslash in so far as consistency and rigidity in SLAJ may be concerned. He has been a Deputy Sec Gen and so if not for anything, he should have sorted things to rise to the SG post, but that’s that. All other positions seem to be going unopposed and I see our young lady LT, going in for the Deputy Sec Gen along with Mo. Let’s agree that we’re going with women’s empowerment? Lam will not make a bad candidate. Mo on the other should have crossed these levels in the leadership of SLAJ considering how long he has been in the game. Alice and Konneh as prospective Org Sec and FS seem safe?
Let me conclude on this note; this election should not be about WHO YOU KNOW OR WHO YOU LIKE. This should be about WHO IS ABLE AND WHO IS QUALIFIED! Let us make this a matter of competence and composure not familiarity or uncooked mentalities.
Happy holidays y’all.
Credit;
Sheku Putka Kamara
Journalist/Lecturer
Freetown
Sierra Leone
