Renowned journalist and media mogul, Umaru Fofona, has issued a cautionary statement against the concentration of political power within a single district in Sierra Leone. Expressing his views on Facebook, Fofona highlighted the significance of diversity in the country’s leadership composition, particularly in light of the impending election for key parliamentary positions.
With the Parliament of Sierra Leone set to convene for the election of new leadership following the departure of former Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Chernor Abass Bundu, Fofona emphasized the importance of avoiding a scenario where the President, Vice President, and Speaker of Parliament hail from the same district.
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has put forth Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, representing Bonthe District, as its candidate, while the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has nominated Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma from Koinadugu District.
Fofona argued that such a concentration of power could potentially undermine national cohesion, given the hierarchical succession in the absence of the President and Vice President. He underscored the need for a balanced distribution of leadership roles across various districts for the sake of fairness and unity.
“In my view, it is therefore just fair and good for national cohesion, especially at a time like this, for two of those three NOT to come from the same district. Not everything that is legal that is fair,” Fofona wrote.
His comments reflect broader concerns about the equitable distribution of political representation and power-sharing arrangements within Sierra Leone’s governance structure.
