The 2023 Presidential Candidate and Parliamentary Leader of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party, Honourable Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella has called on colleague politicians and Sierra Leoneans in general to break what he termed as the “do-me-ah-do-you politics”.
“Let us leave our politics of ethno-regional rivalries and hatred behind us. Let us make a break with the politics of do-me-ah-do-you. An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind. We need a new progressive alliance to take Sierra Leone forward. Let us reach deep for our better selves and forgive each other”. hon. Dr Yumkella stated.
He went to call on all countrymen and women to learn to forgive each other and eschew violence, adding: “In our lifetime, we had President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s example of forgiving the seemingly unforgivable, suing for peace, all in the name of national unity. We’re not at war today, but a progressive agenda requires forgiveness and strategic alliances to transform our nation”.
He appealed for all and sundry to define themselves not by what they are against but what they are for-a prosperous, happy, united Sierra Leone that stands tall and proud among the family of nations.
He said the reality today is that we live in a polarised country that leaves many people feeling uneasy, adding; “Our democracy is under threat because we are deeply divided with hate speeches, “do-me-ah-do-you” and “mammy cuss” fast becoming the new normal”.
In this background, Hon. Yumkella said the NGC must reach out to other political parties to promote strategic alliances for peace and change, adding that as NGC, they have taken a constructive approach to their opposition.
He said he has often been criticised in parliament for supporting government measures, but that when the government succeeds, everybody succeeds and when the government fails, it hurts everyone.
“The records will also show that I have fearlessly challenged the government on policies and issues I consider not to be in the public interest, Further, progressive ideas I included in my omnibus bill (which was not gazetted) two years ago have found their way in government bills on gender empowerment and the new electoral act.” Honourable Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella stated.
