Honorable Mamoud Kamara alias Nice Guy representing the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) party, Western Area Urban (Lumley and its environs) has upon receiving an award for his exceptional contributions expressed appreciation for the contributions of members of the Sierra Leone diaspora , emphasising the need for national unity and, also stating the reason for the APC lawmakers walk-out of the sitting that confirmed Edmond Alpha as Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone Southern Region Commissioner.
On the receipt of the Africa Golden Star Award 2024 for Hon. Nice Guy’s ‘exceptional contribution to community development, youth, women’s empowerment and nation building,’ Prince Cumming, Chairman Bureau of Africa Intelligentsia said, “This is in line with the spirit of our founding fathers of the OAU/AU.”
Speaking on the topic of national unity in Sierra Leone, Hon. Nice Guy said despite Sierra Leone being a diverse nation in terms of ethnic groups, religions, political parties among other things, the people have always found ways to live as one.
“When there is harmony there is trust in views, better communication and understanding despite our bitter experience of a brutal eleven years rebel war. In the midst of polarized ethnic and political views we are able to still see the need for a peaceful nation,” Hon. Nice Guy said.
He praised the efforts of all tribes in ensuring national peace and unity in the diversity.
He notes that due to economic hardship, many Sierra Leone are running away to get greener pasture citing uniqueness in the fact that despite political, ethnic and tribal considerations, Sierra Leoneans abroad (diaspora community) are bonded in what is called the diaspora trust.
He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to be in one accord and act in unionism to overcome the challenges facing the country.
According to MADE Network, migrant remittances are considered an essential source of foreign currency inflow into Sierra Leonean economy. It is estimated by the UNDP (2009) that Sierra Leonean migrant’s annual remittance inflows are approximately $168million or just around 12% of GDP.
“We can do things when we are together. It will be difficult for us to be broken like a bunch of straws if we are together. Unity is strength without which no achievement will be recorded. I also thank Diaspora Focus for this opportunity to make an input on unity on this important occasion.” Hon. Nice Guy said.
Hon. Nice Guy was speaking on the date marking African Liberation Day, 25 May 2024, the annual commemoration of the foundation (May 25, 1963) of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU).
On the recent decision by APC lawmakers to walkout of the confirmation of Edmond Alpha as Electoral Commission Sierra Leone Southern Region Commissioner, Hon. Nice Guy said: “We walked out because our party was not consulted about his reappointment and Alpha’s conduct in the June 2023 election is still being looked into by the Tripartite Committee.”
