High Commissioner Designate Henry Macauley thanked President Koroma for the appointment and the confidence and trust reposed on him saying he is confident that with his support and prayers it would be a successful venture and promised to execute his duties judiciously. The Envoy accepted that it is a big challenge but assured the President that he would do his level best to forge the already existing ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria closer with a rewarding spirit.
President Koroma congratulated him on his appointment assuring him of his support and that of Government to ensure his success. The President reminded him that he is going to Nigeria that has supported them over the period especially during the turbulent times to represent Sierra Leone and Nigeria is been considered as a big brother within the ECOWAS sub- region. He pointed out that there is a potential of acrafting a lot of Nigerian support especially that of Government and the Private Sector. The President emphasized that Diplomacy is now beyond whining and dining and he has to engage himself with the view of ensuring that Sierra Leone gets into partnership with most of the Country’s bilateral connections so that the Private Sector would be enhanced and uplift the standard of living of the people. He reiterated that with the experience he has acquired from the Private Sector and the Nigerian Community he would be able to ensure that Sierra Leone is not only adequately represented but would also derive abundantly out of the mutual relationship.
The High Commissioner –Designate was earlier presented by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr. Vandi Minah. In another engagement, President Koroma met with the Executive of the APC and SLPP at State House to further discuss developments on the formation of the Commission of Enquiry.
President Koroma reminded them that during the consultative meetings they promised to harmonize the terms of reference which are to be presented at this meeting which was submitted to him. The President intimated them that it would be used for the appointment of the Commissioners pointing out that based on their consultations; he has concluded the first aspect of the Committee that should address the rape issue by appointing the three members agreed upon in the person of Dr. Bankole Thompson as Chairman of the Committee, Professor John Kamara and Mrs. Harriet Turay as members noting that they would be assisted by the UNDP to bring in the Specialist that they would source and provide the expert advice that would be required by the Committee. President Koroma told them that the Secretary to the President would be instructed to send them their appointment letters for them to be sworn in and start work immediately. He intimated that on the second issue of the incident he is yet to have a reaction from the consulted people on the appointment pointing out that it is not an easy task as there are many activities involved. However the President noted they would agree on the names in their next meeting.
Also today the Electoral Commissioner to the North, Mohamed Nfa Alie Conteh took the oath of office before President Koroma at State House. Presenting the Commissioner the Chairman National Electoral Commission, Dr. Christiana Thorpe expressed appreciation for ensuring their full quota saying the newly appointed Commissioner is from the ranks. She described the event as an epoch making one and noted that the Commission is now up to international standards with Professionals who have gained a lot of experience and are experts in the business of elections going into policy level. Dr. Thorpe revealed that this signifies the fact that the nation is going to get better elections in the future. President Koroma congratulated the Commissioner for his appointment noting that he is no stranger to the Commission being engaged with it for the past nineteen years. The President told him that he has been considered for the position because of his exemplary performance exhibited in the Commission over the years. He added that it is hoped that his appointment would enhance the capacity of the Commission at policy level and that his appointment would serve as a motivation to others and enhance the professionalism. As a nation he reiterated they are very proud of the Commission as it has made them proud due to their outstanding performance in the last general elections which has earned Sierra Leone both national and international accolade. The President also announced that an Award has been given to the Chairperson by Germany for the diligent discharge of her duties saying his appointment would go in as a continuation of the good work of the Commission. President Koroma made it clear that there is no doubt that the Country has a reliable Electoral Commission and only need to ensure that the structures that would strengthen their capacity be put in place while awaiting the next general elections. Meanwhile members of the Justice Sector called on President Koroma today at State House.
Presenting the Special Envoy from the Carter Center USA, Josephus Tenga, the National Coordinator for the Justice Sector Sarah Lewis said realizing the President’s political will and personal interest for the Justice Sector and access to justice to make it affordable for everyone they are obliged to support and enhance his efforts. She added that they have noticed that the area of primary justice which is used by majority of the population is a cause for concern. Sarah Lewis disclosed they are obliged to ensure development in that area noting that they have sent a proposal to the Carter Centre for support which came up through the relation with Mr. Tenga Assistant Director for the Carter Center who is now sent on a fact finding mission to identify some of the ingredients identified in their proposal and see how the Center could be of assistance to achieve their Goal.
The Special Envoy Josephus Tenga said the interaction was connected with his activities in Liberia where the Center gave the Government funds to restore law and order in the Country and on discussion with the relevant authorities, he was sent on a fact finding mission to Sierra Leone to see how they could replicate the same project in Country. He commended members of the justice sector for their cooperation in according the relevant information and the President’s effort in the enhancement of the justice sector. Mr. Tenga implored the President to ensure the fast tracking of the bill on the justice sector and to have direct contact with Former President Carter to enhance the process. He disclosed that there are a lot of rapped up opportunities to be gained from the Carter Center as soon as the personal contact is established. President Koroma registered appreciation for his initiative to help in the development of Sierra Leone adding that he has made salient moves in the sector but there is still much to be done as seventy percent of the population is still denied justice in the primary sector. The President reiterated they have included in their justice sector review issues that would address the primary sector but despite the ongoing of the review, commitments made in terms of providing funding are still not met thus the existence of a gap. In that connection he stated he is convinced that the establishment of contact with the Carter Center is a step in the right direction at this point in time and assured him that it would be done immediately.
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