Concord Times (Freetown)
PEL Koroma
21 November 2008
Certainly after this year's executive elections, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) will never be the same. As I disembarked from my late home travel from the back breaking press work last night, I was confronted by an owner of a Kiorsk just at my junction who curiously asked me when is the SLAJ elections. I was amazed that the election has actually hit the waves that much to the extent that the society of Sierra Leone is keenly watching what the out come of the elections would be. When has SLAJ got so much momentum? Why is it that SLAJ wants to take its proper place as the fourth arm of government?
Who ever emerged as the victor after the presidential election will surely herald a new dawn in the history of the association. As Sky Gallegos, a democratic supporter and public speaker who was in Sierra Leone on the invitation of the US Embassy relayed to her audience, that personality of political leaders count so much in influencing interests of the general populace. That the dispositions of leaders go a long way in impacting the society they represent.
This brings credit to the Titans currently fighting for supremacy in the association of journalists. I humbly register my congratulations to Mr. Philip Neville, Mr. Karim Sei and Mr. Umaru Fofana for bringing prominence to the association. The state of affairs of the association has triggered these honorable men to come up and say enough is enough. Journalism is a profession that needs some respect and independent control. They all have leadership qualities that the association will benefit from and the wider society in particular. The tidal wave of change has swept across the country. The general course seems to have been discovered and people intend harnessing it to the fullest. There is an urgent call for the association to remain as a unit for the sake of society that we serve.
As watch dogs of society, the brightest example of quality leadership should be manifested, allowing democracy to have its toll on the association for others to emulate especially the other three arms of government.
But first, a strong leadership is needed for SLAJ- honest, attractive and proactive in responding to the demands of society for the truth, education and help chart the way forward for national unity and development. After this election, no journalist would be dismissed by politicians as a mischief maker let alone any body think that they would be able to regulate the association at will- no way. The type of leaders that would emerge this time, have records of not bowing to any pressure. These are hard core professionals who have defied the dictates of gun totting boys and I can't say now that democracy is at work. There is hope for change.
For Karim Sei, he has said that he should be given the chance to take the highest seat in SLAG because he has been in the administration and wants to use his package of experience to give a face lift to the association .His supporters will tell you that Karim has manned the secretariat for the last four years and therefore should continue by taken over the presidency of the association. Some even admire his calm nature and receptive attitude.
Others would say he is not the fire brand that the association is badly yearning for. That he would not be adequate enough to match the trying conditions of the profession. Some believe a fire brand leader is now needed to spear head the media considering the complex issues at stake. Yet, Karim can not be under estimated. I recently bumped into a colleague who told me he would be voting for Karim because of his hard work. I was surprised because this colleague has a close tie with one of the other contenders which I know of but opted for Karim. Watch out
Philip Neville for sure is a fighter and has made remarkable scores in the field of journalism. He is like the former KGB boss in the old soviet block.-fearless, uncompromising, no permanent friend but pursue interests. He has the impetus to move SLAJ to higher heights. Some say he is a very kind man that has been personally seeking the interest of fellow journalists' .He has been always playing the big brother role in the association. Even though much could not be written about his brief stay at the presidency after I.B.Kargbo was catapulted to the executive arm of government, it is to his credit that he recently defended colleague journalists that were humiliated by the Sierra Leone police.
But Neville's leadership has been questioned because of his affiliations, attachments and mingling. This, his colleagues believe will deter his independence. Some say he will not give flavor to the association because of his style of practicing the sacred profession that hinges on objectivity. He has answered a lot of questions with the Independent Media Commission (IMC) which they say will surely dent the credibility of the association. That Neville manufactures stories that have seen him at logger heads with members of the society which pundits say will not augur well for the prestige that the association badly needs to restore. Yet, he says he is ready to fight now than ever. I met a dogmatic supporter of Neville who will not listen to any thing negative about his man. Watch out.
Umaru Fofana has brought fan fire into the race. His foxy type attitude has earned him the name 'OBAMA,'a synonym to change. As his name suggests, he said he is poised to introduce best practice into the profession. He wants to use his achievements as a sign post that a journalist can be a successful man with out fictitious activities. He is bent on bringing dignity and respect into the profession. His supporters will tell you that Fofana is a hard knot very difficult to untie, most especially on the ground of principles. Some will say Fofana has brought laurels to the nation, coupled with his articulateness; he advanced for the introduction of NASSIT for media practitioners. Since his BBC report that journalists are not privileged with NASSIT, most media houses have now made it available. Some believe Fofana is the right man because he can prove to be independent and had long since divorced himself from the caprices of business houses and
politicians that have been meddling in the affairs of the association. I was glued to my seat when Fofana waved out his untampered voter registration card at his launching in order to allay the fears that he is partisan. It may surprise the public to learn that Fofana did not vote in the last presidential, parliamentary and local council elections. He said he wanted to treat his conscience to the best; that he has no one to favor in his reporting as a journalist. He said it was no accident nor of any inconvenience but out of his own making and self discipline. His backers say he epitomizes the light in darkness and SLAJ under his leadership will definitely touch the sky.
Some are critical and refers to him as an elitist. That Fofana has been always quitting when it is hot, leaving others to wallow rather than help carve out solutions. His international assignments others say will hamper the progress of the association as he would be in Somalia today, Afghanistan tomorrow and next tomorrow, he would be in the Bulkan peninsula.
But Fofana said at his launching that serving his nation is paramount to him now as he has got the international belt which he would use to turn around the demise of journalists in the country.
The essence as of now is for the association to remain as a unit. People should compete on friendly terms as the issues at stake are many. The election should not divide the association. All contenders have shown maturity and I hope such an atmosphere will continue. After all it is a jaw breaking assignment that needs concerted effort of all members of the association. I am of the fervent belief that all the candidates are good people but lets open up our minds to get the best as of now. Let us set the good example as whistle blowers, banking on the America style of democracy that puts nation first, so also should members put the survival of SLAJ first. Our actions should transcend personal interest.
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