The boss of the Civil Service who also doubles as the Cabinet Secretary Mr S.G. Pessima has sent out a note of warning to all civil servants against “active participation in politics”.
In a memo dated 10th January 2012, but which has taken time in getting around the over 70 addressees Mr Pessima drew the attention of civil servants to an observation which “has come to the attention of His Excellency The President.”
This observation he stated was “that a number of civil servants are reported to be actively involved in political party activities.” This “conduct” he stated “is directly at variance with their (civil servants) obligations under the Civil Service Code, Rules and regulations.”
Mr Pessima went on to quote item (e) (ii) of the Principles of the Civil Service which states that “Civil servants shall not take part in political party activities such as canvassing on behalf of candidates or causes, writing letters to the press on party political matters, accepting any office in any political party organization and must not be influenced by partisan political considerations to compromise their impartiality and neutrality in the discharge of their official duties.”
Somewhat ironically the memo went on to state that “Officers are however entitled to their own views on political matters and if so qualified may vote in elections.” This is not the first time that President Koroma has drawn attention to Civil Servants being involved in elections. Infact this call has been made at least twice since he assumed the presidency.
Some civil servants have described the directives as hypocritical. They say the head of the Civil Service has failed to draw the attention of the politicians and especially some ministers – to the next section of the civil service codes section (e) (iii) which states that “Civil servants may not be required to give up or alter their personal views, including their political and religious convictions …”
According to some civil servants this section [(e)(iii)] is more crucial since civil servants are being bullied and victimized by Ministers because of their alleged political convictions. They claim that this action has been effected by transfers and long and extensive leaves even when they are not due. This is why they say the directive is hypocritical on the side of the head of the Civil Service.
Most civil servants have been critical of the way in which postings have been done and question whether infact it should be done by the civil service boss or the human resources boss. The critical issue here has been the question of “official age” as against real biological age. Those who should have retired long ago and who are age mates of the civil service boss are still being retained in the service thereby clogging up the promotion ladder. These are the issues that should be addressed even more seriously that threatening those who hold contrary political views.
Othman Sheriff is an experienced Sierra Leonean development professional, peacebuilding practitioner, professional journalist and human rights advocate with over two decades of engagement in community development, youth empowerment, education, humanitarian assistance and international development cooperation. Born and raised in Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone, he has dedicated much of his professional career to improving the socioeconomic conditions of vulnerable and marginalised populations, particularly disadvantaged young people, women, children and underserved rural communities.
As the Founder and Programme Director of Youth in Action for Development (YAD), Sheriff has played a leading role in mobilising international development assistance and coordinating community-driven interventions aimed at poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion and grassroots development. Over the years, he has facilitated the mobilisation and implementation of development projects worth billions of Leones, supported by international development partners, including European development institutions, humanitarian organisations and United Nations agencies.
A committed advocate for free and inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Sheriff spearheaded the establishment of the Youth Resource Academy (YRA) in 2018, through which he has championed access to practical, employment-oriented education for underprivileged youth, particularly young women, school dropouts, single mothers, widows, unemployed youth and individuals from economically disadvantaged households. So far, the Academy has provided vocational, technical and entrepreneurship training opportunities to more than 2,000 youth helping them acquire marketable skills, pursue self-employment and improve their economic independence. He also solicit funds to provide start up kits for the youth who graduated from the academy.
In addition to his development and humanitarian work, Sheriff serves as the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Critique Echo Newspaper, using journalism as a platform to promote accountability, responsible governance, social justice and public awareness of critical socioeconomic and human rights issues.
He is a dedicate member of many international peacebuilding networks including the United Religions Initiative (URI), International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP), Intercultural Leaders Network of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC)`s Youth Solidarity Fund, and the alumni Association of King Hamad Youth Empowerment Awards.
Through his leadership, advocacy and international partnerships, Sheriff continues to champion a vision of Sierra Leone in which disadvantaged young people have equitable access to education and economic opportunities, women and girls live free from violence and discrimination, human rights are respected, and communities are empowered to pursue peaceful, inclusive and sustainable development.
The boss of the Civil Service who also doubles as the Cabinet Secretary Mr S.G. Pessima has sent out a note of warning to all civil servants against “active participation in politics”.
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