State House Uses Favoritism and Familiarity to Embarrass J.B Dauda

25/01/2012 Othman Sheriff

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, J.B. Dauda is reportedly “very upset” after he received a directive from State House, over-turning an earlier decision he had taken to recall home, all foreign service personnel serving in different embassies and high commissions who have exceeded a period of four years.

With particular reference to the Sierra Leone High Commission in London, the Secretary to the President, Mr. E.B. Osho Coker, in a letter  dated 5th January, 2012 said, “I write with reference to my minute dated 24th August 2011 conveying His Excellency the President’s approval of the postings proposals submitted to him under cover of your minute of 22nd August 2011.

Consequent upon a review of the situation at the Sierra Leone High Commission in London, His Excellency the President has directed as follows:-

(1) On humanitarian grounds, Mr. Sahr P. Demba should remain posted to the mission as this will provide him the opportunity for medical monitoring which requires clinical attendance every two months and supply of medications. The Ministry should also regularize Mr. Demba’s position following his recent promotion to the rank of Permanent Secretary.

(2) The posting of Mrs. Josephine Marah should be extended for a period of one year”.

Mr. J.B. Dauda had boasted, in an interview in New York, in September last year, that, he was going to ensure that nobody interferes with the postings that had been approved by the President in August last year. This latest review of the posting shows that some influence peddling had taken place at State House.

One would like to know whether a health problem is a conceivable reason to prolong diplomat’s assignment in a foreign country.  If the government really intend to help the sick diplomat, why not send him on seek leave and provide him the required medical treatment? Should other diplomats, who have been recalled home, present genuine sick reports, would they be granted the same concession?  Has the government ever posted abroad any civil servant because of health reasons? Why only Mr. Demba?

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About Othman Sheriff 350 Articles
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.

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