Joseph Deema, the newly elected Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Holland Branch, has called upon all Sierra Leoneans to unite in solidarity with the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Bio in her fight against historical mining injustices. He emphasized that this is not merely the First Lady’s battle, but a struggle to liberate Sierra Leone from the exploitation of its natural resources.
The current situation involving Koidu Holdings Limited, the First Lady, and the grievances of the thousand workers highlights the ongoing issue of mining injustices that have hindered Sierra Leone’s progress since independence. ‘’Despite the abundance of natural resources, the nation has seen minimal developmental returns. Even the percentage of profits allocated to the country is insufficient for meaningful development. Let alone the development of the mining operational areas. The First Lady in her role as the President’s wife, is advocating for fair benefits from these resources, not only for the people of Kono, but for all Sierra Leoneans,’’ Deema stated.
Deema urged citizens to transcend political affiliations and support the First Lady’s objective, as it is a crucial step towards economic justice and national development. He lamented that the fact that a nation rich in natural resources still relies on foreign aid for national development projects. He credited the First Lady as a pioneer in leading this fight, and recognized her as a champion of Sierra Leone’s economic justice.
Speaking as the PRO for the SLPP Holland Branch, but also as a concerned Sierra Leonean, Deema stressed the urgent need for change. He asserted that the time for action is now. He called for collective support for the First Lady’s dynamic leadership in achieving economic justice for Sierra Leone.
“We must stand together and reject this injustice,” he concluded.
