By Alusine A. Sesay
Many of you were undoubtedly taken aback by yesterday’s announcement from the Bio government that The Office of National Security (ONS) has unilaterally cancelled the much-anticipated Lantern Parade, which was intended to mark this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
According to the ONS statement, the decision was made due to “grave safety concerns.”
Let’s be clear about one thing: the decision to reinstate the Lantern Parade over 45 days ago was nothing more than political theatre-a calculated gambit designed to distract the populace.
It served as a classic case of misdirection, BURYING INCONVENIENT HEADLINES and shifting public focus to a so-called “grand event.”
And, as history has shown time and again, a staggering over 70% of Sierra Leoneans are all too easily swayed by such diversions.
If some of you have been paying attention, there remains ONE particular SCANDAL that has STUBBORNLY REFUSED TO FADE into obscurity. –one that continues to cast a long shadow over the Bio administration. Unlike the many so-called breaking news stories that have conveniently disappeared over time, this one has persisted, making waves both domestically and across international media. —
Yes, I’m referring to the COCAINE SCANDAL. This matter persists stubbornly, and it simply won’t disappear.
Therefore, to suppress the public discourse surrounding this debacle, the government hastily announced the return of the Lantern Parade.–a dazzling but hollow spectacle, pulled from thin air without any genuine intent to follow through.-
It was the lowest-hanging fruit, if you ask me.– an opportunistic smokescreen to DIVERT ATTENTION.– Predictably, many fell for it.
But now, with the abrupt cancellation, the true nature of this deception has been laid bare.
Yet, as if the cancellation itself were not already an insult to an economically battered nation, the ramifications of this ill-conceived decision are far-reaching—impacts that those behind this proclamation seemingly failed to consider.
Let me list 2 obvious ramifications:-
1) Another hidden Blow to Sierra Leone.
This announcement further entrenches the PERCEPTION that Sierra Leone is plagued by instability and insecurity.–an image that is catastrophic for prospective investors, tourists, and businesses alike.
The message is clear: this is a country where even a simple cultural celebration cannot be safely managed. Foreign and domestic investors, already hesitant, will see this as yet another reason to steer clear, fearing unrest, economic unpredictability, and potential losses.-
And as confidence dwindles, so too will the already fragile Leone, sinking further into depreciation.
2) The Financial Burden on Deceived Participants.
Then there are the unsuspecting groups and communities across the country who had been encouraged. –if not outright lured—into preparing for this so-called parade. (i saw the list over 2 weeks ago).
For the past 45 days, these individuals on that list, have invested their hard-earned savings in elaborate lantern constructions, costumes, and craft expertise, anticipating a showcase that was, in reality, NEVER MEANT TO HAPPEN. –And now, at the eleventh hour, they are told that it was all for nothing?
These individuals deserve full monetary compensation for their wasted investments. The financial toll on these participants is not trivial, and to cancel such an event on a whim without due compensation is both reckless and unjust. If there is any legal representative with an ounce of integrity, they should take up this case and demand proper restitution/compensation from the government. —
The government must take this as a lesson: the people are not mere pawns in a game of political deception. If an administration wishes to use public sentiment as a tool for distraction, it must at least have the foresight to follow through.–or face the consequences.
And to you the people out there, I say this: Take note. The next time the government announces a sudden, glittering initiative, ask yourself: What are they trying to hide?
