Skip to main content

Media Junction, Hon. Abu Abu and the Second Coming

By: Ibrahim Jalloh - (Jallomy)✍️

"It was frank, revealing, foundational and truly repentant". This was how a Civil Society advocate summed up our encounter with the Resident Minister of North East, Hon. Abu Abu on his second coming as Resident Minister.

Media Junction is running on for close to five years now but since two years ago when Hon Abu Abu was appointed Resident Minister, it was only  yesterday Sunday, June 21 that he mustered courage to face the Junction. For many public figures, Media Junction is a disturbing and discomforting moment and one that literally drags public figures to a moment of moral guilt for acts of omission or Commission.

The rancour and furor that characterised the suspension and reinstatement of Hon. Abu Abu were conditioned by a lot of externalities, prominent among which was the politics of "proving a point". In reality, it was less of the inappropriate statement made by the Honorable.

One month suspension of a serving Minister of government was an unpleasant experience. It was demoralizing, deflating and depressing. One can imagine the racing thoughts that were sweeping across the mind of the beleaguered minister. Certainly, Hon. Abu Abu was psychologically depressed, a depression that triggered regret leading to remorse and the call for forgiveness.

Hon. Abu Abu's Job has been difficult and will continue to be difficult given the context and the environment in which he operates. The North of Sierra Leone is the opposition stronghold and the district of Bombali is the heartland of the opposition with Makeni being the heart of the heartlands of the opposition. So navigating in this environment and under this context will always be challenging. It takes strong leadership and significant restraint to hold on and maintain the balance.

The statement that attracted the suspension of Hon. Abu Abu was provoked by the obvious and callous resistance to the conventional safety protocols of the Coronavirus and the related conversion of the spirit of enforcement to instruments of war as manifested in Lunsar, Tombo and Mile 38. The desparation of the moment robbed him of the understanding of the context, timing and audience. Consequently, he went wrong and attracted the wrath of the people and decisive action of the president.

Punishment has an ultimate end: refinement and restitution. It follows the sequence: crime, punishment, atonement and restitution. The cardinal objective is not to render the offender paralyzed and useless but to bounce back and make amends. I want to be bold to say this might be the consideration that pleased the president to reinstate the Honorable.

The Hon. Abu Abu has a history of unflinching loyalty to the SLPP and endurance with near actions of persecution. Realistically therefore, a single inappropriate conduct cannot easily kill that history. This was his saving grace!

The second coming of Hon. Abu Abu is a great opportunity for growth. The punishment has redemptive opportunities. He has been pardoned but he alone can redeem himself. 

Media Junction provided the biggest platform to Hon. Abu Abu to address a community with a mood at variance.

Hon. Abu Abu said and stated the right things. His mood was relaxed and truly repentant. His body language was reconciliatory and he succeeded in converting the media platform to a solid foundation for reconciliation and moving on. 

The outcome of the media Junction engagement was greater public understanding and acclamation for Hon. Abu Abu. He actually won the day and drove through the hearts and minds of the people of Makeni city, the heart of the heartlands of the opposition APC. Like the aftermath of Mark Anthony's speech in Shakespeare's Julius Ceasar, the dynamics changed after the media Junction engagement. Media Junction did not do a PR for Hon. Abu Abu but he did his assignment well and took advantage of the moment.

There are loaded lessons. The president of the republic took a decision with a clear message. Hon. Abu Abu has the greatest opportunity to right the wrong and continue in active service with the people of North East.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IMC Boss Engages Bo District Council Chairman

By: Paul Kamara The Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq, conducted a familiarization visit on Friday, 12th July 2024, to the Bo District Council Chairman, Victor Korseh Hindowa, at his Administrative Office in Falaba Section, Bo. Accompanying Chairman Kapuwa was his Executive Secretary, Mr. Khalil Kallon, along with Commissioners and staff from the Southern Region. During the visit, Mr. Khalil Kallon discussed the purpose of their visit, which was to formally introduce the IMC Chairman to the District Council Chairman, create familiarity, and provide an opportunity for Chairman Kapuwa to share his vision and aspirations for the commission. In his address to the Bo District Council Chairman, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq emphasized his commitment to meeting with various stakeholders across the country to build relationships. He also highlighted the commission's activities and its role in registering and regulating media institutions. Chairman Ka...
Post a Comment
Read more

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people.  Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him.  In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...
Post a Comment
Read more