By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings
A Surreal Encounter with His Excellency: My Unexpected One-Hour Meeting with the President of Sierra Leone
After weeks of anticipation and countless efforts to secure a one-hour engagement with His Excellency, the President of Sierra Leone, I was finally granted the rare opportunity. The journey leading to this momentous occasion was filled with uncertainty and profound introspection.
It all started on a quiet Saturday morning, when an unusual call came through. The call was strange, not just because it bore no number, but because it seemed to pierce through the ordinary into something almost surreal. I hesitated for a moment, fearing the all-too-common threat of a scam. Yet, in that moment of doubt, I offered a silent prayer, seeking divine guidance as I answered.
To my astonishment, it was none other than the First Gentleman of the Republic himself. The President called me by name, expressing that he had seen and appreciated my works and writings. He mentioned the letters I had written, persistently requesting a conversation with him, and to my amazement, he granted my request. Our meeting was scheduled for the following Saturday at 10 a.m. His final words were a heartfelt wish of good fortune.
The weight of the President’s words lingered long after the call ended. I was engulfed in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. How was it possible that my silent efforts had reached the highest office in the land? The popular adage echoed in my mind: “Do your work in silence, and God who sees in silence will reward you openly.”
As the day of the meeting drew closer, my mind raced with possibilities. I found myself pondering a series of critical questions:
- Should I seize this opportunity to advance my personal ambitions for wealth and recognition?
- Would this encounter lead to a prestigious job, perhaps sealing my fate in the eyes of many?
- Could I be coerced into aligning with the ruling party, despite my independent stance?
- Would my critical writings, sometimes perceived as oppositional, lead to repercussions during this meeting?
- Most importantly, would this encounter change my life and that of my family for the better?
Ultimately, I resolved to stay true to my convictions. I would focus on the core issues affecting the Sierra Leonean people, acknowledging the President’s good works while advocating for urgent needs.
The day arrived, and as I stepped into the Presidential quarters, I was welcomed with an unexpected warmth. The President’s demeanor was striking—he was open-handed, approachable, and surprisingly easy to converse with. His intelligence was evident, and his desire for the best outcomes for all Sierra Leoneans was unmistakable. Yet, beneath his warmth was a resolute strictness, a reminder of the weight of his office.
Our discussion was candid and covered a range of critical issues:
- Basic Commodities: I urged the President to address the scarcity and high cost of essential goods, which have become a cry for many Sierra Leoneans.
- Price Control: We discussed the urgent need for measures to stabilize prices, preventing exploitation and ensuring that basic needs remain within reach for all.
- Exchange Rates: The fluctuating exchange rates have been a source of economic instability, and I implored the President to find sustainable solutions.
- High Taxes: The burden of rising taxes was another key concern. I emphasized the need for a balanced approach that stimulates economic growth without stifling the everyday citizen.
- Job Opportunities: The lack of sufficient employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, was a pressing issue. I encouraged the President to expand initiatives that create sustainable jobs.
- Agriculture: As a critical sector for our nation’s development, I highlighted the importance of reinvigorating agricultural practices, ensuring food security, and boosting the economy.
In response, the President acknowledged these concerns, reiterating that they were integral to his manifesto. He expressed his commitment to tackling these challenges with the wisdom and dedication that has guided his tenure thus far.
As our time drew to a close, I thanked His Excellency for the opportunity to meet and discuss these pressing issues. It was a gesture that left an indelible mark on me—a reminder of the power of perseverance, the importance of advocacy, and the profound impact that a single voice can have when it speaks truth to power.
In the end, I walked away from that meeting not with promises of personal gain, but with a renewed sense of purpose—to continue my work, advocating for the betterment of Sierra Leone and its people, knowing that even in the highest halls of power , our voices can indeed be heard.
