The Opposition Whip in Parliament, Honourable Hassan Abdoul Sesay, on Tuesday 10th November 2020 assured that the newly approved Chairman and Commissioner of the National Telecommunication Company (NATCOM) Ambassador Joseph Christopher Blell will transform the entity based on his past experience.
Seconding the Motion for approval, Hon. Hassan Abdoul Sesay described the newly approved NATCOM Chairman as a ‘selfless man’ who seeks pleasure in working with people from all walks of life irrespective of their educational or financial strength, disclosing that Amb. Blell demonstrated his leadership qualities while serving as Manager of the Old Edwardian Football Club and also in national services in various positions.
He assured that the nominees before them are qualified and fit to occupy their various positions, disclosing that the newly approved Deputy Head of Mission to Germany, Fatmata Edna Kargbo, had served in various diplomatic positions before serving as Protocol to President Julius Maada Bio.
According to him, the approved Deputy Ambassador to Ethiopia, Duwai Sellu Lungay, has all the good attributes of a diplomat which he believe will help market the country to his counterparts, adding that the approved Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency, Lieutenant General Rtd Brima Sesay is not only suitable for the job but well placed based on his disciplinary role exhibited while serving at RSLAF.
The Hon. Paramount Chief from Tonkolili, P.C. Bai Kurr Kanagbaro Sanka III described the composition of the nominees as indicative of unity across the country where everyone is seen as one family, stating that Ambassador Blell’s patriotic nature contributed immensely to the peace of this nation.
The Deputy Opposition Leader in Parliament, Hon Ibrahim Ben Kargbo assured the new NATCOM Boss of Parliament’s support towards rebranding the Institution that have been facing series of challenges.
Hon Saa Emerson Lamina called on the nominees to perform their duties building and selling the country’s image towards attracting potential investors in the areas of trade, commerce and development, urging the new Disaster Managment Director General to pay close attention to disaster prone areas especially the mining communities.
Rounding up the debate, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah, expressed appreciation for the nominees whom he said are qualified to represent the country in various capacities. He disclosed that NATCOM with their new Boss will regain its past glory based on Amb. Blell’s experience, adding that the current management of NATCOM is young and it requires an experienced person to push it forward.
The Opposition Leader applauded President Bio for adding to the female quota by appointing Ambassador Fatmata Edna Kargbo whom he described as a ‘hardworking woman with substance’.
According to him, had it not been for the age limit in the Constitution the new Disaster Management Boss should still occupy his position in the military where he helped instill discipline which earned him respect until his retirement. Describing Ambassador Lungay, he stated “he was my best teacher and I was also one of his best student at St. Edwards”.
The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, expressed appreciation to MPs for not including politics when contributing on the debate, disclosing that the nominees are symbols of good representatives of Sierra Leone with wealth of experience in national service including diplomatic missions, humility, business, professionalism, politics, military, and reputable characters among others.
The following presidential nominees were approved by Parliament:
- Ambassador Joseph Christopher Blell-Chairman and Commissioner, National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM)
- Ambassador Fatmata Edna Kargbo-Deputy Head of Mission, Sierra Leone Embassy Federal Republic of Germany
- Duwai Sellu Lungay-Deputy Ambassador, Sierra Leone Embassy, Federal Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia and
- Gen. Rtd Brima Sesay-Director General, National Disaster Management Agency
By Alhaji Manika Kamara