THE “UNGODLY MAN OF GOD’’ DESTROYING SLRSA
Part 5 of 50:
Flouting Right -Hand Drive National Policy, Drivers’ License Saga
By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara
There is no denying that President Bio has the best intentions for Sierra Leone, however, some of his appointed officials appear to be the primary obstacles to his vision for the country.
While the President tirelessly strives for the nation’s progress, some of his entrusted individuals seem intent on sabotaging his efforts.
One such figure is Reverend Smart Senesei, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Roads Safety Authority (SLRSA), now dubbed the ‘’Ungodly Man of God’’ for the havoc he continues to wreak on the institution.
Reverend Smart Senesei, labeled as ‘’Ungodly’’, is not only accused of incompetence but also of corruption and fostering division, which has led to the near collapse of the once thriving institution.
During his tenure, chaos seems to reign in nearly every department of the institution with no resolution in sight.
A notable issue is the adamant refusal by Reverend Smart Senesei and the board to implement the recommendations of an investigation committee calling for the dismissal of the Transport Director, Authur Brima, for illicitly registering a right-hand drive vehicle with the license plate AVH 831.
The continuous disregard for the committee’s recommendations by the ‘’Ungodly Man of God’’ not only violates the country’s right-hand drive vehicle policy but also tarnishes the institution’s reputation.
It is worth noting that in 2019, several staff members, including managers, were dismissed for similar infractions involving right-hand drive vehicles.
Despite this precedent, Reverend Smart Senesei is now perceived to be shielding wrongdoers of the same offense, for reasons speculated to involve complicity.
As the owner of the aforementioned vehicle struggles to seek justice, many are questioning why Reverend Smart Senesei would engage in corruption by protecting corrupt officials and defying the National Policy against registering right-hand drive vehicles enacted in 2011.
While the right-hand drive vehicle controversy persists, another debacle instigated by Reverend Smart Senesei has surfaced, sparking protests at the SLRSA office involving License Agents and drivers who have been unemployed for over two months due to the Executive Director’s decision to suspend license payments and production.
It is recalled that over two months ago, the Sierra Leone Parliament halted what was deemed an ‘’unreasonable’’ license price increase proposed by SLRSA.
In an apparent act of retaliation, Smart Senesei unilaterally ceased license payments and production, causing an artificial scarcity.
This unilateral action, taken without consultation with management and the board, has left thousands of drivers, particularly those in the commercial sector reliant on their licenses for livelihood, as well as agents, without work for the period under review.
Additionally, Reverend Smart Senesei’s decision has led to the proliferation of counterfeit licenses, resulting in substantial financial losses for the institution.
As the situation continues to deteriorate under his leadership, citizens are urging President Bio to promptly intervene to prevent the institution from collapsing.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director has chosen not to respond to a request for clarification from this publication.
Stay tuned for part 6 in the upcoming edition.