While showering due praises on the Minister of Energy and Power, Haja Afsatu Kabba on Thursday October 23 2008, Information and Communication Minister, Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo says the recently published Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) report in relation to the contract agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Income Electrix Company Limited did suggests problems in the procurement process but also clearly states that the process was free of any corrupt practice.
"This alone exonerated the Minister of Energy and Power, Haja Afsatu Kabba," Alhaji Kargbo confidently asserted, while adding that Afsatu Kabba is certainly one of the most outstanding and hard working minister the APC administration can boast of.
The minister was speaking during the weekly government press briefing at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information and Communication.
Alhaji I.B Kargbo says the APC led government prioritized the provision of sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity during and after the 2007 elections, adding that the Minister of Energy and Power took the bull by the horn in an effort to actualize President Koroma’s political and national proclamation.
"With the zeal and enthusiasm of Afsatu Kabba, the country is at present enjoying the benefit of efficiently managed electricity that the country has long been looking forward to for the past decades," I.B Kargbo said.
He spoke of the minister’s commitment towards addressing both the electricity situation and the provision of potable water not only for Freetown but the entire country.
"Afsatu Kabba is so committed to meeting her ministry’s goals to an extent that she sometimes disrupt cabinet meetings in order to put across matters pertaining electricity and water supply," Alhaji Kargbo said, while questioning thus: "Who will have the zeal, enthusiasm, commitment and support from staff which Afsatu Kabba presently controls?"
He however pointed out that Afsatu Kabba and the entire cabinet will not allow themselves to be swayed by undue attacks, while emphasizing that the minister will ignore destructive criticism and assiduously work towards achieving tangible developments.
As if that was not enough for the Energy and Power Minister, the Chairperson of the National Power Authority (NPA) Board, Maude Peacock made praiseworthy remarks in an introductory statement of the minister that spans for over thirty (30) minutes during the government press briefing.
This introduction was severally interrupted with thunderous applauds from the high table itself, NPA staff and down to the journalists.
"Afsatu Kabba has transformed President Koroma’s political proclamation in a reality," Madam Peacock reiterated, while stating that Haja Kabba had once again proved beyond all reasonable doubt to be a woman of substance making difference anywhere she found herself.
She says Afsatu Kabba had already made a name for herself well even before she was appointed Minister of Energy and Power, while adding that his achievements has also lured her to international recognition.
"She is the President of the West Africa Power Pool of Energy Ministers," she said, while adding that Afsatu Kabba’s remarkable roles of being a woman leader, advocate and gender activist has earned her a commendable status among the Sierra Leonean populace.
Madam Peacock says Haja Kabba has executed major roles in the country’s insurance industry for over sixteen years, while stating that she is indeed a role model who deserves encouragement and emulation.
Similar commendations were recently made by His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma and the All People’s Congress (APC) Party Secretary General, Victor Bockarie Foh.
"Hurray! thumbs up! thank you Haja Afsatu Kabbah for actualizing President Koroma’s electricity proclamation. You have done nothing wrong." These were the exact words of Victor Bockarie Foh over a recent UN Radio Tea Break programme.
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Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.