Fourah Bay College Students’ Union Government gives a “ridiculously supernatural” explanation on uncovered bank shares – Opinion, Historical Facts, Analysis

The natural survival of the political affairs of the state and its potential benefits ultimately lies in the hands of young people. Therefore, speaking the truth and handling positions of trust in apt diligence and sincerity, is one test that young people must recover.

Fourah Bay College Students’ Union Government (FBC-SUG) have luckily and unexpectedly charged response to the scores of allegations levied against them on the revelations of covert shares bought in a bank. Unfortunately, the story is wholely dipped in the waters of confusion, and subterfuge. A bizarre attestation that prompts supernatural imagination and delusions.

SYNOPSIS

A representative from the SUG published a letter, addressing allegations on the famous claim that shares were bought by them. In that release, they highlighted how they consulted the Ex-president to know whether he bought shares, but he denied it. They wrote a letter to the bank seeking clarification and they were assured that the shares were as a result of 1977 dealing the SUG at that time, had with the bank. Below is the letter:

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF 1977 AND FACTS

1977 in the minds of the olden generation was an eventful year. President Siaka Stevens, an authoritarian and a despot, was in charge at all levels. Furthermore, he succeeded in muzzling the opposition and every other dissenting voice. At that time, the economic situation was unfavourable, corruption was endemic, nepotism and politicization of state machinery was the order of the day. For students, it was equally worse. Poor educational facilities, the inadequacy of jobs, and the poor living conditions of students were enough to ignite a revolution and a radical response to the challenges at hand.

On January 27th, Fourah Bay College students fearlessly stormed the annual Congregation for the Conferment of Degrees, with placards and anti-government slogans directed towards Siaka Stevens. They demanded several benefits including free and fair elections. The defiance persuaded the president, the chancellor at that time, to flee the scene.

Two days later, the Internal Security Unit (ISU) stormed the campus in an unpardonable rage, inflicting violence on staff and students. Buildings were ransacked and threats were even made to close the institution.

1977 witnessed a series of violence including political turmoil. Now, the actual point is that hardship was rife across all levels. Instability too. Therefore, the possibility of the SUG, at that initial period, to acquire shares at Barclays bank (the first name for Rokel Commercial Bank), was absolutely impossible.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

The publication by the SUG has prompted questions that are yet unanswered. Who was the SUG president, if there was any, in 1977? We have seen a very straightforward letter explaining in detail that fully paid ordinary shares were bought on the 16th October 2020. Why are we yet to see a document admitting to the claim of 1977? How was it possible for the SUG of 1977 to ridiculously buy shares worth millions? There was excruciating poverty at the time. We had 11 years of civil war that started in the 90s and spanned on to the early 2000s. Were dividends yielded? Were those shares agreements in place? Can we see the 1977 agreement with Barclay’s name attached to it?

I am sure a concerned student equally shares the same suspicion. Funnily enough, it is more of a mere joke and opportune glee for those connected. However, the SUG promised to be accountable to members of the union (students). Therefore, accountability and transparency we must get.