By Richmond B. Tholley
True revolution is not just about politics or violence; it is about a deep, internal transformation. If a movement does not inspire people on a personal level, it will fade away. Sustainable change requires passion, vision, and a shift in consciousness. Revolutions that lack heart and purpose collapse under their own weight. Only those who inspire the human spirit can last.
This was how Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, the small boy who was once underrated, ended up finding himself at the centre of politics of one of Sierra Leone’s politically sensitive Chiefdoms (Yoni Mamaila and Mabanta).
Hon. Aaron Koroma is a revolutionary politician whose remarkable leadership and dedication towards community development has impacted Yoni Chiefdom and beyond.
A revolutionist is someone who wants to change the world — not just sitting around talking about it but actually doing something to bring about positive change.
Like Che Guevara, Vladimir Lenin, and Mahatma Gandhi, who have been considered revolutionists, Hon. Koroma has not only proven to be a revolutionist and development colossus, but he has also proved wrong his critics who once called him a small boy who wouldn't withstand the rigours of politics and leave behind a legacy.
Though Honourable Aaron Aruna Koroma has long developed a passion for politics and has served as president of Njala University and vice president of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS), respectively, the controversial parliamentary bye-elections in 2013 brought him to the political limelight.
The parliamentary seat in Mile 91 went vacant following the appointment of the then MP Mathew Timbo as Minister of Labour. To replace Timbo, by-elections were declared, and it's the very election that brought on the limelight a man many never believe will deliver.
During the said elections, Koroma faced a lot of financial constraints and intimidation from his competitors. He was, however, able to stand the test of time and won the parliamentary seat in constituency 048 Tonkolili
Honestly, Hon. Aaron Koroma disappointed his critics, who once believed a small boy couldn't change the narrative of politics in Yoni Chiefdom. The old politicians from the All People's Congress in the area were not only sceptical of the capability of the young man, but they also held the view that Koroma was a small boy at the time to play the role.
The man of the moment at the time, John Sallu Gbla, was the one seen as a replacement for Timbo by many APC grassroots. While Mile 91 and Yoni Chiefdom were waiting for Gbla, there came a tall, lanky boy from nowhere, and this man is today the Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, who ended up breaking political records and setting boundaries.
His announcement as the APC candidate in that election ignited tension and intra-party wrangling. Amidst the unforeseen political stalemate, the late Dr. Bah saw something in Hon. Aaron Koroma that the majority never believe will happen.
Several years down the road, the small boy from Yoni Chiefdom has broken barriers in politics that some of his peers and even superiors haven't.
During his first term of office, he was able to take up some major development strides, which won the admiration of his people, who ensured he was re-elected in 2018 for a second term.
He has a passion for transparency and accountability and, as an Honourable Member, was appointed as the Deputy Chairman for the Agriculture Committee in the House of Parliament. He is a member of three other committees in Parliament: Tertiary Education, Transparency and Accountability, and Public Accounts Committees. He is also a member of the Sierra Leone delegation to the ACP-EU Group of States.
From Yoni Chiefdom, where the majority believed the now Deputy Leader Two of the main opposition was a small boy to the world.
Under his astute leadership, Yoni Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, and Sierra Leone have significantly benefitted.
While we celebrate his exemplary leadership, it's worth noting that Hon. Koroma has stood the test of time and has disappointed those who say a small boy can't do it. Hon Aaron Koroma is indeed the stone the builder rejected but ended up becoming the foundation of the house.
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