Journalist Warns Jagaban on Conflict of Interest in Presidential Bid

Journalist Warns Jagaban on Conflict of Interest in Presidential Bid

Journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray has issued a cautionary statement regarding the potential for conflicts of interest should businessman and politician Alhaji Mohamed Omodu Kamara, known as Jagaban, pursue the presidency without a clear demarcation between his extensive private business interests and public office.

During a recent broadcast, Mansaray acknowledged Jagaban's visible community projects but stressed that these activities should not overshadow the fundamental governance concerns arising from the intersection of corporate and political power. 

He warned that a national leader maintaining control over private enterprises could blur the critical line between business and government, potentially leading to public decisions being perceived as serving private interests, thereby eroding public trust.

Mansaray emphasized that the concentration of political influence and economic power necessitates strong institutional safeguards and clear ethical frameworks to maintain accountability. While affirming that businesspeople should not be excluded from politics, he underscored the need for their political involvement to be guided by utmost transparency and responsibility. 

He concluded by stressing that if Jagaban seeks the presidency, robust measures, such as stepping away from direct business involvement, must be implemented to ensure that national policy is driven solely by the public interest, which is critical for long-term stability and good governance.