Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio (C) delivers a speech during the inauguration ceremony in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, May 12, 2018.  (Xinhua/Shi Song)

Free Town, May 13, 2018 (AltAfrika)– Sierra Leone President, Julius Maada Bio on Saturday promised to provide disciplined and inclusive leadership for Sierra Leoneans as well as prosecute a sustainable war on indiscipline, corruption and poverty.

Bio also called on the public to help him transform the West African nation, which is struggling to recover from an economic downturn and a deadly Ebola epidemic.

The former army junta who was elected after a hotly contested election on March 31 and sworn in as president on April 4, was inaugurated on Saturday in a colourful ceremony at the Siaka Steven Stadium in Freetown.

In his inaugural speech, the president said “I am aware that we have been elected on a ticket for change which fuels immediate expectations to deliver not only on the basic administrative services but also to change the lives of the people of this country,”

He emphasised that the only way change could happen and happen fast was through a disciplined administration and a united front from all Sierra Leoneans pledging an all inclusive government,  “I am president for all Sierra Leoneans irrespective political or regional belongings.”

Maada Bio’s campaign promise to revive the economy and fight poverty resonated with ordinary Sierra Leoneans, many of whom queued for hours to attend the inauguration.

He reiterated his commitment to the provision of free quality education as the flagship program of his new administration.

Bio noted that despite the economic mess he inherited “I am optimistic that change is possible.”

He cited discipline as the underlined principle of his new administration and that he would declare three peaceful democratic wars on indiscipline, corruption and poverty.

“I will provide disciplined leadership to drive this Democratic peaceful war.”

He also highlighted youth empowerment as one of his priorities and promised to build on and consolidate bilateral relationship Sierra Leone has with other countries.