July 6, 2017 By Mohamed Massaquoi
Show of unity: seven SLPP flag-bearer aspirants and national executives
Seven flag-bearer aspirants for the main opposition Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) have said in a joint press briefing at the party’s headquarters in Freetown that, they would remain united to pursue their common goal of winning the 2018 general elections.
Chief Ernest Ndomahina, Lawyer Alpha Timbo, Jonathan Tengbeh, Francis Lahai, Dr. Alie Kabbah, Ambassador Wurie and Retired Brigadier Maada Bio all said they were hopeful to overcome the current challenges facing the party and to fulfill promises made to the people of Sierra Leone by providing quality political leadership for the development of the country.
While reading the statement on behalf of the group, Maada Bio said challenges within SLPP have always served to increase their determination to weather the storm and that they have always provided appropriate leadership as members of the party for a peaceful resolution.
The solidarity statement came few days after Dr. Kandeh Yumekella announced he had suspended his bid to run for the flag-bearer position of the SLPP.
“I hereby wish to inform the membership of the SLPP and the public at large that I am, with immediate effect, suspending my bid for the flag-bearer of the SLPP while I strongly and robustly maintain my bid and campaign for the Presidency of the Republic of Sierra Leone, which will now move into higher gear. We will work with others to create a Grand Coalition of Progressives in a collective effort to bring hope and transformation to our country,’’ Kandeh said.
But, according to Bio, the party’s other flag-bearer aspirants were united in the firm conviction that they believe in the ideals of the SLPP.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to resolve any and all issues through internal dialogue and engagement with stakeholders. Together we will continue to widely open our doors and warmly stretch out our arms to all Sierra Leoneans with the best of intensions for our party and our nation,” he said and added that the SLPP should continue to serve as a platform of national unity and progress.
“SLPP may not have all the solutions to national issues but certainly have the best answers for now and for the future to prioritise the needs of the people and restore public trust in governance,” he concluded.