For the first time in years, there is one agenda facing the opposition SLPP, and it is not about personalities and who should be elected as presidential candidate to contest the elections in 2018.
That agenda is about fighting for the heart and soul of Sierra Leone; keeping the country together as one country, rather than carving it up into political and tribal enclaves, using bogus census figures, that can only sow the seeds of discontent and injustice for the next civil war in Sierra Leone.
This agenda has brought together party bosses, stakeholders and the warring factions at the party headquarters in Freetown, where they are planning national strategies, and how best to present a unified and coordinated voice as a strong opposition and credible government in waiting.
A position paper was presented yesterday to stakeholders attending the meeting for ownership, by Dr. Bundu. The National Chairman and party leader – chief Kapen led the discussions.
According to the acting SLPP national secretary general – Alie Badara Kamara; “Very meaningful contributions were made by various stakeholders, including Dr. Kadie Sesay, Dr. Alie Kabbah, Engineer Francis Lahai, and Professor Bob Kandeh. The position paper was unanimously endorsed by all stakeholders.
“In follow up to the position paper, three Committees were formed. They include: the technical, the media and the political committee.
“The technical committee headed by Professor Bob Kandeh, is to collaborate with Statistics S/L, in order to make sure that they give us accurate figures and distribution of the country’s population.
“A media committee headed by the national secretary general – Alie Badara Kamara, will engage the media across the country to propagate the party’s position.
“The political committee headed by Dr. Alex Prince Harding, is to mediate with both diplomatic corps and government, so as to ensure that the census figures reflect the actual strength & distribution of the country’s population.
“The committees will meet again today, Thursday, 7th April, to discuss terms of reference and kick start their operations.”
The rank and file members of the SLPP – both at home and abroad do have strong feelings and views about the direction of travel for the party. Party bosses must listen to these and take them on board, rather than be ignored. Peace must be consolidated – bottom-up.
