Bio calls for SLPP unity

Ahead of the party’s national delegates’ conference and amid a groundswell of internal squabbling, the erstwhile presidential flag-bearer of the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party has called for unity among members. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Julius Maada Bio urged members to “be united, respectful of our party’s values, and mindful of the fact that in adversity or in joy, we belong to the same family – the SLPP family.” He lamented over recent developments in the party which has set one faction against the other leading to sometimes violent clashes and the involvement of police against one side or the other. He said political infighting within the party has “opened up raw emotions” with some abandoning the party “for diverse reasons”. He called on members to desist from violence or any form of intimidation during the delegates’ conference. “I personally have nothing to gain from participating in, orchestrating, aiding and abetting, or causing violence in my party and in this country. I have never directed, participated in, and caused violence in this party” he said and denounced all forms of violence or threats against any party member. “Those who use violence as a form of political expression do not do so in my name and not even in the name of our party. I therefore strongly advise all persons who perpetuate violence in the name of anyone or in the name of any interest group to desist forthwith” he said. © Politico 15/08/13