By Nasratu Kargbo
Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara has allayed the fears of their party’s elected candidates who have obeyed the party’s decision of not participating in any form of governance that they will receive their full benefits.
Kamara made this commitment to his members at a press conference held on the 3rd of October 2023 at their party’s headquarters. “The party will ensure that at the very commencement of the dialogue, we will agree that your emoluments are fully restored retroactively. This is a demand in the party’s position paper. Your position will be the number one item on the agenda” the Leader said.
He called on their non-participating parliamentarians, mayors, chairpersons, and elected councilors, to continue to remain patient and resolute in what he described as a patriotic act. The two times presidential candidate of the APC expressed appreciation to them, stating that they have shown boldness and sacrificed a lot.
Speaking on the coming dialogue, Dr. Kamara revealed that it was borne out of a short interaction he had with President Julius Maada Bio, noting that they both considered dialogue as the most peaceful recourse to resolve the present political impasse and bring sanity and confidence to the masses.
Highlighting his expectations of the dialogue, he explained that it is meant to give peace and diplomacy a chance in solving the stalemate, which according to him if not solved, will heighten the current political tension. Dr. Kamara added that he expects the dialogue to also help unravel the truth and restore peace in the country.
He assured his supporters that he will not betray their trust in him, adding that he will seek their interest whilst they engage in the forthcoming dialogue with the government and other stakeholders involved.
He called on Sierra Leoneans and the international community to ensure that the country’s democracy is restored through building the integrity of the country’s elections management bodies such as the Electoral Commission and the security apparatuses.
It could be recalled that the APC in a press statement dated 30th June 2023 expressed their party’s decision not to participate in any form of governance if rerun elections were not conducted within six months, alleging election irregularities during the June 24 Polls.
“The APC declares its non-participation in any level of governance, including the legislature and local councils, as the results have already been tampered with to give the SLPP an unjust majority at all levels” a part of the statement reads.
All elected members in various positions such as parliamentary and local council have since not participated with the exception of two members of parliament.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (04/10/23)
