APC North America – Resolves conflict and war of words

Saturday October 17, 2009 witnessed yet another moment when the All Peoples’ Congress (APC) Party demonstrated one of the unique qualities that it has come to be identified with. That unique quality is entrenched in the ability of its members to disagree and not become permanently disagreeable. This, in fact, is the centerpiece of the party’s origin and existence. Those who stood by and hoped to see the long and drawn out disagreements between party members result in its demise were taken by surprise on Saturday as party members went shoulder high in unity and  renewed sense of camaraderie.(Photo: B. M. Turay)

The scene for this truce and peace talks was set and hosted by Comrade Alhaji Dumbuya of Washington DC. A young man, who hailed from Port Loko district, and who, over the years, has earned himself great credibility and respectability within the metropolitan. Working with the Honorable Ambassador Bockarie Stevens and the seven Chapters, which were represented by presentations from Brima Michael Turay (BMT) and Aziz Turay of Arizona among other attendees, Alhaji was able to bring these key players to his home and provided the kind of mediation that both sides appreciated and welcomed. (Photo: Mr. & Mrs. Alhaji Dumbuya)

But who would ever forget and doubt the experience and forthrightness of the Honorable Patrick Ojong of North Carolina, USA, who exemplified problem-solving qualities that he has had and has come to be known for throughout his years as a civil servant and diplomat. He is an indispensable icon in the APC and this generation of young politicians is blessed to still have him around.

It is of great importance and pride to mention that the Honorable Ambassador Stevens demonstrated tolerance, tenacity and a sense of compromise that had never been experienced by all parties to this conflict. “I hold not the slightest grudge against anyone” he said, “because in politics, we rise and fall together in order to achieve the ultimate goal” he further stated.

The major issues in this conflict were hashed out and a satisfactory compromised was reached, with the understanding that we must all work toward the convention and the election of a diverse and credible North America branch executive body. The deputy Ambassador himself, Alhaji Ibrahim Sorie Conteh, had a few but solid words to say about the importance of unity and working in compromise with one another.

Brima Turay, in his presentation, outlined the issues which led to this brief period of darkness and described himself as the “voice of the voiceless” and not the rebel or hero that he has come to be identified with in this conflict.

Aziz Turay President APC Arizona Chapter in his presentation went step by step with his usual judicious mind to outline the major anathemas to this conflict and vowed to work with the Honorable Ambassador and the interim executive to bring this issue to total closure. (Osman T. Conteh on the rebuttal)

Other speakers included the former Deputy of Labor, Honorable Kadie Sesay, the former Chairman APC-NA, Mr. Osman T. Conteh, upon whom the whole fracas revolves, and Mr. Aziz Nabe.

The moderator of the whole event was Mr. Dauda Sheku Bangura, Secretary General; APC New Jersey Chapter also added to the respectability that he has been known for and demonstrated yet again that he is an asset to the North America branch and to his country Sierra Leone.

Concluding, both parties agreed that the seven Chapters must submit their full membership lists, with addresses and phone numbers; and once they do, they would automatically be absorbed into the current interim body setup to take the Branch Convention. The ultimate goal for these measures is to insure that we conduct a credible and transparent delegates’ conference and elections. The suspensions of the four presidents will also be dropped immediately and the venue for the next convention, which has brought some controversy in the Georgia Chapter, would be further investigated to ascertain what the final decision would be. (Amb. Pat. Ojong, Amb. B. K. Stevens & Dep. Amd Alhaji I. S. Conteh)

On the whole, this could be described as a clear demonstration of leadership on both sides and everybody deserves to pat him or herself on the back for a job well done. Therefore, fellow Sierra Leoneans, like Bai Bureh of Kasseh Chiefdom in the Port Loko district would say in the 1800s, after the long and protracted Hut Tax War, – “The War Don Don” in North America and we are ready, once again, to take our rightful places in our endeavor to reclaim the peace and progress that once existed in our country and the Land that we love, Sierra Leone.

Mr. Sallieu Conteh President of the APC New England Chapter, represented his Chapter, Mr. Samuel D. Turay and Mr. John Conteh represented the APC Philadelphia Chapter and some members of the APC Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter were also present at the meeting as Observers.

For our readers and observers, there is no group in Massachusetts called the Boston chapter. The officially recognized chapter in Massachusetts is the APC New England Chapter which is headquartered in Boston and it President is Mr. Sallieu Conteh. New England comprises six States, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and Vermont. 

Orsai! Orwai! Orwakai! Orkailaylu!

Brima M. Turay is the Editor-in-chief of the New Rising Sun, USA

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