NDA meeting bursts at the seams
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party held another successful meeting in Virginia, USA on 22 October, 2010. Party members came from out of state and the turnout was beyond expectation, which proves the enthusiasm of this dynamic regrouping of the NDA in North America.
Although some prospective members who turned up were excited to be part of what they thought was a new party, the party Leader, Alhaji Amadu Jalloh (in photo) explained that the NDA is not a new party; it has been in existence for over 15 years. The party is currently revitalizing itself within North America in preparation for the 2012 parliamentary and presidential elections.
In the past politicians have tried to class the party as belonging to the Fullah tribes, claiming that party members were made up of citizens other than Sierra Leoneans. These politicians tried to scare people from joining the NDA party by saying that it was made up of Guineans and other nationalities.
Sierra Leoneans suffering through the long civil war, and throughout the APC/SLPP regimes, have become worldlier, more men and women are educated, and many take advantage of the knowledge of the Internet. Sierra Leone’s history is becoming more prominent and the youth of today have their eyes open and they understand that among the 14 tribes in Sierra Leone, the Fullah tribe is a legitimate tribe.
However, Alhaji Jalloh pointed out that the foundation of the party had a broad regional balance of prominent founders such as:
Alhaji Amadu Jalloh, (Koinadugu), Hassan Gbassay Kanu, (Port Loko), Sufian Kargbo, (Tonkolili), Sanah B. Mara, (Koinadugu), Foday Sheriff Kamara, (Bombali), Alieu Barrie, Western Area, Aruna Mohamed Abdulai, Bo, Francis Ben Kpaka, Bonthe, Abdulai J. Massaquoi, (Pujehun), Mrs. Marie Lango Will, Moyamba, Francis Ahmed K. Bawoh, Kenema, Sao Jaward, Kailahun, Tamba Richard Sandi, Kono, to name but a few!
Among the founding members, the elected leader was a Fullah by tribe and bonafide Sierra Leonean, Alhaji Amadu Jalloh. However, the party itself is not tribal; it is diverse and regionally balanced. It is a party of Sierra Leoneans as a whole, not any single tribe.
The Youth of today are savvy and know a lot of the background and political history of Sierra Leone. One of our newest members, Joseph Vandy, whose father is Mende from Bo, his mother a Temne from Port Loko, and his wife being from Kono, stated he doesn’t know why Sierra Leone is united in so many ways, even in religion Sierra Leone is one of the countries in the whole of Africa that is united religiously, but so divided politically. Politicians have triablised the two main parties in the country APC and SLPP, and for that reason the open arms Amadu Jalloh as a party leader and founding member has given to Sierra Leoneans to be part of this party, welcoming and stating that each and everyone has the same opportunity to become future leaders of the party. Mr. Vandy paid his membership fee in full immediately after listening to a few members and prospective members share their ideas on politics in Sierra Leone.
During the evening, more prospective party members as well as people who initially turned up just to observe, purchased their membership and yearly subscription upfront to show their commitment to the party.
Speaking to the Leader, Alhaji Amadu Jalloh, after his encouraging presentation I questioned him about what this gathering meant to him for the fact that the 2012 election is just around the corner. Alhaji Jalloh said he “was happy as Sierra Leoneans are not as naïve in politics as what they used to be. Sierra Leoneans are fully aware of the antics of politicians in the past, and the need for corrupt free and accountable stewards of the country.”
The meeting came to an abrupt end at 2:00 a.m. when the boisterous crowd was asked to disperse due to the fact that no permit had been granted for such a large gathering. Although the large crowd was unexpected, the party was advised to seek a permit for any future gatherings.
By Mohamed Kamara, USA
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