Big split in SLPP
Top officials of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) have had divided minds over who should lead them for the 2012 Presidential and Parliamentary contests.
19 candidates have so far been short listed for the contest for leadership in the party.
Recently, it was disclosed that all 19 candidates paid Le 50 million each as registration fee to qualify them to run for the leadership position.
An inside SLPP source has told this press that high and top officials have had diversities over who should lead the SLPP to challenge APC’s Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma come 2012.
It is disclosed that the current SLPP Chairman, John Oponjo Benjamin, has had confrontations with some of the 19 short listed aspirants on issues tagged as ‘untold bias’ and ‘sidelining’ attitudes meted them (aspirants).
The recent bayou between John O. Benjamin and aspirant Maada Bio, we are told, came as a result of accusation that the former was engaged in secretly lobbying party delegates, convincing them to surrender votes for a candidate of his choice (name withheld).
This, to party stalwarts, seemed out of the ordinary and is beginning ignite detachment of their loyalty from/and to adversary political parties.
The question: “Big split in the SLPP” needs not asked at all.
It is however glaring that some aspirants are engaged in the use of invectives at their Chairman, accusing him of bending the rules, which to them contravenes democratic doctrines.
As the match up for the SLPP convention draws closer, wrangling, backbiting, unkind remarks and infighting seemed be the other of the day in the SLPP.
A case to picture is the Maada Bio vs John Benjamin misunderstanding which now draws the attention of the society and opponent political parties.
“It is shameful and of course, awful that big name officials in the SLPP knock doors of APC politicians to beg for money,” one Munda said.
It is also disclosed that some supporters have vowed making a crossover to the ruling APC should things continue.
Although recent pools suggest Usman Boie Kamara as a possible winner in the race for leadership, supporters say unhealed wounds must be cured before time.
Persons that spoke to this press say their party (SLPP) needs a strong and upright contender that is able and capable of challenging President Koroma come the 2012 elections.
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