SLPP Young Generation Members Endorse Usman Boie Kamara For 2012
Almost one month to the historic Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) flagbearership election, leading aspirant, Alhaji Usman Boie Kamara (UBK) continues to mark his endless commitment to the Party. On Friday 21st January 2011, UBK met with the entire membership of the party’s Young Generation (YGs) in Kenema. The meeting was initiated by the YG members themselves as a platform to formally acknowledge and thank the aspirant for his unquestionable support over the years to the SLPP generally, and the Young Generation in particular.
The Kenema meeting was attended by almost 120 SLPP YG members representing all constituencies across Sierra Leone. Also in attendance were the National Young Generation Leader, Mr. Mohamed Malam Janneh, Regional Young Generation leaders from all the four regions and unexpectedly, former Ambassador John Leigh who is also a contender in the flagbearership race. The decision for the YGs to call this special meeting was born out of their desire to say thank you to UBK for his timely intervention in rescuing the YG delegation in a time of great need during the last All Political Parties Youth Alliance (APPYA) Conference held in Makeni in November 2010.
The APPYA conference was organised for the YGs of all political parties as a forum to discuss ways of tackling cross political party violence and violence amongst the youth population in Sierra Leone. Unfortunately, for the SLPP YG delegation, they almost got stranded at the conference because of the lack of support for basic logistics such as; accommodation, food, and transportation. Thus, the SLPP YG delegation could not have thanked God more for UBK’s support. Not only for his timely intervention in responding to their needs but more so, for saving them the face of embarrassment to their colleagues of other political parties.
At the time for the APPYA Conference, the formidable UBK had travelled out of Sierra Leone to embark on his USA and UK tour. However, this did not excuse him from doing what he always does for the SLPP – extending a hand of financial and moral support to all party activities. Therefore, rescuing the YGs in Makeni was a very necessary move to the well determined flagbearer aspirant. He always considered the youth wing of the party as the most important pillar in which the party should stand and develop.
The SLPP YG delegation at the Makeni Conference were shocked that, despite UBK being several thousand miles away he still responded to their needs so urgently. As a result, many of them present were in agreement that this is the type of leader the SLPP and Sierra Leone dearly need – a leader who is selfless and ready to address the concerns and needs of his/her people at all times.
According to the YG for Constituency 48, “we need a leader that will not abandon us in times of great need. So from his actions today, I continue to believe that UBK is that leader we are seeking. He has earned our trust; demonstrated that we can count on him and that he can stand by us during challenging times. Above all, Usu Boie has always demonstrated that he values us the youth and he is not interested in our delegate vote just to use and dump us.” As a sign of appreciation to UBK’s support, the YG delegation agreed to host a thank you and a heart to heart meeting as soon UBK returns from his oversees tour. However, other pressing commitments since his return to Freetown in December 2010, made it difficult for them to organise a meeting earlier than Friday 21st January 2011.
At the Kenema meeting, all the speakers including regional YG leaders in different words expressed their satisfaction on the leadership qualities of UBK and re-echoed that at this stage he is the one capable to lead the SLPP to victory in 2012. Therefore, come March 5th they are ready to elect Usman Boie Kamara as their flag bearer.
SLPP aspirant Usman Boie Kamara appealling to the Young Generation of Kenema
The National Young Generation Leader, Mr. Mohamed Malan Janneh used the opportunity to seek a mandate from the YG members to agree who amongst the 19 aspirants he should be voting for at the March 5th convention. It was unanimous from all the 120 Young Generation members and all regional YG leaders present that, they are instructing the National YG leader to vote for the charismatic UBK. Therefore, Mr. Janneh was left with no option but, to instantly pronounce his endorsement for UBK. “Having been mandated by the members of the Young Generation of the SLPP across the country, I have been instructed to vote for Usman Boie Kamara on March 5th 2011 at the SLPP convention as my sole candidate for the flagbearership position,” the words of Mr Janneh. This statement added extra life to the meeting hall; a standing ovation, thunderous applause and chanting of the SLPP slogan – One Country, One People! One People, One Country! As jubilation settles in, it was time for the man of the people UBK to speak.
The ever humble UBK left his seat on the high table to join the YG members assuring them that, regardless his position they should always consider him one of them. He expressed appreciation to the initiators and organisers of the meeting and with humility reiterated that he will ever be grateful for their support. He further noted that the zeal and determination always demonstrated by the SLPP Young Generation is a clear manifestation that 2012 victory for the SLPP is imminent. Therefore, he pleaded with the youth not to relent in their strides to promote the good work of the party. He urged them to continue assuring their family, friends, neighbours and constituents to understand that the SLPP is not a bogus party. Also, that the great Palm Tree is the only way out and only way forward for Sierra Leone. However, he reminded all that if the SLPP are serious of winning 2012, they should make the right decision and elect him as the SLPP flag bearer for 2012.
UBK emphasised that he has what it takes – the vision, skills, experience, determination and above all the support base to defeat the APC and move Sierra Leone forward. Therefore, he is leaving the future of the party in the hands of delegates including “you the Young Generation present here today” to make that right decision. He appealed to all present to reach out to their colleagues with the real message and tell everyone whey they should believe in his leadership.
In addition to him reaching out to the YGs for their support, he also warned them to stay united and to promote this unity to other SLPP supporters. He further encouraged the YGs to take the lead in engaging hard to reach SLPP supports. He urged them not to relent in their effort as the future of the party and the destiny of Sierra Leone lies in their hands.
Motorbikes donated to the Regional Youth Leaders Kenema
As always, UBK backed his words with action and presented three motorbikes to the regional YG leaders of the South, East and Northern region. According to UBK, these motorbikes will empower the YGs in their effort to engage SLPP supporters, particularly those in remote areas. He hoped this will enhance their means of communication and information in propagating the SLPP message in these regions.
In appreciation for the donation, the regional YG chairmen for the three regions that benefited, urged other aspirants to follow the leadership steeps of UBK in embracing SLPP’s grassroots supporters. They further challenged the remaining 18 aspirants to value their work more and concentrate not only on their individual campaigns for the flagbearership, rather to borrow a leaf from UBK’s page and extend their resources to promote the party’s activities.
At this stage, it will be a total naivety to give a clear cut verdict on who will be the next SLPP flag bearer. However, a huge feeling is going around that UBK remains a clear favourite to win the race on March 5th. This being the case, he stands a better chance if need be, to lead a reconciliation process that will see unity in the party. This can be accomplished not just because of the respect and trust UBK commands amongst other aspirants and party stakeholders but more so, he is a man of peace and he respects other people as well. If March 5th goes in UBK’s favour, then they should see the SLPP bouncing back to power in style.
Therefore, the attention of all SLPP delegates should now focus on the reality and start reading the clear writing on the wall. For now is the time when the SLPP should look beyond tribal and regional affiliations, personal interest to elect and unite behind the leadership of Usman Boie Kamara for an assured victory in 2012.
By Brima Sannoh
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