Executives of the opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and that of the ruling All Peoples Congress Party (APC) in the United States of America (USA) have frowned at the use of invectives directed at President Ernest Bai Koroma and the leaders of Sierra Leone ,and also dissociated themselves from malevolent conducts of some disgruntled members of their fold. They also distanced themselves and their respective political parties from any form of violence and its advocate.
Cross sections of executive of the two Political parties made their feelings known Friday when they assembled at the 1701 19th Street Chancery to register their solidarity with President Ernest Bai Koroma for sacking the erstwhile Vice President Alhaji Sam Sumana and the subsequent appointment of Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh as vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone: and that of protest by the SLPP against the action of President Ernest Bai Koroma.
A group photo of the SLPP delegation
Presenting a position statement by the SLPP Washington Metro chapter under the guise of “Sierra Leonean Organizations in the USA” to Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens at the 1701 19th Street Chancery, Friday March 27th, 2015, Dr. Lawrence Sandy President of the SLPP Washington Metro Area said they(SLPP)members “have come to the Embassy of Sierra Leone to present their position in writing, thereby protesting the action of President Ernest Bai Koroma his government and the ruling APC in so far as the sacking of the erstwhile vice president Alhaji Sam Sumana is concern, couple with the protection of the Sierra Leone Constitution and Democracy. He also called on the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the matter without delay.
APC DELEGATION MEETS AMBASSADOR STEVENS
Responding after the receipt of the letter, Ambassador Bockari Stevens thanked the SLPP executives for composing themselves in a peaceful manner, and assured the delegation that he will get their letter to the appropriate authorities.
APC DELEGATION AND AMBASSADOR STEVENS
Ambassador Stevens said he is not aversed to people expressing their displeasure in a peaceful manner,” like what you have done”: he physically frowned at some audio tapes released through the social media calling for chaos and confusion, and encouraged them to abhor it as a political party. In unison, all the SLPP members condemned the act and distanced themselves from any form of violence.
They were very categorical in condemning any act of violence.
SLPP DELEGATION INCLUDING DR. LAWRENCE SANDY PRESENTING PETITION TO AMBASSADOR STEVENS
In the same manner, Executives of the APC Washington Metro Area led by Ms. Beatrice Conteh and the APC North America interim Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Kamara presented a letter to Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens expressing their fullest support for the action of President Ernest Bai Koroma and clearly stated that “we are one hundred Percent in support of his actions to fire the erstwhile Vice President Alhaji Sam Sumana and the appointment of Ambassador Victor Bockari Foh as Vice President.
They were very categorical in abhorring incitements by some Sierra Leoneans and openly condemned insulting conducts. According to Mr. Kamara, the APC believes in the rule of law: that is why they are advising agitators to patiently wait on the Supreme Court.
L-Mr.Bangura,Mrs+Mariama+Lowe Bangura,APC+Women’s+leader,Madam+Beatrice+Conteh+APC+Washington+Metro+President+&+Mrs.+Isatu+Sillah (1)
Prior to their presentations to Ambassador Bockari Stevens, the two parties (APC & SLPP) who had occupied different wings of the Embassy moved over to each other and engaged themselves in a peaceful dialogue for over One hour in a very cordial and firm manner, debating the current issues- while at the same-time trying to pacify each other to see reason and change their stance.
After their respective presentations, the handful of SLPP supporters and the reasonable number of APC supporters continue their engagements until they dispersed.
Earlier, Unidentified security apparatus of the United States, positioned themselves in strategic locations should there be any rancorous bickering.
Present during the meetings were officials of the Embassy of Sierra Leone including Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Ibrahim S. Conteh, Mrs. Isatu Sillah, Mr. Edward Kawa, Mr Paul Kamara and Mr.Pasco Temple.
Pasco Gerald Temple
Information Attache
Embassy of Sierra Leone to the United States
1701 19th St. NW
Washington, DC
20009
Tel:+202 4466958
