“SLPP Defectors are Disgruntled and Disappointed Opportunists”.. Says Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay

BOBSON SESAY

“SLPP Defectors are Disgruntled and Disappointed Opportunists”.. Says Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay

 

By Joseph S. Sherman

 

Sunday June 4, 2006

 

Amidst widespread speculations in Sierra Leone and abroad that Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay, Minister of Lands, Country planning and the Environment in the SLPP government is a potential running mate of Mr. Solomon Berewa in the 2007 elections.  Assistant Editor of Cocorioko, Mr. Joseph S. Sherman held an exclusive interview with him at his Youyi building office in Freetown.

 

Reacting to speculations that he is the potential running mate of  Mr. Solomon Berewa, he said he has not intimated nor declare is candidacy as running mate of Mr. Berewa, however, he said if it is the will of the people in Sierra Leone to have him vie for the position he will respect  their will.  Dr. Bobson Sesay said he posses all the requisite qualifications and political will to help lead the SLPP to victory in 2007.

 

When questioned about the SLPP losing the elections due to mass defections of SLPP members to the PMDC party of Charles Margai and other opposition parties, Mr. Bobson Sesay said the “defectors are disgruntled and disappointed opportunists” whose high expectations and selfish motives were not met by the SLPP government, therefore, these defectors leaving the party to seek greener pastures will not have negative impact on the SLPP winning the 2007 elections.

 

Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay is a controversial figure among many land and home owners in Freetown and its environs.  His position as Minister of Lands, Country planning and the Environment in the SLPP government which is involved in the demolition of illegal structures have left his critics to speculate that if Mr. Berewa selects Dr. Bobson Sesay to be his running mate in spite of his strong influence in the North and his grassroots connections, the chances of the SLPP losing the elections in 2007 is inevitable.    Reacting to his critics, Dr. Bobson Sesay said his mandate to demolish illegal structures is an act of parliament which was approved by members.  He intimated that it was not the SLPP government that started the demolition of illegal structures in Sierra Leone; he cited regimes like the APC, NPRC and the Juntas did similar exercises.  He added, it is unfair for people to demonize him or the SLPP government for demolishing illegal structures which are violating the law.

 

Refuting further allegations of being a bad apple and an impediment to the success of the SLPP if selected as Solomon Berewa’s running mate in the forthcoming 2007 elections, Dr. Bobson Sesay said to justify his actions and appreciation from the public, he received many national and international awards commending him of his strong stance to implement the law which has been abused by squatters with impunity.

 

In conclusion, Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay warned that politics must not divide Sierra Leone, rather the interest of the country and people must be a priority and that can be ultimately realized by voting the SLPP to power in 2007 if the dream of a successful Sierra Leone is to be realized.