By Alhaji Kamara and Tony Bee: APC Australia National Publicity 1&2
As the ruling All Peoples Congress Party (APC) gear up for the Majestic Delegate Convention, its supporters and members appears to be in an electrifying political momentum. The thrilling political atmosphere is evident in the prospective presidential candidates street campaign rallies; extensive road trips and canvassing across the nation to politically seduce the people of Sierra Leone.
Despite the intensified enthusiasms amongst APC supporters, the presidential candidates have demonstrated an extraordinary regard for each other by refraining from a bombastic style of political campaign. Presently, it’s unclear who will become the high profile rising star that is destined for the ultimate challenge to lead the APC Party in the forthcoming general election.
Highlighting a single candidate to be the most qualified and clearly suitable for a ruling party that wants to win back the State House is a complex challenge. In essence, it is crucial to evaluate the six leading contenders that have thrown their hats in the ring. But to the Almighty God, all things are possible. Therefore the APC needs God’s divine intervention in the process of electing or selecting the party flagbearer that will take the party to victory come March 2018. In view of that the APCers should not depend on their knowledge and wisdom in terms of selecting or electing the man or woman that will bring glory to the party.
VP Victor Bockarie Foh: The present Vice President and former National Secretary General has always been a force in the politics of Sierra Leone. He played a fundamental role in the resurgence of the APC Party after the 1992 military upheaval. His loyalty to the party and political perseverance is indisputable. His hot-and-cold relationship with previous administrations has been shaped by a string of scandals that prejudiced the early chapters of the Foe era. Many people will argue that he’s not the character the All Peoples Congress Party is looking for at the moment. However, he’s a real contender and banking on his deep political experience and long history of loyalty to the party. It will be a political miscalculation to underestimate the hard working Vice president.
The name Zainab Hawa Bangura: is a household both home and abroad because of her patriotism and hard work. She was appointed by the then United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict at the level of Under-Secretary-General.Mrs. Bangura replaced Margot Wallström.
Zainab H. Bangura is a Sierra Leonean politician and social activist. In 2007, Bangura became Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister of the APC government. She was the second woman to serve in that post, following Shirley Gbujama who held that position from 1996 to 1997. Mrs. Bangura also served as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health and sanitation from 2010 to 2012.
Mrs. Bangura has on-the-ground experience with peacekeeping operations from within the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), where she was responsible for the management of the largest civilian component of the Mission, including promoting capacity-building of government institutions and community reconciliation.
She is an experienced results-driven civil society, human and women’s rights campaigner and democracy activist, notably as Executive Director of the National Accountability Groups, Chair and Co-founder of the Movement for Progress Party of Sierra Leone, as well as Coordinator and Co-founder of the Campaign for Good Governance. In view of such wealth of experience and skills, she is a good material for APC flagbearership, especially with women behind her, she will take the APC to State House in 2018.
John Bono Sesay: If the All Peoples Congress Party is looking for a progressive candidate with the ability to light up the nation with excitement, John Bono Sesay fits the bill. The former Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Rutile Ltd is the youngest contender, characterised as the forward-thinking candidate to lead the nation in accomplishing the Agenda for prosperity. He is rapidly growing in the race for the presidency. .Many emphasises that his industrial and youthful political experience, makes him the generational choice for the State House. He will definitely seek to galvanise the support of the youth in Sierra Leone.
Alimamy ‘Pepito’ Koroma. Commonly known as the phenomenal politician with the ability to overcome countless political hurdles. The former Ambassador to China, Minister of Trade and works is certainly among the biggest political talents on this list. His ability to connect with voters has led to an instantaneous accumulation of a strong and diverse political fan base around the country. There is no one in this race with a broad-based experience and proving track record in infrastructural development and nation building process than Pepito’ Koroma. Mr. Koroma has the skills, experience and professional attributes of a real president.
Alpha Khan: Commonly known as “The Apprentice”, due to his inherent value of humility, loyalty and gratitude for President Koroma and the APC Party. After all, Holy Scriptures in the Bible and the Quran command all individuals to be humble right? Alpha Khan has demonstrated the act of being modest and submissive to President Koroma for over a decade. The former Public Affairs Minister, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Minister of Information and Communications, has been a strategic player for the ruling All Peoples Congress Party. His loyalty and strong support for President Koroma’s camp during the internal political upheaval amongst core APC members, makes him an ideal and reliable presidential candidate.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, the Attorney-General and Justice Minister of Sierra Leone is well-recognised for his principle leadership, systematic determination and the value for social justice. Throughout his service, JFK has clearly demonstrated his commitment to, support the rights of all people irrespective of gender, age, tribal ethnicity, religion, and disability or membership group. His effort to extend the eligibility and accessibility of legal services across all jurisdictions in Sierra Leone, illustrates his determination to promote a shared sense of justice and humanity. This attribute underpins the notion of an authentic presidential candidate.
Potential Running Mate
Any of the abovementioned presidential candidates can serve as a successful running mate. However, if any of the ultimate six presidential contenders seeking a running mate with great leadership skills, political versatility and experience, professionalism and cultural proficiency, Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah perfectly fits the bill. Although according to my Radar, he has not yet openly expressed interest. He often referred to as Chericoco, the present Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Parliamentary Chairman of Mines and Minerals Resources Committee and a phenomenal Lawyer has a natural chemistry with voters across the country. Chericoco will be instrumental to galvanise support from diverse range of communities in Sierra Leone. These include: The youth, young women, various religious groups and not to mentioned the Madingo and Fullah tribe. Honourable Bah is simply the sentimental favourite amongst prospective running mates. A source in his camp depicts him as a modest individual who believes in equitable distribution of resources and opportunity for all people. His experience and excellence record in representing Sierra Leone at regional and global platform makes him a principal running mate.
Diana Finda Konomany aka Iron Lady: The current Minister of Lands, Country Planning and Environment, former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, if only if rumours are something that one can go with. She was rumoured of having interest in the position of running mate. If that is true she is an outstanding fixture in the geopolitical landscape of Sierra Leone. Her strength of character and popularity in the Eastern Province further solidify her position as an ideal running mate. As Diana Konomany blossomed in the political arena, inspiring many people, young women and girls across the nation will look up to her as a catalyst for the country’s peace and unity.
The Pathway To Victory
Building on the political and economic accomplishment of President Koroma is the pathway to electoral victory for any candidate. Mr Koroma will go down in Sierra Leone history as a charismatic leader with splendid attributes. He has made a remarkable progress in resolving many complex challenges in the country. Transforming the nation from a failed state to a developing economy, expanding roads, infrastructural development and investment in educational institutions. The most appealing political achievement of the President is building social cohesion within the All Peoples Congress Party. He recognises the need for an inclusive government that values diversity, respect for religious and tribal backgrounds. His commitment to fairness, respect, and dignity offers many people a sense of belonging to the All Peoples Congress Party. Expanding President Koroma’s historic achievements must be the central focus of any candidate leading the APC Party in the forthcoming general election.
