By: Problyn J. Alpha
One of the leading aspirants for the position of National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Jimmy Batilo Songa, has declared himself the most suitable candidate for the role. He made this declaration during a recent visit to Kono District, where he addressed party members, especially delegates ahead of the forthcoming National Delegates Conference.
Songa stated that his primary motivation for contesting is to protect and promote the legacy of His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio. He also emphasized his commitment to showcasing tangible plans and benchmarks to ensure the SLPP’s continued success in both presidential and parliamentary elections.
He further explained that his secondary objective is to alleviate the suffering of ordinary party members, particularly those at the grassroots level, by addressing their socio-economic needs. According to Songa, this is essential to maintaining the SLPP’s hold on governance for the long term.
Outlining his priorities if elected as National Chairman, Songa said he would strengthen party organization and address the socio-economic needs of members, foster peace, reconciliation, and unity within the party, noting that a united SLPP is unbeatable in national elections and create a comprehensive database of the party’s membership to better understand and serve their needs.
Justifying his claim of being the most qualified candidate, Songa pointed out that while his opponent is an engineer, he himself is a political scientist with a Master’s degree in Government Policy and Political Science from the University of London. He highlighted his over 25 years of service to the party, including roles such as Organizing Secretary of the Youth Wing (2002), Chairman and Leader of the SLPP UK/Ireland Branch, and National Organizing Secretary.
Addressing party members in Kono District, Songa described himself as the future of the SLPP and emphasized that the welfare and socio-economic well-being of grassroots members would be secured under his leadership. He also pledged to provide robust security for the party and its members if elected.
Songa expressed gratitude to the people of Kono District for the warm welcome during his visit and stated that such reception gives him confidence of securing at least 70% of votes from the district.
He assured the audience that he is prepared to address key issues raised by the people of Kono, including road connectivity, access to clean water, uninterrupted electricity, youth employment, and peace and reconciliation. He argued that a united Kono District behind the SLPP would prevent the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) from returning to power.
“I have advised all my supporters to remain law-abiding because the law not any individual is supreme,” he stated.
Songa expressed strong optimism about winning the upcoming National Delegates Conference, revealing that out of the five regions he has visited, three have already declared their support for him. He added that plans are underway to engage the remaining two regions, which he is confident of winning as well.
In conclusion, the SLPP chairmanship hopeful called on all party members to close ranks and move beyond recent internal elections to ensure unity and progress for both the party and the country.