June 21, 2021
Albert Baron Ansu
Following the interview with incumbent Western Area chairman of the Sierra Leone People Party Manso Abu Dumbuya regarding his concerns about the pending elections, he did say that Ibrahim Keita also former Chairman of the region has issues to clarify about his eligibility to run for the position.
The contention about Keita’s right to run is based on the fact that he had defected to the National Grand Coalition, NGC in the run up to the 2018 election.
But A-Z Newspaper has gathered that Keita returned to the SLPP after resigning in February 7th 2019.
There is no proof in formally returning to the SLPP, but Ibrahim Keita has provided a patron and dues card of the SLPP to indicate that he is in good standing to run under the national category of the scheduled elections.
“I returned to the SLPP during the run off and my contribution is noted by many people including the first lady and the Vice President, he said in an interview to respond to claims contained in an opinion from Lawyer Ibrahim Fayiah Sawaneh Esq under the instruction of the Attorney General, Anthony Brewa.
Lawyer Sahr Musa Esq is said to be the retainer of Mr. Keita whose opinion on the issue of eligibility controversy has been sought.
Sahr Musa Esq: “that there is a presumption that Mr. Keita returned to the SLPP in 2018 by virtue of a general receipt no.009479 and the contribution card dated 5th February, 2021 with membership contribution from 208 to date.”
He added: “it is my considered opinion that no political party with strict coordinated system would give out its card and accept membership contributions from strangers.”
Lawyer Emmanuel Sahr Musa asserts that no law made without retroactive provision should be interpreted to have retroactive effect. For all intent and purposes, Mr Keita’s conduct cannot be made subject to the provisions of the 2020 constitution of the Sierra Leone Peoples Peoples Party when the conduct complained of occurred at the time that cannot be affected by the party’s non retroactive constitution.
Keita says this is a matter for the party hierarchy to resolve, indicating that he is not prepared to go court as 2023 is fast approaching and he intends to use his influence as would be regional chairman of western area to help the SLPP secure a second term.
Asked what makes confident that he will should he be cleared to run against Hon. Manso Dumbya, Ibrahim Keita who says he is the leader of the Mandingo Union in the Western Area, referred to a strategy he had put together that is bound to magnetize massive crowd, adding that on his return he brought four APC supporters and intends to do more than that.
He accused Hon. Manos Dumbuya of having failed tp hold regional and constituency meetings.
We asked him if he will defect again should Hon. Manso Dumbuya wins, Keita says he will work with the veteran politician and consult him for advice.
However, Keita insists that this is generational politics for them that are young and energetic enough to rally the people. He says Manso Dumbuya, who happens to be his brother in law had served the party for a long time and must be predisposed to turning over to young and dynamic party faithful that understand the western area politics.
“In 2012 I made history when I mobilized the biggest crowd in the western area rally and then President Kabbah was so impressed that he called on to appreciate my effort.”