The leadership of the People’s Movement for Democratic change (PDP) has written a letter of complaint to President Julius Maada Bio titled: Clarification on Alleged Membership and a plea for Institutional Integrity.
The letter noted among other things that the PDP national executive and the general membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP Sorbeh) wish to bring a matter of very serious concern to his office.
“We write with the utmost respect for your high offices, as fountain of Honor, uphold the constitution of Sierra Leone and in the spirit of fostering a transparent and rules-based political environment in our beloved nation.
It has come to our attention through widespread public discourse that Hon. Mohamed Bangura currently representing Constituency 066, Karene District in Parliament under the banner of the All People’s Congress Party (APC), is claiming, by word of mouth that he has received your personal blessings to go and take over the PDP Sorbeh.”
They further wrote that, “while we are not in a position to question whom you choose to bless, and we respect your prerogative to do so, we are compelled to state that if such blessing was indeed given, its intended direction is a mystery to us.”
They added that logic would suggest that such a blessing would be more appropriately directed to your own party, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), or perhaps Mohamed Bangura to go and strengthen his original political party, the United Democratic Movement (UDM).”
The aggrieved PDP executives and members wrote further that they wish to state for the records, and with all respect that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP Sorbeh) is a constitutionally grounded institution.
“We have a registered constitution and establish internal mechanisms to which we strictly adhere. According to our official records, and membership register, Hon. Mohamed Bangura has never been a registered member or a traditional supporter of the PDP Sorbeh. His alleged claims are therefore unfounded, false and are a source of unnecessary confusion and internal disruption.
“We also take this opportunity to remind all registered political parties that the PDP Sorbeh has historically been a partner in progress for this nation. Your Excellency Sir, your own Political party, the SLPP, can attest to the support and collaboration we have offered to your party in the 1996 and 2002 elections for the greater good of Sierra Leone. Given this history of cooperation, we did not anticipate that your political party would become a target for what we can only describe a political mercenary, aimed at destabilizing our hard earned unity by sabotaging our leadership and structures.”
They drew the President’s attention to the critical role of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), stating that “you are that the PPRC is the bedrock of our multi-party democracy, it is in many ways the birthplace of any legitimate government. It is therefore imperative that this body operates with unwavering fairness, independence, and integrity.
“Regrettably, we have observed and experienced repeated instances where the PPRC has interfered into the internal politics of the PDP Sorbeh, with actions that can only be construed as deliberate sabotage of our elected leadership. This is unacceptable, we respectfully urge you, as the guardian of the national constitution, to institute a thorough investigation at the PPRC on it interference into the internal politics of the PDP Sorbeh and to instruct the PPRC as a state institution, created by an act of Parliament to remain neutral and resist any corrupt practices in discharge of its duties with impartiality towards every registered political party regardless of size or influence.
A strong and democratic Sierra Leone is built on the pillars of the rule of law and respect for constitutional order. A constitutional order publicly challenged and violated by Hon. Mohamed Bangura of the APC by hijacking the PDP Sorbeh with the support and protection of PPRC. “We believe that every political institution and individual, irrespective of status or wealth, must abide by these fundamental principles.
“We are thanking you for your time and consideration of this critical matter. We remain committed to a peaceful, democratic and Prosperous Sierra Leone.
They ended their letter by stating that they urge President Bio to not lend support either directly or indirectly to such destructive ventures.
The letter was signed by Alhaji Ben Kamara,National Secretary General PDP Sorbeh.
