By Mohamed Fofanah.
Newly elected executive members of the Sierra Leone People’s Party North America charter (SLPP-NA) on Sunday were sworn-in at a ceremony held in Pennsylvania State in USA.
Speaking during the ceremony, the National Chairman of the SLPP, Dr. Prince Alex Harding congratulated members of the newly-elected executive for going through a democratic process, and reminded them that the SLPP as a political party depends on the North American chapter as a major pillar for the existence of the party.
“As Chairman of the oldest political party in West Africa-the SLPP, I hereby accept the SLPPNA newly elected executive to the sanctum of our great SLPP,” Dr Prince Harding said.
Dr Harding reiterated the importance of unity in the party, and asked all SLPPNA members to work together. He said, “The SLPPNA elections are over now, and if you consider yourself a true member of the SLPP, you should join the new executive to promote the interest of the party… With the SLPP, there is no loser.”
Chairman Harding talked about the successes of the President Bio led-government, insisting that President Bio’s legacy should be maintained at all costs for posterity. “It is only the SLPP that has coherently advanced peace and stability for the people of Sierra Leone. We should not allow the opposition to take over power through our internal wrangling”, said Dr Harding.
During his inaugural speech, the newly elected Chairman of SLPPNA, Desmond Pessima appealed to all members to join him in making SLPP the best political party for Sierra Leone. He said “I am sincerely grateful to all who voted for me, and also to those who did not vote for me… That is the true beauty of democracy. I thank you the SLPPNA for investing this power in me. Together, we will all work to achieve the aspirations of our party. And we are proud for the leadership President Bio has provided for us. We are going to follow the footprints of President Bio”, said Pessima.
Pessima reminded all of the New Direction agenda, which means rebranding and resetting the priorities of the State. He said: “It is no more business as usual. You all are aware that I have always given the option of our great party…It is very clear that I will not succeed without your support. We should focus on the bigger picture. I am your servant, and I have a listening ear.”
He said he would not have reached where he is today without the support of his wife, Mrs Racheal Pessima who has been with him through thick and thin accompanying him to all meetings and political arrangements.
Chairman Pessima ended by reflecting on the efforts of people who are not alive to witness the swearing-in ceremony of him as Chairman of SLPPNA but played a significant role in structuring the SLPPNA.
“My sincere thanks and appreciation go to all those who flew from across the 52 States in America to witness the inauguration of me and my executive…We will not let you down”.
Also, present at the swearing-in ceremony was Ali Kabba. Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Egypt, Ambassador Abou-Bakarr Sidique Wai, Professor Bob Kandeh, Mrs Ann-Marie Harding, Deputy Minister of Mines, and a host of other dignitaries.
