By Sorie Fofana.
The appointment of John Benjamin as Senior Adviser to the President and Ambassador-At-Large did not come as a surprise to some of us.
At the SLPP National Delegates’ Conference held in Bo in December last year, John Benjamin and President Julius Maada Bio exchanged warm, friendly smiles. The President’s intent to bring JOB into his government was clearly expressed in his body language during that conference.
John Benjamin has been in public life for several decades. He has held some very important positions in government including Chief Secretary of State (NPRC-1) and Minister of Finance in the SLPP administration of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
At local government level, John Benjamin served as the elected Chairman of the Kailahun District Council.
At political party level, he served as National Chairman and Leader of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party. He is also a successful businessman and farmer.
President Bio’s decision to bring JOB into his government has been described as commendable. JOB was his main challenger in the SLPP flag bearer contest held in Freetown in 2017. It shows President Bio’s magnanimity in victory.
All along, some of us have been calling on President Bio to unite the party as we prepare for crucial elections in June 2023. The decision to bring JOB to State House is a politically strategic move. JOB is a big hitter on the political stage. He still has a strong and loyal base within the SLPP.
The inexcusable foot-dragging to unite the party by some hardliners within the party must end now. It is time to bring every party member together. We can continue to win many more general and presidential elections if we continue to stick together. Nothing should be done to divide us as a party.
The appointment of JOB as Senior Adviser to the President at State House is a perfect opportunity for the irreconcilable members of the party to come together now and work for the President and Party’s landslide victory in June 2023.
President Bio’s decision to bring JOB to State House is a brilliant idea. With JOB at State House, the truth will now be told to the President. And that’s exactly what the President needs. The days of sycophancy are over!
Bringing JOB to State House is a good idea. Thank you, Mr. President and God bless you!!!
