The National Secretary General of the ruling Sierra Leone Peopleโs Party, Hon. Umarr Paran Tarawally, has categorically stated that, according to the current SLPP August 2020 Constitution, only seven persons are qualified under the category of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron to contest for the post of flag bearer ahead of general elections slated for 2028.
According to Mr. Hon. Paran Tarawally, the seven persons are Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Dr. Prince Alex Harding, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, Sulaiman Banja Tejan-Sie, Jacob Jusu Saffa, John Oponjo Benjamin and Alhaji Momodu Koroma.
All of these persons have served in the category of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron for five years and have fully paid their dues for the period of five years and above.
To be qualified for membership of the Distinguished Chief Patron category, persons must have served either as Leader, Deputy Leader, Party National Chairman, or National Secretary General. Or they must have been either a Presidential candidate of the party or Vice-Presidential candidate.
ARTICLE 2(e)
In exceptional circumstances, the National Executive Council (NEC)/Party Conference may confer on deserving individuals, the title of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron and invite them into the membership category.
Distinguished Grand Chief Patrons will contribute to the Party Fund at a level higher than that of Grand Chief Patrons (as the Party may prescribe).
- This means that the national executive after due diligence submits the names of person(s) it deems fit to be admitted into the category of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron to NEC/Party Conference for approval.
- If so approved, it should be highlighted in the Resolutions of that NEC or Party Conference
- Only when approved, can someone commence payment of dues
Since 2020, no NEC or Party Conference has conferred on deserving individuals such title. There is no Resolution to confirm this.
