By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The environs around the West branch office of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) on Murray Town junction was buzzing with life on the 28th April, 2023 as people from various walks of life were out to get a glimpse of and to line up or join the motorcade of the endorsed SLPP Mayoral Candidate, Mohamed Gento Kamara, popularly known as Gento, with the avowed objective of accompanying him and other enthusiastic supporters en route to the ECSL Office where he was slated to nominate his Deputy or running mate.
Before his arrival at the office around 3: 15 pm, the precinct of the ECSL office was already jam packed with jubilant SLPP supporters, nearly all of them cladding in White T-Shirts bearing his photo with supportive words, who were expectantly waiting to show their levels of support for Gento and other aspiring candidates.
Dressed in a white gown with a green hat on, the widely acclaimed mayoral candidate was seen in the canopy of a white vehicle, happily waving to jubilant party supporters who were singing songs of praise for what they referred to as the many goodies that he has so far done for them stating that they will pay him back in votes.
Earlier before his arrival, this medium caught up with the wife of the aspiring candidate, Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, who is highly commended for having been very supportive to her husband’s political bid from day one when it became apparent that he was going to vie for the position.
She intimated that the nomination process, which was ongoing for those who have come forward to contest as Councillors, under the SLPP in the Freetown City Council, is ongoing smoothly maintaining that the process is well organized and orderly commending the ECSL officials for their efficiency.
One of the intending aspirants for the position of Councillor is Thaimu on the Road, who is contesting for Ward 435 in one of the constituencies in the West End of Freetown. He told this medium that he decided to vie as a Councillor when he understood that Gento was going to aspire for the Mayoral position. “I believe that by supporting and working with him in Council we could do great things for the Freetown Municipality in order to improve transportation facilities and provide basic amenities that are significant for improved standards of living,” he expressed hope.
As the car of Gento approached the vicinity, jubilant supporters barricaded his vehicle as he briefly addressed them before they gave chance to the man of the moment to enter the ECSL Office where he went through all the nomination processes.
Granting The Calabash a three minutes interview the Mayoral Candidate stated that one of the first things he will do after winning the election is to foster reconciliation in Freetown.
He underscored how there has been too much division among the populace based on tribal and party lines further disclosing that he will endeavour to bring together the APC, SLPP and NGC in a spirit of reconciliation.
“The main focus is to come together as one people, put shoulders to the wheel in order to move this country forward,” he said with optimism adding that the provision of pipe borne water supply for most Freetonians will be another top priority of his administration.
Gento expressed confidence that President Julius Maada Bio will win the election furthering appealing that as the election is getting closer Sierra Leoneans must be peaceful stressing that it is all about peace.
The climax of the process was when Mohamed Gento Kamara nominated Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas, as the Deputy Mayor or his running mate, a move that was widely greeted with a thunderous applause and acclamation with many saying that the SLPP Mayoral Team is now set for victory come June 24, 2023. Gento’s nomination was witnessed by two senior citizens of the Metropolis.
In another snap interview with the Deputy Mayoral Candidate, Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas, who was also clad in a white gown, which according to him symbolizes peace, he intimated this medium that he is a proud Krio, Christian and son of Freetown who is a trained and qualified Revered of the Methodist Church in Freetown as well as a community organizer and a champion for the common people
“In all my life, I have sought to make people’s lives better and as a teacher, I have helped to educate and empower young people,” he eloquently articulated further maintaining that as a pastor, he has ministered to the spiritual needs of his community and as a campaigner and organizer he has fought for social justice and equality.
He also revealed how he is proud to run with his brother, Mohamed Gento Kamara, because they share the same vision for Freetown.
“We believe that our city can be a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background and we believe that our city can be a place where everyone feels safe and respected,” he informed optimistically.
He asked for the votes of Freetonians calling on them to vote on Election Day because he believes that together all can help fix Freetown and make it a better place for everyone saying his slogan is #LehwifixFreetown, GENTO FOR MAYOR #Gbain Gbain.
