By Abubakarr Harding
National Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, Lansana Dumbuya Esq in a June 30th, 2023 Press Release has issued the position of the All People’s Congress (APC) in relation to the results of the June 24th, 2023 Multi-tier Elections and also called for support to defend democracy and sustain Sierra Leone’s peace & security.
He extended sincere gratitude to all those who on the 24th of June 2023 voted and vigilantly worked on protecting their votes pointing out how it was very touching to see crowds waiting to vote as early as 6:00am.
The Secretary General expressed the view that such clearly demonstrates the people’s resolve and commitment to vote for the change so urgently need. He said those who took a stance against manipulation and cheating during polling to ensure that votes are counted, did not do so just because of the love of party or candidate but rather is a testament to the collective commitment to defend democracy and freedom against a tyrannical onslaught by the Maada Bio SLPP Government.
According to him, the APC would also like to thank all the local and international elections observers for their courage, patience and hard work during the weeks leading to the elections, on the elections day and the counting period saying their commitment to democracy and good governance was noticed, and Sierra Leoneans are thankful!
He further extended , on behalf of the APC, heartfelt sympathies to all who lost loved ones, properties and livelihoods; who have been displaced, terrorized and forced to live in constant fear. The APC Scribe revealed how to date there has been no responsible attempt to neither stop organized violence against APC supporters, nor bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Your sufferings and pains are felt at the highest levels of the party and we will never rest until we seek justice for you,” he told despondent party supporters.
He said it must have been noticed that the All Peoples Congress (APC) went silent after Mr. Konneh illegally announced Mr. Bio as the winner of the presidential election.
However, he continued that they went silent because they wanted to reflect on the evil and the outright disrespect for the voices, wishes and aspiration of the people of Sierra Leone by Mr. Mohamed Konneh, the Chief Electoral Commissioner.
He lamented that such was done in cahoots with his Sierra Leone People’s Party and their leader Mr. Julius Maada Bio saying they worked for the last five years, along officials in the military, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Office of National Security (ONS), and the Judiciary to undermine democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the country.
According to him, what culminated in the rogue announcement of fraudulent election results on June 25 was not just a naked theft of the votes of the suffering masses who needed change but represented the biggest threat to democracy, unity and the survival of the nation.
He said the gangster nature of their enterprise and the proclivity for violence is not a one-off activity but a calculated strategy of a complete state capture by an ethno-centric cabal who wish to impose a totalitarian system legitimized by shambolic democratic exercises.
The APC National Secretary General maintained that it is not a battle for the APC alone or its leaders. He said the road to authoritarianism, as most have experienced in the last five years, and in the last week, is tainted by the brutal murder of innocent civilians, violent silencing of democratic opposition voices, a dangerous strategy of divide and rule through the weaponization of tribalism and elimination of rational civic dialogue.
He underscored that the stance of the APC in the last few days should not be mistaken as an acceptance of the obnoxious announcement of illegal electoral result, but was an opportunity to document evidence and avoid falling into a mindless trap of violence that had been planned by what he described as a monstrous regime.
Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya said they have not only tried to steal the presidential election, but also are working assiduously to give the SLPP a 2/3 majority in Parliament, and take a comfortable lead in local councils across the country.
He said the position which they have strenuously attempted to put across locally and international is that the Maada Bio regime lacks the moral compass to work within the bounds of civility and the rule of law; that Bio and his PAOPA henchmen have no respect for human rights and democratic principles.
The National Secretary General said they resolved to reject outrightly the results produced by the ECSL saying for the last years, they decided to absorb the pain and untold suffering that the SLPP subjected the APC to, but decided in the interest of their people to allow peace and stability to reign.
He strongly stated that, however, they can no longer tolerant injustice, tyranny and usurpation of power in Sierra Leone which he said is what dictatorship looks like furthering how that is why as a party, they owe it to the people of Sierra Leone to stand up for democracy, justice and unity.
The APC, he said, following extensive internal consultations reached a definitive position regarding the actions of the ECSL and Mr. Bio and his security and justice sectors.
In revealing their conclusions he pointed out how the APC unequivocally rejects the announced results of the recently concluded multi-tier elections in Sierra Leone, given the glaring irregularities and violations of established electoral procedures.
He also disclosed that the APC declares its non-participation in any level of governance, including the legislature and local councils, as the results have already been tampered with to give the SLPP an unjust majority at all levels.
The National Secretary General also stated that they demand the resignation of Mr. Mohamed Konneh and all the other Commissioners of the ECSL based on demonstrated bias and failure to conduct their duties impartially.
He said they insist on a rerun of the elections within six months to be overseen by credible individuals and institutions who will ensure a fair and transparent process.
According to him they also demand the resignation of the following: Fayia Sellu, the Inspector-General of Police; Major General Patrick Lavahun, the Chief of Defence Staff; Abdulai Caulker, the National Security Coordinator; Francis Langumba Keili, the Chief of Staff of the Office of the ONS; and Desmond Babatunde Edwards, the Chief Justice. He maintained that those individuals have shown a clear disregard for their constitutional duties and have instead aligned themselves with the undemocratic aspirations of Julius Maada Bio.
Lansana Dumbuya Esq said they will engage the country’s international development partners to advocate for the imposition of travel bans on key individuals who have played instrumental roles in stealing the mandate of the Sierra Leonean people.
He said in addition to those listed they urge the inclusion of the illegitimate President, Julius Maada Bio; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, David Francis, the Chief Minister, Jacob Jusu Saffa; the Deputy Minister of Justice, Umaru Napoleon Koroma; the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, David Moinina Sengeh; the Press Secretary Keketoma Sandi; the Minister of Information, Mohamed Rahman Swarray; the Minister of Internal Affairs, David Panda Noah and his deputy Lahai Lawrence Leema, the First Lady Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, the Deputy Speaker Sengepoh Solomon Thomas and Dr. Prince Alex Harding.
The APC National Secretary General, Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya Esq said they call on all well-meaning Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad to play their part in resisting tyranny and fight for the restoration of democracy, civility and good governance in Sierra Leone.
In order to avoid any further confrontation, allegation and possible loss of lives and living, I will suggest that the ECSL releases the aggregate data to independent bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union for verification. This will send the clear signal as to who it is that wants to undermine the peace and tranquility of the country all in the name of Politics.