By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In reaction to the Publisher of Global Times Newspaper, Sorie Fofana’s commencement of an intended serialized profiling of key SLPP personalities that have demonstrated interest in succeeding President Julius Maada Bio as Leader of the Party and by extension to become the next Flagbearer of the Party dubbed: “𝐒𝐋𝐏𝐏 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐬 𝐈 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦!”, Dr. Sama Banya commonly known as Puawai holds a contrary view.
Expressing caution, Dr. Sama Banya maintained: “The period ahead will not be easy but President Bio is urging us to support his FIVE Agenda objectives for the country’s emancipation from our current and international world’s difficulties, the causes of which are well known. It is my very strong conviction that all our endeavours as a party should be directed and concentrated on that agenda. Anything outside this for now, including the almost vulgar conversation together over the mad rush to identify prospective Party 2028 flag bearers is premature and unhelpful. Worse still it is a dangerous distraction from our important AGENDA to feed the nation, transform the economy and other equally important agenda items.”
Inferred from Puawai’s expressed view, the showing of political interest by certain SLPP bigwigs and holding discussions on their ambition are not timely especially at this material time when much attention must be focused on rallying around President Julius Maada Bio with the primary goal of successfully rolling out the Big 5 Agenda and mainly the Feed Salone Initiative.
Plausibly reasonable as the sagacious octogenarian’s cautionary view may sound, however, there has been an emerging School of Thought that begs to differ on the timeliness of the ambitious SLPP Flagbearer aspirations known so far and to hold discussions around them.
A staunch SLPP supporter, John B.S Tucker residing in the USA argued that President Julius Maada Bio in his wisdom has carefully appointed a hard working team he believes will implement, achieve his Big 5 and to leave behind him a remarkable record of success. He added that the 2028 elections is not about the President and went on to point out that the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabba made a mistake personalizing the 2007 SLPP Presidential campaign process and moving the party’s activities to his house to the extent of crippling the party to a point that even making the choice of the Flagbearer and the running mate was his own decision.
He highlighted that with the 2007 at the back of their minds, he believes it is not early for the party to start thinking about who should succeed President Bio and to unite as well as mobilize members in preparation to win 2028 elections.
John B.S Tucker then went on to ask a rhetorical question: “If the party members do not engage in this long marathon for the success of the party what do you expect the party to be doing in the Big 5?”
He said they should not be observing whilst there is work to do in consolidating and strengthening the party stressing that knowing members of the party who are interested in taking over JMB is not only timely but will give enough time to the membership of the party to be able to scrutinize their candidates, resolve disputes and pick the best out of the rest within a good time.
John B.S Tucker ended postulating politics has become so dynamic that time should not be wasted to prepare for 2028 and to choose leaders in the party.
According to another SLPP stalwart who refers to himself as a Political Prophet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that healthy political discourse and strategic planning for the future, including discussions about potential party flag bearers for 2028, are integral to democratic processes. He continued by maintaining that those discussions should not be dismissed as premature or unhelpful but should be approached with pragmatism and inclusivity.
The Political Prophet opined that while President Bio’s leadership and agenda are paramount, it’s also essential to address ongoing challenges and opportunities comprehensively and such includes engaging in constructive dialogues about the party’s future leadership and strategies that align with broader national development goals.
He continued, “Furthermore, as we navigate complex political landscapes, it’s vital to uphold principles of transparency, accountability and democratic participation within party frameworks,” adding how open dialogue and collaboration can foster stronger party cohesion and effectiveness in achieving long-term objectives.
In his view he expressed that while supporting President Bio’s agenda remains crucial, embracing constructive debates and planning for the future are vital aspects of democratic governance and effective leadership within political parties furthering that balancing immediate priorities with long-term vision ensures holistic progress and resilience in addressing evolving national needs.
This new development within the political landscape of the country, the open Flagbearer declaration of intent, has indeed opened a Pandora’s Box with some buying the view of Dr. Sama Banya that it is untimely while an emergent School of Thought argues that it is highly advantageous for the political enhancement of the SLPP. Whatever may be said the debate continues.
