By Jonathan Hindolo Kurabu Esq
In the midst of global economic uncertainty and rising commodity prices, Hon. Sualiho Monyaba Koroma, the former lead mayoral candidate for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in Bo City, made a remarkable gesture over the weekend. On October 7, 2023, at the SLPP Party Office in Bo, he generously donated One Hundred (100) bags of rice and Forty Million old Leones (LE 40,000,0000) to SLPP Zonal, Constituency, District Executives, Key Party Stakeholders, and Support Groups in Bo City.
This generous contribution, totaling One Hundred and Ten Million Old Leones (Le 110,000,000), comes five months after Hon. Sualiho Monyaba Koroma was denied the SLPP mayoral symbol for Bo City, despite winning almost 90% of the votes during the SLPP Primaries in Bo City. This decision had sparked resentment and discontent among constituents, voters, and party members.
In a statement, Hon. Sualiho M. Koroma clarified that his donation was not a display of wealth but rather a fulfillment of his annual support to the Sierra Leone People’s Party. He also expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming re-election of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He appealed to the SLPP Executives present to respect the party’s decision, support the elected Mayor, and assist all elected officials in carrying out their political duties. Furthermore, he urged patience in the face of the current global economic challenges.
Foday Abdulai, the SLPP Bo District Secretary, commended Hon. Sualiho M. Koroma for his ongoing financial support to the party, highlighting that few elected representatives in Bo City have shown such magnanimity, with the exception of Alhaji Dr. Kanja Sesay. He also appealed to all present executives to respect the party’s decisions.
Haja Mary Katta, the SLPP Bo District Women’s Leader, expressed profound gratitude to Hon. Sualiho Koroma for his consistent support over the past five years. She raised concerns about the intimidation faced by Zonal and Constituency executives who are loyal to Hon. Sualiho, emphasizing that such actions could undermine party unity and peace.
Constituency Executives thanked Hon. Sualiho M. Koroma for his generous donation, emphasizing that his generosity was well-known. They also expressed their concerns about the mistreatment of some elected councilors and supporters who are perceived to support Hon. Sualiho.
Despite the party’s decision to deny him the mayoral symbol, Hon. Sualiho Monyaba Koroma, a private entrepreneur, has remained committed to supporting the SLPP and the elected Mayor of Bo City Council. His dedication to the party and its objectives remains unwavering.
