By Ragan M. Conteh

It could be recalled that very recently, President Julius Maada Bio sacked the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company, Ahmed Saybom Kanu and Minister of Youth Affairs, Orman Bangura in a dramatic event.

Rev. Kanu is regarded as one of the governing party’s heavyweights given that despite his sacking he remains the SLPP chairman of Tonkolili district.

The sacking of these two political tycoons in Tonkolili has not only resulted to cries among ordinary SLPP supports but has also reportedly sparked protest by the district executive members.

Many supporters believe the president’s decision has the tendency to dismantle the party in the district, with others describing  especially Saybom Kanu as a true blooded SLPP stalwart.

In order to show solidarity to the sacked government officials, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) executives across Tonkolili District and their general membership have written a letter to President Julius Maada Bio expressing their displeasure over the sacking of their Chairman, Ahmed Saybom Kanu as Director of the Sierra Leone Shipping Agency.

The letter stated among other things that the SLPP general membership across Tonkolili is deeply disheartened by the recent decision to relieve their district chairman, Mr. Ahmed Saybom Kanu, from his former position.

According to the some executive members, Mr. Kanu’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing their interests and representing the values of their party within the community.

He said this abrupt change has left many of them concerned about the future direction of their district and the impact on their collective efforts.

“We firmly believe that Mr. Kanu’s contributions have been vital, and his removal raises significant questions about the commitment to our grassroots members and the local leadership that has worked tirelessly to support the SLPP,” the aggrieved members stated.

They buttressed that his efforts in Tonkolili District as Managing Director at the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company are unmatched compared to all other political appointees made by President Julius Maada Bio’s administration in their district.

On that note: “We respectfully request that you reinstate Ahmed Saybom Kanu to his position or assign him another role within your administration.” They emphasized that by doing so the SLPP will continue to strengthen its stance over other political parties in Tonkolili District.