By Alhaji Turay

The Sierra Leone Motor Drivers and General Transport Union (SLMDGTU) is embroiled in turmoil as members express growing frustrations over the delaying of elections to select a new executive. The delay has divided the union into two camps: one supporting the current executive, led by Alpha Amadu Bah, and another demanding a new leadership team, arguing that Bah’s tenure expired months ago.

Alpha Amadu Bah’s official term ended on July 23, 2024, and the union’s constitution requires a fresh election to be held by that date.

While Bah had expressed his readiness to relinquish power, internal disputes and administrative challenges stalled the election process, leaving the union in disarray.

A significant factor to be delaying the elections is because of unpaid dues by members.

Mr. Abu Saidu, Bo District representative and the potential candidate for the presidency, allegedly owes the union outstanding fees.

The union’s constitution bars individuals who have not paid their dues from running for office. Despite claims that Saidu had paid his dues as he claimed in the presence of officials of Ministry of Labour and Social Security, questions persist about the authenticity of his  payment on the payment records.

Ministry’s Role and Court Intervention

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is responsible for overseeing the union and it has also been implicated for the delays.

Although a court order had reportedly instructed the union to proceed with the elections, no significant progress was made.

The ministry’s involvement in resolving the dispute has yet to yield any results as there are still some deepening frustrations among union members.

At the Texaco Lorry Park, aggrieved drivers and stakeholders voiced their dissatisfaction with Alpha Amadu Bah’s extended tenure.

Many are demanding immediate elections to restore stability and usher in a new executive capable of addressing the union’s challenges.

The situation remains fluid with more developments expected in the coming weeks. Further details on this story will be provided in subsequent editions.