By Abdul Kamara

The nationwide grassroots tour by Jesmed F. Suma, Chairman and leader of the opposition National Grand Coalition (NGC), has been met with overwhelming support across the country, despite attempts at intimidation and disruption by pro-alliance factions.

Since beginning his tour, Mr. Suma has visited Bo, Pujehun, Kailahun and Kenema districts, reconnecting with members and reaffirming the NGC’s independence. His message of restoring confidence and freeing the party from political manipulation has sparked renewed energy among supporters.

In Kailahun, the reception was particularly massive, with crowds of supporters gathering in unprecedented numbers to show loyalty to the NGC and its leader. Party members expressed that they were no longer willing to remain part of what they described as political betrayal.

However, the tour has faced obstruction. On his arrival in Makeni, Mr. Suma addressed party members before heading to Magburaka, where over 150 executives had been waiting for hours. Before his arrival, the gathering was allegedly disrupted by Osman Turay, a former district chairman and pro-alliance agitator. Turay claimed police clearance was required for the meeting and alerted the Magburaka police, who unlawfully detained attendees in the hall for over an hour.

Among those detained were senior organizers and even a 15-year-old girl, Zainab Wurie. The situation escalated when some were placed in police cells. The distressing news led to the collapse of a detainee’s wife, who had to be hospitalized.

Chairman Suma personally intervened at the police station, confronting the Local Unit Commander, Saidu Kargbo, who admitted acting under instructions from Assistant Inspector General Manfred Williams. Lawyers representing the NGC reminded the police that clearance is not required for private political meetings, yet statements were taken before the detainees were released.

Following the incident, Mr. Suma instructed his legal team to write to the Inspector General of Police, initiate legal action against Osman Turay, and seek damages for the unlawful detention of his members.

Despite these obstacles, Mr. Suma’s grassroots meetings have continued to draw large, enthusiastic crowds. Observers say the momentum reflects a growing demand within the NGC for independence and integrity, as well as a rejection of interference and intimidation.