By Mohamed Kakay

Senior Political Commentator

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”

Meaning:

it’s better to be content with what you have than to risk losing everything by seeking to get more.

The fullah tribe has become one of the most politically influential tribes in past decade in Sierra Leone. They have stamped their position as Vice Presidents within the two most powerful political parties in the country. Therefore, come rain, thunder, storm or earthquake the next vice president of Sierra Leone will come from the Fullah tribe. That’s how powerful they’re!

My question here now is; will the fullahs reject Dr. Juldeh Jalloh who is already a sitting vice president for Hon. Chericoco who’s not a vice president? Note that they are both vying for the same position.

A prominent fullah businessman who spoke to me just after the appointment of Hon. Chernor Bah as running mate, metaphorically puts it this way;  a drum full of honey doesn’t change its taste from a small cup full of honey, it only increases the quantity. Meaning that, they already have a vice president and therefore the  appointment of another vice president doesn’t make much difference. It would have made a difference if the opposition should have elected another fullah as its flag bearer candidate.

The fullas are now aiming for the No.1 position and not another running mate which they already have.

Therefore, if the saying that, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” is anything to go by, then, by all intent and purposes, the fullas will preferably vote for Dr. Juldeh Jalloh and not Hon. Chericoco.

Not surprisingly, immediately after the announcement of Hon. Chericoco as running mate to Dr. Samura Kamara, the first gunshot that was fired against him came from a powerful APC big gun, former presidential candidate and High Commissioner to the UK, Hon. Eddie Turay. He said, Hon. Chernor has nothing to bring to the table and his appointment will not add any value to the party. Honestly speaking, Hon. Chericoco’s appointment wasn’t received with that usual pump and pageantry usually associated with the announcement of such high profiled political positions.

Political commentators say, the APC party missed a big opportunity for not capitalizing on the Gender card which SLPP also failed to fill-in. Both parties didn’t take the gender issue seriously,  but rather opted for male candidates. Many are of the opinion that the APC party should have gone for a female running mate if only they needed someone from the Western Area (Freetown).

Meanwhile, President Bio skillfully took the opportunity to send a strong message few weeks ago during one of his public engagements,  that the future of the country will be in the hands of women. That’s a big gender campaign message.

Once again the political formation didn’t change for once, as it was in 2018, so shall it be again in 2023. President Julius Maada Bio will lock horn with Dr. Samura Kamara, while VP. Juldeh Jalloh will face Hon. Chernor Maju Bah. That’s a very interesting rematch to watch.