By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) on Saturday held a symbolic handing-over ceremony that marked the official transfer of leadership from the outgoing National Executive, led by Dr. Prince Alex Harding, to the newly elected team headed by Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa. The colourful event, attended by senior party members, government officials, and grassroots supporters, was further highlighted by a major financial gesture from prominent businessman and party stalwart, Mr. Mohamed Lamin Tunis.
Mr. Tunis, who currently serves as Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, made a generous donation of Two Billion Leones to support the SLPP and its new leadership. His contribution, widely praised by attendees, was described as a demonstration of his deep loyalty to the party and his belief in the visionary leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Tunis said his decision to make the donation stemmed from his faith in the SLPP’s enduring values of unity, peace, and development. He noted that his contribution was not just a financial commitment but a reaffirmation of his confidence in the party’s leadership and the direction it continues to take under President Bio.
“Today, I had the honour of attending the official handing-over ceremony of our great Party, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), where I made a personal donation of Two Billion Leones to support the party and the newly elected executive,” Mr. Tunis stated. “This gesture reflects my strong belief in the SLPP, our shared values, and the inspiring leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, whose vision for unity, peace, and development continues to guide our nation.”
He expressed gratitude to the outgoing executive for their service and congratulated the new team, urging all members to remain steadfast and united in advancing the SLPP’s mission. “The strength of our party lies in working together with honesty, purpose, and commitment to building a better Sierra Leone,” he emphasized.
Responding to the donation, SLPP National Chairman Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa extended heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Tunis for his unwavering support. He described the gesture as timely and inspirational, particularly as the new executive assumes responsibility for steering the party toward future victories.
Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa used the occasion to remind party members that the SLPP’s success has always been rooted in the sacrifices of its grassroots supporters. “I am the National Chairman of this great party today because of the SLPP grassroots. Without them, I am nobody — and without them, you are nobody,” he declared, drawing strong applause from the audience.
He further stressed that the party’s continued hold on power beyond 2028 depends on remaining united and addressing the welfare of loyal supporters. He revealed that both he and the National Secretary-General, Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally, have voluntarily stepped down from their lucrative government positions to focus fully on strengthening the party.
The ceremony concluded with an atmosphere of renewed optimism, as members pledged to work together for the SLPP’s continued success. Mr. Tunis’s Le2 billion donation stood out as a symbol of dedication and faith in the party’s vision for national progress and inclusive development.
