By Tamba Fallah
Jimmy Batilo Songa, the current National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), has recently displayed strategies that have left many loyal and level headed SLPP intellectuals questioning his political integrity.
His recent actions have even led to the formation of a separate group with the Chief Minister and Prince Arden reportedly established to undermine the influence of President Julius Maada Bio.
There appears to be a silent but serious power struggle brewing within the party.
The SLPP Chairman is said to be at odds with the party leader, President Bio, driven by a thirst for control and political dominance. It is widely believed that he has been collaborating closely with the current Chief Minister and a few others in an attempt to frustrate the progress of the First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio.
Dr. Fatima Bio has become a source of pride for Sierra Leone, gaining both national and international recognition for her remarkable contributions and her commitment to development. Yet instead of celebrating her success and supporting her efforts, certain individuals within the ruling party have allowed jealousy and insecurity to guide their actions.
The Chairman’s recent behaviour sends an indirect but unmistakable message to the President that he is willing to challenge his own leader’s authority.
The situation became even clearer during the official handing over ceremony at the SLPP headquarters. The statements made by the outgoing Chairman, Prince Arden, the incoming Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, and even by Prince Arden’s wife, spoke volumes. Their words revealed an undertone of resentment and division that cannot be ignored.
If they believe that by their actions they can frustrate the efforts of the First Lady, then they are living in a dream. In due time, they will all come to know who truly holds the heart and spirit of the SLPP.
The First Lady, Her Majesty Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has walked through the storm with her husband. She stood by President Bio during the hardest of times, when the road was rough and uncertain.
Where were these same people then? Where were they when many within the SLPP leadership undermined the President, when they doubted his leadership, and when they campaigned against him, saying he would never become President of Sierra Leone?
Now that the First Lady is soaring high, using her influence, energy, and international networks to strengthen the nation and support her husband’s vision, they have suddenly turned against her. They are failing to understand one simple truth: she is not just a public figure , she is the President’s wife, his legitimate partner, bound to him in love and loyalty until death do them part.
It is disheartening to see members of the President’s own political family plotting against the woman who has stood by him through thick and thin. Their bitterness only reveals their true intentions.
President Bio must now be vigilant. He must open his eyes to see the betrayal surrounding him, even from those who appear closest. These individuals are not working for him; they are working against him, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Mr. President, shake the trees and shake them well. Let the rotten fruits fall so you can clearly see who is standing with you and who is only pretending to.
Your wife has proven herself to be your strongest ally, your greatest supporter, and your most reliable partner. She is your best friend and your power bank the one who will never abandon you.
Protect her. Protect your family. And above all, protect the integrity of the SLPP from those who seek to destroy it from within.
Written by Tamba Fallah
