Three registered Political Parties in Sierra Leone, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Coalition 4 Change (C4C), and the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), have dissociated from their representatives who signed an MoU with the Consortium of Progressive Political Parties (COPPP).
Held at the Headquarters of the Republic Independent National Party (ReNIP) along Bai Bureh Road, Kissy, National Chairman and Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP, Sorbeh) Prince Coker, who also doubles as the Chairman of the All Political Parties Association (APPA) told newsmen in a press conference that PDP and the other two affected parties are seriously concerned over the actions of the individuals who purportedly signed an MoU with COPPP on behalf of executives without their attention and official consent to become members of a consortium.
Prince Coker of PDP, Sahr Nyama, National Coordinator of C4C, and George Macaulay who is interim Chairman for ADP all quoted articles from their party constitution which spells out rules, regulation, and functions of party officers noting that the individuals in question are deemed to have committed anti-party affairs and are subject to investigation, and thereafter punitive action may be taken against them.
To support the three affected parties over the actions of those who breached party executive protocols were representatives from the ruling SLPP, RUFP, UNPP, and the PLP. Deputy Secretary-General of the SLPP, Sheku Koroma, says constant engagement and dialogue is key for making good governance and democracy work in the interest of the majority.
He added that as a believer in the ideals of good democratic principles, the actions of those responsible should be condemned saying, “If someone is no longer a member of a party or a set of people have been slammed an injunction in a court of justice, he/she has no right to engage in any other extra party activity on behalf of a political party which is independent and has the right to make decisions on behalf of the party through its recognized elected executive by the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC). Koroma furthered that the situation seems rather confusing for him seeing some political party representatives who signed the MoU with COPPP are still members of APPA, and have still not officially resigned.
Before the media conference held by PDP and others on Tuesday, 21st September 2021, a similar signing of the MoU with COPPP on the 13th of September 2021, was done at the New Brookfield Hotel, and the views of some member representatives were sought.
The same response made by SLPP’s Sheku Koroma about being confused was also said by some members representing different political parties that it seems the PPRC is confused and is not doing its best to ensure that all intra-party disputes are settled including the present division between APPA and COPPP to put a stop to the cat and mouse blame game for fresh air to be breathed once more within the political arena.
Asked about the role the PPRC has played in mediating between members with intra-party disputes, Prince Coker was quick to respond that several complaints by some political parties have been filed to the PPRC Mediation Desk including PDP Sorbeh against Alhaji Ben Kamara and Alimamy Bangura who continue to impersonate and make representation on behalf of the party.“Some issues have been resolved amicably, while others are still yet to be addressed and I can confirm that the PPRC is doing its best, but some people within political parties continue to do otherwise to divide APPA which is the recognized umbrella body for political parties”, Coker concluded.
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