RETROSPECTION

All,
I'm reading unanimity here that the unfolding political drama in the APC if not handled properly has the potential of dragging the whole country into the mess. And from where I sit, the opposition, our SLPP is absence from the scene. This is not surprising in the least because SLPP lacks the political leadership to champion any sustained attack on the APC.  This is not to dismiss the numerous potent press statements from our very own UKI chair and the SLPPNA Executive; NEC SLPP; notable also is numerous press releases from our former flag bearer Maada Bio and others.
But the question we must be asking ourselves is, have all of the above mentioned had any serious impact on the dodgy behaviour of the APC? Perhaps the answer is no. In fact APC has gone on to even do worst things. There are several reasons but let me stick with two: disunity and leaderless. Zillions of views have been expressed about the former but  I believe the elephant in the room is the latter - leaderless.  If I'm correct here, would it not be safe then to suggest and being mindful of the recent developments that it would have been prudent to have held our party convention or hold it sooner rather than later, so we in the SLPP and the country at-large would have someone with legitimacy to advocate on all of our behalf. I believe, I will also not be wrong now in suggesting that the initiators of Resolution 3 were great thinkers.
Say what you want or like, I believe had Bio and Kadi's position be legitimised in accordance with that resolution, we would now be holding them and others to account for their stewardship. And if our party trusted them the 2012 flag, there is no doubt those two and with the support of others would have delivered as required of them. At least APC will remember SLPP had a political leader anytime they are at their games.
That, as they say is water gone under the bridge.
I have however not seen any concrete action from SLPP NEC, in fact the latter can be excused for periodic press releases. But where are our parliamentarians? AWOL. They more than any group of people should be making the loudest noise.
As I have expressed in other quarters and reiterated by many, the unfolding plot against Sam Sumana is not about the man himself but the constitutional office he occupies.
I JOIN OTHERS IN CALLING FOR THE APC TO BE STOPPED IN ITS TRACKS BEFORE THEY DRAG US INTO A NASTY MUD AGAIN
Please Allah save Salone.
Let's call all our Salone SLPP MPs and urge them into action.
My bit
Enjoy your Sunday
Yongawo

OPINION: POSTED ELSEWHERE IN 2013

On 20 Dec 2013, at 22:24, Mohamed Yongawo <yongawomohamed@hotmail.com> wrote:

Sisters and brothers, permit me to wade into this interesting debate.

I am sorry to suggest that in my mind this poll is skewed, flawed, misplaced, ill-defined you name it. Yes, some kind of introspection into our difficulties is warranted. But do we conduct a poll to determine an outcome of an environment we have little knowledge about and influence over? The answer undoubtedly, is a big no. 

In the past I have suggested or can I say queried whether anyone of us here has spared time to have audience with our parliamentarians. Still waiting for valid responses; I have not had the opportunity to do so myself.
Significantly, few weeks gone, majority of us here seem to have resolved our parliamentarians were not delivering and some of us even suggested ways our parliamentarian could better their presence in the well of parliament. Some including my self-advised our brothers and sisters in parliament could engage themselves in monitoring government ministries and developing counter policies as an effective means of opposition. Others suggested our parliamentarians could do themselves good if they spent more time in their constituencies with their constituents facilitating grassroots involvement in party business. Many others even went further describing our parliamentarians as hopeless. 

All of a sudden some kind of selective amnesia has set in motion. Like someone suggested here recently, if it is evident that our opposition in parliament is weak, something have got to be done about it. Obviously, it will be an expensive undertaking to recall every Member of Parliament for what many would describe as ineptitude; the state cannot afford it. So, do we agree that some form of restructuring is required? Unanimously, yes. Are we then disagreeing on the method it is been carried out - probably yes. If the latter is our difficulty not the former, then let's cool heads prevail. Let's appeal to SLPP NEC to intervene by admonishing our parliamentarians to follow due process - that is if some of us think they are not already doing this. Like many here, I am not cognisant of the rules therein, so it will be foolish to pretend otherwise. 
Again, in my mind, pre event polls are conducted to have some kind of desired effect - to influence minds and procedures. It goes without saying that this poll initiated by my big brother Kenei Gbonda Sei is aimless or can say directionless. It will only deepen the divide in what many would agree is fractured party.
The way forward as I see it is multi directional but to resolve it we have to be realistic and respectful of each other’s views. 
Firstly, those who supported the respectable Ali Bangura should impress on him to acknowledged Chief Kapen as the elected leader of our party and withdraw his judicial treat hanging over the party.  
Secondly, Chief Kapen and his executive should welcome Mr Bangura with red Capet and give an undertaken to institute an independent body to investigate the happenings at the Bo Convention. Outcome of such process should serve as lesson for future conventions and party elections. 
Thirdly, the minority leader should be impressed on to withdraw her legal undertakings against her colleagues. 
Fourthly, our parliamentarians and SLPP NEC should immediately review the decision by the parliamentarians, ensuring that parliamentary procedures were strictly adhered to without fear or favour.
And finally I would like to join others in calling for a reconciliatory retreat of all ELECTED NEC; SLPP ELDERS COUNCIL IN SIERRA LEONE, ALL PARLIAMENTARIANS; CONTESTING CANDIDATES IN THE LAST BO CONVENTION; ALL CONTESTANTS IN THE LAST FLAG BEARER RACE (those who are still members of the SLPP); MEMBERS OF THE OUTGONE NEC; ALL PROVINCIAL, DISTRICT, and CHIEFDOM EXECUTIVES, SLPP DIASPORA CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARY GENERALS. The list is none exhaustive but we cannot have everyone there otherwise it becomes a hapless market. The said should be facilitated by SLPP NEC and its Agenda should be proposed by them but agreed by the attendees.
That gathering should be strictly for the invitees for maximum effect – input and output. The gathering should not be about conducting a new NEC election but a communique should be agreed and that should serve as a road map, which will direct how the party conducts her business henceforth. 
Now let me make public what I have advised several party bosses - past and present behind close doors; which is, irrespective of whom we elect our future flag bearer we will find it difficult to win presidential elections if we are not united as a party; even if that individual is Angel Gabriel (Allah forgive me). I’m not been alarmist, this is the fact – one does not have to be a rocket scientist to understand this. 
As important as it may be, let's for now put aside the numbers not adding up from EAST, WEST, NORTH AND SOUTH Sierra Leone, the electorates will not be trusting power in the hands of a divided bunch, such as our party is looking today. 
One thing we also need to plant in our brain cells, APC will always support and stand by their own irrespective of what they may have done or not done - Omrie Golley is a classic case in point; Kemoh Sesay of the Cocaine fame is another and of course, VP Timbergate, to name but few. 
Let's be strategic and stop this unnecessary finger pointing and what one may describe as psychotic conditioning. We better get our mental faculties back together, otherwise we will be doomed. Compromises across the board should be our epitome. An opposition that fails to win elections should fold up and go home. 
Have a pleasant weekend my sisters and brothers.
Merry Christmas Prosperous 2014 and beyond; to you, to me, our families, Sierra Leone and of course sanity in SLPP. 

I love all of you. We should always strive to share love not hate.

Yongawo

THE PLOT - POSTED ELSEWHERE on 27/02/2014

It is apparent that a meeting of such took place at Ex VP Berewa's home. And despite his strong denial and in my view the meeting had two objectives:

1) A stop Maada Bio plot - the attendees unanimously agreed to at all cost stop Maada from attaining the flag bearer position whenever elections are conducted for that important position. In creole - dem for botam or e go win, because as reported in the minutes there are all indications that Bio will win any future flag bearer polls. 

2) Most disheartening, the parties attending agreed to set up a parallel political shop to run SLPP affairs - which as I see it will represent their interest and as it is spelled out in the minutes,  their dodgy plans.

So, if we accept the contents of the minutes are factual (I have no reason to doubt the credibility of the messenger who shared it), the attendees recognised Bio is the most popular  prospective candidate within our ranks, what is stopping anyone from engaging him in whatever attempts at bringing sanity in OUR ONE PEOPLE ONE COUNTRY FAMILY. 

OK, I understand, the presence of Bio the most popular prospective candidate according to the minutes, will not be palatable to some of the attendees but also there is fear of him overshadowing some individuals nursing the idea of attaining the principal coveted position in our party. So in some people's  view, it is better he is left out at every given opportunity. But then the question I would like to pose from my 'naive' corner is: why leave out a man you've all admitted  has the edge in any flag bearer race and at the heart of the matter - victory or lose? Why not engage him if the organisers of said meeting have the best interest of this party we all claim to love.

In fact, let me on record state  here that during JOB's last visit to UK, I challenged him as former  Chair and leader of our party to facilitate a meeting of all reported conflicting parties and 'stakeholders' to address our protracted and intractable palaver. My suggestion was not directed at excluding Maada Bio. You hate or like him Bio is a pivotal figure in our SLPP of today. One will be dreaming to ignore or dismiss him - it will be at the detriment of this party. 

And as I have on numerous occasions posted here, we all have a stake in the future of this party but there are some the faith of this party lies with - Bio is one such person; and therefore like others we need Bio's involvement at every stage of this party's journey. So next time anyone dream about summoning a meeting - clandestine or not Bio should not be left out.

In regard to one of the resolutions of the said meeting, it beggars belief why anyone in their right frame of mind and for whatever reason would even contemplate the idea of "ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARALLEL ADMINISTRATION AND SECURING AN OFFICE SPACE" - really elders of our Grand Old Party? What was in the minds of the individuals at said meeting? "PARALLEL ADMINISTRATION"? They might as well had decided to form another political party. Or are they trying to tell us something?. We will keep our eyes and ears wide open.

We can not win elections if we remain divided and irrespective who is chosen as our next flag bearer, that person will find the road to State House dark if he/she does not receive total support of the entire membership but it will become even more rugged if the leaders in whom we've placed our trust continue playing sinister games. 

Our leaders, any word on the forth coming National Census? Remember elections are not lost on Election Day and if anyone of you is dreaming of winning the presidency forget about our future flag bearer election; focus on the National Census, which from all indications APC is bent of rigging and if that is manipulated in the interest of the APC, forget about the 2017/2018 general elections. That is if ever held - that's for another day.

Lonta

Yongawo 

OPINION POSTED IN ANOTHER FORUM ON 22/08/2014

Doc T,

Two burning issues delayed my response to your email. Paramount is my unflinching affection for SLPP and the drive for unity. Second, is the respect I have for you. 

In regard to the first, there is ongoing unanimous cry that we should let peace thrive in this party we all claim we love. Absence of this, it will be difficult for this party to scratch the door of State House least would one think of entry in.

In respect of the second point, I have always seen you as someone who has total love for SLPP and you have manifested this on many accounts. Let me draw your attention to one such instance; I guess you will recall the 2012 election days when we and others spent hours on SKYPE following proceedings and helping our brothers and sisters strategise. Your commitments at the time convinced me that you are one person who will not hesitate to spill your blood for SLPP if it was warranted. This for me is not the same Ngor Tengbe I'm reading the kind of mail you posted earlier. Hope you've not been hijacked. 

Moving on to the issue at hand, unlike your post, I'm going to be diplomatic and dignified in my response to what I would describe you undignified post. But before I proceed I would like us to clear the air. So, Doc Tengbe, I Mohamed Yongawo challenge you to post here any piece I have posted here mentioning your person "Tengbe" and the name of your 'outfit' - I still refuse to mention it. If you have any evidence, I Mohamed Yongawo i'm not big to apologise to Dr. Tengbe and every member of your outfit. If you have no evidence, then Dr. you will owe a big apology; to be posted right here. 

Dr. I find it difficult to understand what prompted the rage in your response. I will find it difficult to believe it has to do with any of my postings. You must have been rattled by something - what? I can't tell and if I'm wrong pardon me. 

Obviously, not my lines below: 

" I believe all this tittle tattle is a distraction from the only game in town - the rebuilding of our party after the serious infighting. As I have repeatedly stated, no clannish behaviour is going to deliver the goods for SLPP. We should all be seen to be promoting unity and peace through the constitutionally elected bodies of our party; be it in Sierra Leone or abroad - I cannot be clearer than this. Let us dismantle all clans  and join Chief in redesigning the party we all claim to love". 

In my call for unity and the dismantling of all clannish ideologies in SLPP, I made no distinction. So, do I care how the above is perceived no. Anyone, who has SLPP's interest at heart will welcome the above statement wholeheartedly. Not so Doc?

Doc, you've seen me around but I'm wondering whether you know me for wanting to seek a fight with me. Perhaps it will be helpful if you asked some of your members who know me for further narrative. Any fight in me is forever reserved for APC not for SLPP brothers and sisters. SO, Doc pick a fight with someone else. Better still direct your blows towards APC not a member of the same party. Knowing you, I would like to presume that that email was posted in the spar of the moment. For that you are forgiven. If not, then I'm wondering which peace you're talking about. 

Doc, let me reiterate and can I say make one thing clear, this Mohamed Yongawo is not one that can be boxed in any clan. I am above clan politics and my love is only for the SLPP.

SLPP, only unity will take us places. Let's find love in our heart for each other and there is no place for clan politics.

With love

Yongawo

OPINION POSTED IN ANOTHER FORUM ON 14/08/2013

If  I say I'm getting fed up with this cut and paste petty emptiness that is brewing and growing wings on this forum it will be  an understatement. 

What a ridiculous nuciance this once enlightened forum is turning into just because of few of us. Few of us who believe by preaching hatred and telling fibs against one another is going to win us recognition in this self destruct image we are becoming known for. 

Why are we at each others throat? Is it anything hidden that we the 'fontobas' do not know about.  Let's continue causing each other to oblivion and see what we stand to gain at the end. 

This party is tearing itself into fiefdoms or clans Somalia style. We've been reduced to my clan is better than yours and even if we are members of the same clan but you do not share my views you are my enemy number one. 

Honestly, Something is definitely wrong with common sense.  There was a 2012 election that we lost not because the people hated us but because we hated ourselves so we failed to present a uniform platform to the people of Sierra Leone. Then  popped resolution three; rather than sitting and discussing its merits and demerits with open mind, we went into free drive creating rancour where there was no need for one - to such an extent  that there was blood letting among brothers and sisters. Now is the issue of who will become the new father of our party- the party chair. The process of electing the next chairman could have gone on unnoticed but no that is not today's SLPP way. We have boxed ourselves into unnecessary camps to an extent that it looks like a context between different political parties.  Worst, we continue tearing each other apart as if that is all SLPP  business is about. 

Now, here we go Tejan Sheriff deliberately and rudely drawing someone's parent and spouse into a debate that they have never been a party to and probably will never be.

Sadly, BJ had the audacity to compare this despicable act by Tejan Sheriff to the rants by Khatos. Accepted, Khatos has made outlandish threats in this forum, which would be best described as unacceptable by many standards but I cannot remember for once Khatos causing anyone's mama.

Tejan's behaviour is inexcusable and the lowest one would take his/her political argument. If he is ever allowed here again or he returns voluntarily with an apology, I would appreciate if Tejan corrected me  if I'm wrong that he informed a group of us that he had been expelled for similar behaviour from most Sierra Leone Internet Forums; I wonder why?

And this is the same Tejan who is always pointing fingers at others. Point them now at yourself  Mr Tejan Sheriff and look in the mirror ask yourself this question - why cus someone's mama for politics?  Let me reiterate what I posted here many weeks ago in response to another posting - in my book even insinuating you want to cus someone's mother, you've acted thus.

Mus, my brother move on. I believe you have your mother's blessing and spouses understanding because this mamy cus did not come from you. 

Have a bless day. I love you all because I have no fibre of hatred.

Yongawo

RUSSIA VS UKRAINE - WHERE NEXT

Russian invasion of Ukranian Cremia is act of aggression and has been long comming. Following the collapse of the soviet empire, Russia has made evry move to keep in check all former soviet republics - 15 in number but more so Ukraine. Repeated overtures from russian leaders have been rebuffed by Ukrainian leaders bar Now deposed president Yanukobich.

Powder keg

OSCE

CIS

OPINION - PUBLISHED INITIALLY IN ANOTHER FORUM ON 15/02/2014

Kalilu Bo lef nor. I think you and others are giving far more credence to actions by Jet than he deserves. This unless you know far more than I know. That said, are you Kalilu really telling me that Jet is causing more damage to the SLPP than many of us on this forum and those parading the corridors of power in Freetown bent on destroying our party. Jet may be over exuberance and over zealot in promoting his candidate of choice but I personally do not believe he is malicious. Kalilu you of all people should know better than this - with you vast experience in PR. of course I have been one of the few who have decried Jet's behaviour in the past and in relation to his recent transgression. If I recall correctly, there was one issue involving the two of you, where I vehemently registered my disapproval of his behaviour. In fact, I have had the opportunity of having face to face side discussions with Jet at SLPP meetings where I have admonished him against attacks on SLPP members. He promised to desist. Clearly he had not. I only hope his suspension from this forum will serve as a lesson for future conduct.

The another issue brother Kalilu, I fervently believe it is unfair to cast aspersions at Bio for the behaviour of grown up men. We cannot continue to blame Bio for every scuffle in the four corners of Salone and in cyberspace. Are you brother Kalilu really telling the world and with your experience in PR that Maada should come out with press statement anytime there is a brawl in party cycles or when an over enthusiastic support alters bile - like in the case of Jet? 

If I'm closer to Bio like some of you are - my best advice to him will be behind the scene rapprochements. Such as, continuous engagements with all potential candidates and that includes  KKY; it's possible he is already doing this. If not I will advice him to adopt this approach. 

That said, one is forced to question whether Bio has any knowledge what these guys are writing in cyberspace. Just as you cannot hold Obama responsible for the sayings of his pastor, it will be grossly unfair to hold Bio a very descent bloke for the impoliteness of the minority of his supporters - some he has not and will probably never meet in person.

Returning to the question of Jet's temporary suspension, some May question its duration but I think PK has done the right thing and swiftly so.

Kalilu, you are a very senior party member and for someone who has declared his intention to vie for the Sec Gen of our party, I would advise you work behind the scenes. If you are not already doing this; get in touch with all warring factions and let's find a solution out of our ongoing quagmire. Rightly or wrongly, further bashing Jet here, engaging in cyber war or others will only prolong our agony. In fact it is fruitless to continue this debate directed at Jet when as I understand he has been suspended. Let's engage in meaningful discussions in the interest of our party. Someone floated discussions on the forth coming census. This appeared to have waned. 

Jet's action is un-cultured but we need to move on.

Enjoy your weekend

Yongawo

Let's be strategic

In the past I have suggested or can I say queried whether anyone of us here have spared time to have audience with our parliamentarians. Still waiting for valid responses; I have not had the opportunity.

Significantly, few weeks gone majority of us here seem to have resolved our parliamentarians were not delivering and some of us even suggested ways our parliamentarian could better their presence in the well of parliament. Some including my self advised our brothers and sisters in parliament could engage themselves in monitoring government ministries and developing counter policies as an effective means of opposition. Others suggested our parliamentarians could do themselves good if they spent more time in their constituencies with their constituents facilitating grassroots involvement in party business. 

All of a sudden some kind of selective amnesia has set in motion. Like someone suggested here recently, if it is evident that our opposition in parliament is weak, something have got to be done about it. Obviously, it will be an expensive rendezvous  to recall every member of parliament; the state cannot afford it. So, do we agree that some form of restructuring is required? Unanimously, yes. Are we then disagreeing on the method it is been carried out - probably yes. If the latter is our difficulty not the former, then let's cool heads prevail. Let's appeal to NEC intervene by admonishing our parliamentarians to follow due process - that is if some think they are not already doing this. Like many here, I am not cognisant of the rules therein, so it will be foolish to pretend otherwise. 

In my mind, pre event polls are conducted to have a desired effect - to influence minds and procedures. I goes without saying that this poll initiated by my big brother Kenei Gbonda Sei is aimless or can say desired less.

The way forward as I see it has many ways to attack it: Firstly, those who supported the respectable Ali Bangura should impress on him to acknowledged Chief Kapen as the elected leader of our party and withdraw his judicial treat hanging on the party.  Secondly, Chief Kapen and his executive should welcome Mr Bangura with red Capet and give an undertaken to institute an independent body to investigate the happenings at the Bo Convention. Thirdly, the minority leader should be impressed on to withdraw her legal undertakings against her colleagues. Fourthly, our parliamentarians should be instructed to revisit their decision on the Minority Leader - advised therein to strictly follow their procedures without fear or favour and finally I would like to join others in calling for a reconciliatory retreat of all ELECTED NEC; SLPP ELDERS COUNCIL IN SIERRA LEONE, ALL PARLIAMENTARIANS; CONTESTING CANDIDATES IN THE LAST BO CONVENTION; ALL CONTESTANTS IN THE LAST FLAG BEARER RACE (those who are still members of the SLPP); MEMBERS OF THE FORMER NEC; ALL PROVINCIAL, DISTRICT, and CHIEFDOM EXECUTIVES, DIASPORA CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARY GENERALS. The list is none exhaustive but we cannot have everyone there otherwise it becomes a market. That meeting should be strictly for the invitees if there is going to be success. That meeting should not be about conducting a new executive election but a communique or a road map should be agreed in regard to how the party should conduct her business henceforth. 

Now let me make public what I have advised several party bosses - past and present behind close; which is irrespective of who we elect our future flag bearer we will lose every presidential election if we are not united; even if that individual is Angel Gabriel. As important as they may be, let's for once forget about the numbers not adding up from EAST, WEST, NORTH AND SOUTH SIerra Leone, the electorates will not be trusting power in the hands of a divided bunch, such as our party is today. 

One thing we also need to plant in our brains, APC will support their own irrespective of what they may have done or not done - Omiley Gorie is a classic case in point. 

Let's be strategic and stop this unnecessary finger pointing and what one may describe as psychotic conditioning. We better get our mental faculties back together, otherwise we will be doomed.

Have a pleasant weekend my sisters and brothers.

Mohamed Yongawo  hate no soul.