Pres.Bio Cautions SLPP against Using Sentiments in Flagbearer Race
By Kelvin Jay
During a celebratory party held at State Lodge in honor of President Julius Maada Bio’s recent election as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), several dignitaries, party members and representatives from various sectors gathered to congratulate the President on his regional achievement.
In his speech, President Bio expressed deep gratitude to the people of Sierra Leone for their unwavering support, which he credited as a key factor in his elevation to the ECOWAS leadership role. He described his appointment as “a win not just for me, but for Sierra Leone”, pledging to represent the country and the region with dignity and focus.
He asserted that Sierra Leone is a blessed country, and it was that belief which motivated him to seek for the Presidency.
He recounted the state of the nation in 2018 when he assumed office, describing it as: “The most corrupt country in the world, where a pregnant women had a 50% chance of dying”.
He emphasized that this dire reality compelled him to embark on aggressive international engagements in order to repair the country’s battered global image and reposition it as a shining star in Africa. “That is why I started traveling—not for luxury—but to clean up Sierra Leone’s image. And Today, our efforts are paying off”.
He further stated that his election as Chairman of ECOWAS reflects the fulfilment of a promise he made: “I said I would put Sierra Leone back on the map—and here we are”.
He noted that SierraLeone has set a new standard by producing both the Chairman of ECOWAS and the President of the Organization of African First Ladies—a reference to First Lady Fatima Maada Bio.
With humor and pride, he turned to the First Lady, saying: “Madam First Lady, I want to tell you that SierraLeone has the Chairman of ECOWAS at State Lodge… and the President of African First Ladies.”
However, the celebration was also marked by a firm political directive from the President.
Addressing growing speculation and internal movements within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) regarding the 2028 Presidential flagbearer race, President Bio cautioned:
“Let us not allow emotions and/ or sentiments to drive our actions. And Let’s put sentiments aside and vote for the next flagbearer of the SLPP—the person who will become the next President of Sierra Leone”, he affirmed.
In a firm and unifying tone, President Bio confirmed that he intends to participate as a delegate in the party’s upcoming Flagbearer election: “I am a delegate. I will vote for the next Flagbearer of the SLPP.”
To crown it all, President cautions against sentiment in flagbearer choice, signals confidence in SLPP’s future leadership.
