By. Maliq Lebbie
Political Correspondent- Kono
As Sierra Leone gradually moves toward the 2028 general elections, the question before us should not simply be who wants to become President. The more important question is who has the experience, character, political maturity and determination to lead Sierra Leone into a stronger and more prosperous future?
After reflecting on the choices that may emerge, I have made my position clear. I believe Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally deserves the confidence and support of the Sierra Leonean people.
My support is not based on political excitement or personal sentiment alone. It comes from my belief that Sierra Leone needs a leader who understands public service, understands the political gymnastics and or realities of our country and is prepared to carry the enormous responsibility that comes with occupying State House. I see those qualities in Musa Tarawally.
The country has come a long way, and the work of national transformation cannot end with one administration. Whatever progress has been made must be protected, strengthened and taken further. At the same time, we must be honest about the challenges confronting ordinary Sierra Leoneans. The cost of living remains a concern. Young people need meaningful employment and opportunities. Our farmers need stronger support. Businesses need an environment in which they can grow. Our economy must become more productive, resilient and capable of creating wealth for our people.
This is where I believe Hon.Alhaji Musa Tarawally can make a difference. I believe he has the experience to understand where we are coming from, and the political capacity to help take us where we need to go. I believe he can build on what has been achieved under President Julius Maada Bio, while bringing his own ideas, energy and approach to the task of national development.
To my brothers and sisters in the SLPP, the choice of a flagbearer for 2028 should be treated as a matter of national importance. It should not be reduced to friendship, factional loyalty, personal ambition or who has the loudest political machinery. The question should be much bigger: who can carry the Sierra Leone People’s Party into the election, unite its supporters and convince our first time and the undecided Sierra Leoneans that the Party deserves another opportunity to lead?
In my honest assessment, Musa Tarawally is one candidate who can rise to that challenge.
Politics is ultimately about people. A candidate may have a powerful political structure, but if the people do not connect with that candidate, no structure can guarantee victory. The SLPP therefore needs to listen carefully to the mood of the country and pay attention to what ordinary citizens are saying, hoping for and expecting from their next leader.
I believe Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally has the opportunity to become that candidate. When a person accepts public responsibility, the expectation should never be personal enrichment or political prestige. It should be service. Sierra Leone needs leaders who understand that public office is temporary, but the consequences of leadership can last for generations. That is the standard by which I believe every aspirant should be judged.
I am therefore appealing to SLPP delegates, supporters, Party leaders and all those who will participate in the flagbearer election process to look beyond internal politics and consider the bigger picture. Give every aspirant a fair assessment, examine their records, consider their experience and ask who has the capacity to bring the country together. My answer is Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally.
I also want to make one thing clear. This article is not written to claim that every delegate to the next SLPP convention shares my position. I do not speak for the youth, but rather, every delegate has the right to make an independent choice at the ballot box. I am simply exercising my own right as an SLPP registered member to say openly who I believe can best serve the Party and to a far extent, the country.
I believe Sierra Leone deserves a leadership that is ambitious enough to dream, experienced enough to understand the difficulties before us, and courageous enough to make difficult decisions when necessary. I believe Musa Tarawally can provide that leadership.
The 2028 election will eventually be decided by the people. They will determine who deserves their trust. They will listen to the candidates, examine their records and decide whose vision speaks most convincingly to the future they want for themselves and their children. But before that decision reaches the ballot box, the SLPP has an important decision of its own to make.
Choose wisely. Choose a candidate who can carry the Party beyond its internal boundaries.
Choose someone who can speak to the aspirations of young people, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, professionals and ordinary families.
Choose someone capable of turning political opportunity into national responsibility.
For me, that person is Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally. I believe Sierra Leone needs leadership that does not merely inherit the responsibility of governing, but accepts the challenge of transforming lives.
And if the people ultimately decide that it is time for Musa Tarawally to serve as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, then I believe he should accept that responsibility with humility, determination and an unwavering commitment to the people. For that reason, I say it with conviction:
E BE E BE, E GO BE MAAA
If it is to be, it must be Hon.Alhaji Musa Tarawally.