By Kadiatu Sankoh
SLPP flagbearer aspirant Alhaji Musa Tarawally has described himself as a major stakeholder in the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), calling for respect for the party’s constitution, unity and established procedures.
Speaking in a recent video, Tarawally said the SLPP is a respectable institution that is bigger than any individual, insisting that no chairman should be able to remove him from the party without following due process.
He cited his years of sacrifice and loyalty to the SLPP, arguing that his contributions to the party should be recognised and respected.
Tarawally also appealed to President Julius Maada Bio to intervene in his ongoing grievances with SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa. He said he had brought the matter to the President’s attention and expected appropriate action.
He further warned that he would not allow himself to be used in the same manner he claims JJ Saffa and Sahr Jusu were used. According to Tarawally, failure by President Bio to address the matter could raise questions about the political relationship between them.
Tarawally also recalled his claimed role in President Bio’s entry into the SLPP, saying he played a part in bringing Bio into the party at a time when, according to him, Bio was reluctant to enter the party’s office. He further claimed that he introduced Bio to former President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah.
His comments come amid an ongoing dispute between Tarawally and the SLPP leadership over allegations that he holds membership in both the SLPP and the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP), an allegation he has firmly rejected.
Tarawally maintained that the SLPP must remain guided by its constitution and called on party leaders and members to prioritise unity, respect and internal democratic processes.