By Maada Lans
At the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) headquarters, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis delivered a powerful message during Friday prayers, urging political appointees to prioritize highlighting President Bio’s achievements to the public over their personal political ambitions. The prayer session, which was well-attended, showcased Tunis’s dedication to maintaining party unity and ensuring the continued success of the SLPP.
Hon. Tunis, a prominent figure in Sierra Leone politics and often referred to as the “SLPP Jagaban,” also announced a new initiative: starting in September, by supporting SLPP party Imams with monthly stipends as part of his commitment to supporting religious leaders within the SLPP. This gesture, warmly received by those present, reflects his ongoing efforts to connect politics with community service, reaching beyond party and tribal lines.
In his speech, Hon. Tunis expressed concern that some members of President Bio’s cabinet seem more focused on their own political futures than on promoting the significant achievements of the current administration. “President Bio has made remarkable progress for our country,” Tunis stated, “but these accomplishments are at risk of being overshadowed by the personal political agendas of a few.”
His remarks come at a critical time for the SLPP, as the party begins to think about its future leadership beyond President Bio’s term, which ends in 2028. Hon. Tunis cautioned against repeating past mistakes, referencing the party’s loss in the 2007 elections, which many blame on internal divisions and the rise of splinter groups within the SLPP. He called for unity and a renewed effort to highlight the President’s agenda, which he believes surpasses the achievements of previous administrations.
In an interview after the event, an SLPP supporter, who chose to remain anonymous, agreed with Tunis’ concerns, emphasizing that the lessons of 2007 remain fresh in the party’s memory. “We are more vigilant now,” the supporter said. “The stakes are too high, and we can’t let the achievements under President Bio be lost to internal conflicts.