Dr. Sama Banya (Puawui)
The Sierra Leone Telegraph: 15 August 2013
Sir Milton (Photo), Bai Farima Tas 11, Kandeh Bureh, A J Momoh, Gideon Thomas, Albert Margai, Siaka Stevens, Paramount Chief Julius Gulama, Rev. Paul Dumbar, R B Kowa, Paramount Chiefs R B S Koker, Bai Koblo Pathbana, Alikai Modu, Alimamy Dura, Bai Shebora Yumkella, A g Caulker and Kenawa Gamanga.
Mrs. Constance Cummings-John, H E B (Ned) John, A J Randall, Newman Pratt, Teacher A S Koker, Lamina Sanko (Rev. Eldred Jones), Frank Anthony, Rev. M E S Gbudema, J E Mbayo, Paramount chiefs Albert Caulker, Kai Tongi, Bockarie Samba and the rest of you Ladies and Gentlemen.
As I believe in life after death, I know that you must be with Christ, but turning over in your graves as you watch with tears of anguish and disbelief, the terrible events that are unfolding in the party.
And it was with inspiration and foresightedness that you formed the party in 1951 and gave it the appropriate name and motto THE SIERRA LEONE PEOPLES PARTY – ONE COUNTRY, ONE PEOPLE respectively.
As you recall the family and friendly atmosphere in which you deliberated, disagreeing sometimes until you arrived at a consensus to form this great party, which you left to us as a legacy and heritage, you must be wondering and asking yourselves whether it is the same organization that you formed and which successfully led this country to independence in 1961.
Many of the founders of the party went their separate ways later, but it was without any of the ugly things that we are witnessing today.
Backbiting and betrayals, ‘mammy cuss’ with constant police intervention appear to be the order of things. You must be asking yourselves what has gone wrong in recent years.
Where is the peace and tranquillity of 1996, 2002 and 2005?
When did a PPRC or state house official ever intervene in our affairs?
Your party is in turmoil and it is in that state and with heavy hearts that we shall assemble (or shall we), in Bo on August 16. God help us.
I had closed this column and have no intention to restart it, but I felt I had to share these concerns with you and which are in the minds of all genuine SLPP lovers.
But I believe there will be Divine Intervention, which is the reason that I have not invoked Governor Clarkson’s prayer for Sierra Leone.
May your souls continue to rest in peace.
