The Kono District executive of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), led by District Chairman Safea Lesley Moiwa, paid a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the party, Jimmy Batilo Songa, at the SLPP headquarters in Freetown.
The visit came at a time when Chairman Songa has recently been at the center of controversy following allegations of physical assault made against him by the current SLPP Women’s Leader, Hawa Foray, allegations supporters described as false and misleading.
Welcoming the Kono District delegation, Chairman Songa expressed appreciation for what he described as a “wonderful and timely visit,” noting that the SLPP remains one united family that must continue to work together for the growth and success of the party.
“The SLPP is a family, and as a family we should learn to work hand in hand for the betterment of the party,” Chairman Songa stated.
He emphasized that the party’s immediate focus should be on protecting and building upon the legacy of Julius Maada Bio, while preparing for the 2028 general elections.
“Our main focus now should be how we can protect the legacy of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and build on it so that the SLPP will continue staying in office,” he said.
Chairman Songa further called on party members to remain peaceful and united, stressing that unity has always been one of the core principles of the SLPP since its establishment.
“Since the SLPP was founded, the key message members have always preached is peace and unity because that is what the SLPP stands for one country, one people,” he noted.
He encouraged party members to work together in the interest of both the nation and the party, adding that leadership requires compassion, patience, and forgiveness.
“The SLPP is a comrade party, and anyone leading should have the heart of a mother who always has sympathy for her children. We may hurt each other along the line, but how we respond to those situations is what matters. We should learn to forgive and let certain issues slide for the benefit of the people and the party,” he said.
Chairman Songa also disclosed that shortly after he was elected National Chairman, President Bio personally advised him to always prioritize the interests of the people and remain accessible to party members.
“His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio told me that the people entrusted me with this responsibility because they believe I will always seek their interests and respond to their concerns. That is why I am doing my best not to disappoint him. His dream is for us to protect the legacy he has built over the years,” Chairman Songa added.
Speaking on behalf of the Kono District executive, SLPP Kono District Chairman Safea Lesley Moiwa thanked Chairman Songa and the national executive for the warm reception accorded to them.
He praised Chairman Songa for what he described as exemplary leadership and an open door policy that has strengthened the party.
“Since Jimmy Batilo Songa took over as National Chairman of the SLPP, he has portrayed himself as a true leader, and the people of Kono District appreciate his good work and generosity,” Moiwa stated.
He assured the National Chairman that the Kono District executive would continue spreading messages of unity and commitment across the district to ensure the continued growth and stability of the party.
Also speaking during the visit, Kono District Women’s Leader Haja Martha Baraytay commended Chairman Songa for his sacrifices and dedication to the SLPP over the years.
“Even during the time when the party was not in governance, you were among those who sacrificed greatly to ensure that the party maintained its status in the country,” she said.
She further assured Chairman Songa that the women of Kono District fully support his leadership and remain committed to working closely with the national executive for the progress of the party.
“The women of Kono are always willing and ready to give your leadership all the support needed to ensure that your tenure leaves a legacy people will always recognize,” she concluded
