By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Deputy Secretary-General of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) party, Alhaji K. Tarawally popularly called ‘Laj K’ has resigned from the Alliance signed with the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) in the run-up to the 2023 multi-tier elections in the country.
In a notice shared with Politico on the 2nd of April 2024, Tarawally noted that his resignation from the current SLPP-NGC Alliance “is not out of bitterness, but from a firm belief that we can and indeed must aspire to greater heights.”
He added that his resignation was not motivated by personal gains or job seeking as his LAKE Group of Companies had over the years employed hundreds of young people nationwide. He stated that his drive is fueled “by a solid commitment to improving our homeland and ensuring that history remembers this era where we chose bravery over ease and proactive measures over passive acceptance.”
Tarawally apologized to the “young and dynamic citizens of Sierra Leone” for the misjudgments that he said had occurred under his political stewardship, and the subsequent repercussions.
He pointed out that in their quest to elevate the nation from the depths of socio-economic adversity; the NGC endorsed the leadership of the SLPP and President Julius Maada Bio. He said that their alliance’s intentions were noble, their goals congruent with progress and their pledges grounded in the belief that in unity, they could initiate an epoch of significant reform.
“However, the unfolded reality betrays this belief—promises unfulfilled, squandered potential, and the looming shadows of avarice, preferential treatment, and sectionalism,” he said.
Laj K expressed regret that the alliance that was to symbolize hope has devolved into “a grim lesson, one that burdens my conscience.”
He reflected on his decision during the 2018 Presidential runoff to support Dr. Samura Kamara which he said was drawn by the candidate’s economic insight that promised to elevate the nation. He further said that in 2023, he placed similar trust in President Julius Maada Bio, hoping for an alliance that would close rifts and draw upon people's collective wisdom.
The Deputy NGC scribe emphasized that the party’s aspirations are now on hold, their endurance strained to its limits, and their efforts to contribute to the nation's progress being met with disregard and division. He said that his backing of President Bio through the Progressive Alliance with NGC was rooted in a sincere concern for the nation's unity and the intent to prevent conflict, not political opportunism.
He called upon Sierra Leone's youth to unite and establish a Young Progressive Movement that will have vibrant Sierra Leoneans from ages 15 to 35 who will be determined to seize control of the nation's future and mould a society where every Sierra Leonean can prosper.
It could be recalled that in a social media circulated recording this year, Laj K expressed frustration over the alliance while providing crucial insights into the challenges faced by the NGC party within the current alliance framework and underscoring the necessity for decisive and unified action moving forward.
He referenced the alliance to have stated very clearly that the NGC members would have government ministerial positions, Ambassadorial and Parastatal positions, but that nothing was forthcoming.
Copyright (c) Politico Online (05/04/24)
