The APC flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura has pledged to lead the party to national victory and transform Sierra Leone, citing the country’s deepening socio-economic challenges and lack of opportunities, especially for women and young people.
Speaking in Kono on Monday, 5th October 2016 during a nationwide consultation with APC stakeholders and supporters, Dr. Bangura said his candidacy was driven by a determination to provide effective leadership and harness Sierra Leone’s human and professional resources for national development.
He said the consultations were not solely about elections, but were intended to deepen understanding of the party’s direction while providing an opportunity to listen to the views and aspirations of people across the country.
“The more I engage with people across the country, the better I understand their views,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the warm reception accorded him and the DIB Movement in Kono.
Dr. Bangura said the reception accorded him and his team had reinforced his belief that the DIB Movement has broad appeal, while thanking the people of Kono for their hospitality and support.
He congratulated all those who emerged victorious in the recent APC ward and constituency elections, regardless of the tensions that accompanied some of the contests. He urged party members to manage their differences responsibly and adopt a more inclusive approach to party politics and social interaction.
Turning to the national situation, Dr. Bangura said his decision to contest the APC flagbearership was motivated by what he described as serious socio-economic challenges confronting Sierra Leone. He expressed concern about limited opportunities for young people, drug abuse and what he characterised as the dysfunction of key sectors of the country.
He said he understood the difficulties faced by ordinary Sierra Leoneans struggling to secure decent livelihoods and provide for their families. He therefore urged APC delegates to make wise and informed choices when selecting the party’s next leader, noting that the individual chosen to lead the APC could, by extension, become the country’s next President.
Dr. Bangura expressed confidence that he would win the APC flagbearership, saying the party’s next leadership would have the responsibility of transforming Sierra Leone from its current difficult socio-economic condition. He maintained that the DIB Movement has a universal appeal capable of attracting and harnessing the country’s best human resources, including expertise from Sierra Leoneans and professionals around the world, to drive national transformation.
The APC flagbearer aspirant also paid glowing tribute to Madam Finda Diana Konomanyi, commending her mobilisation and organisational capacity, public service and sacrifices to Kono and Sierra Leone. He also acknowledged the contributions of prominent Kono sons, including former Vice President, Alhaji Sam Sumana and Ambassador John Yambasu, among others.
Dr. Bangura also expressed gratitude for the many gifts presented to him by the delegates of every constituency and the outgoing district executive, describing the gestures as a reflection of the kindness and generosity of the people of Kono.
He concluded by urging APC supporters to remain focused on the broader national interest as the party prepares for its leadership contest and the next presidential election.