By Richmond B. Tholley
The Section, Chiefdom, and Constituency Executives of the Sierra Leone People’s Party across Tonkolili District and the party’s general membership have written a letter to President Julius Maada Bio expressing deep concern over the sacking of Ahmed Saybom Kanu, the party’s District Chairman.
In the letter, the SLPP members said they are deeply disheartened by the recent decision to relieve the district chairman from the position of managing director of the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company.
On Monday, 17th March 2025, President Bio, in a public notice from the State House, relieved Kanu and two others from their duties. His removal from office as the managing director of the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company has been marked by significant concerns.
Though the president’s office did not mention the reason for the sacking, many believe the decision cannot be unconnected to the recent tensions surrounding the party’s lower-level elections in many parts of Tonkolili District.
According to the letter, Kanu’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing the interests of the SLPP grassroots supporters and has represented the values of the party within the community.
“This abrupt change has left many of us concerned about the future direction of our district and the impact on our collective efforts,” the letter reads.
“We firmly believe that Mr. Kanu’s contributions have been vital, and his removal raises significant questions about the commitment to our grassroots members and the local leadership that has worked tirelessly to support the SLPP, the letter added.
Kanu’s efforts in Tonkolili District as managing director at the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company, the SLPP Grassroots said, are unmatched by other political appointees in the current administration under President Bio.
On that note, the SLPP stated they’re respectfully requesting that the president reinstate Ahmed Saybom Kanu to his position or assign him another role in his administration.
“By doing so, the SLPP will continue to strengthen its stance over other political parties in Tonkolili District,” the letter ends.
The letter says the decision is in solidarity with all SLPP executives and members across the Tonkolili District.
