“Way Out of Line” – Musa Tarawally Criticizes Naming of SLPP Kono Party Office
Aaron Parker SLPP flagbearer aspirant, Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, has expressed appreciation for the construction and commissioning of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) district office in Kono, while strongly criticizing the naming of the newly built party office.
In a written statement, Tarawally welcomed the development as a positive step for party organization and grassroots engagement in the district. However, he described the decision to name the hall “Amina Maada Bio Hall” as “way out of line,” arguing that it creates the impression of a family-owned property and an act of monarchy.
He further linked his criticism to broader concerns about symbolism and leadership culture, noting that President Julius Maada Bio has previously spoken against any perception of governance resembling monarchy.
According to Tarawally, such naming practices risk undermining internal party cohesion and public perception, especially when alternative historical figures within the SLPP tradition could be honoured instead.
He proposed that the hall could have been named after several prominent party figures and national contributors, suggesting symbolic recognition of SLPP pioneers and statesmen. Among those he referenced were Rev. Paul L. Dunbar, the first national chairman of the SLPP, Hon. S. L. Maturi, Hon. D. S. Bockari, and former Prime Ministers Sir Milton Margai and Sir Albert Margai.
He also mentioned former President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah and contemporary political figures such as Hon. G. W. Mani, arguing that naming party structures after such individuals would better reflect the SLPP’s historical legacy and political identity.
Tarawally maintained that honoring party heroes through symbolic naming would not only preserve history but also strengthen respect for the sacrifices of founding members and long-standing contributors to the party’s growth.
You’re perfectly right, Honorable. It appears like a family _owned property.