The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Leader of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Brig. Julius Maada Bio has called on the 2018 National Coalition for Change (NGC) flagbearer, Hon. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella to return back to SLPP.

President Bio made this statement today 25th February, 2022 in the hometown of Yumkella, Kychom in Kambia District where he went to crown Paramount Chiefs. He pleaded with the former SLPP politician to return back to the party.

In his response, KKY thanked President Bio for visiting his hometown. He stated that, they respected President Bio as the Head of State and the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. He added that, he will not hear news that the President is visiting his hometown without joining him even without telling him.

KKY continue saying that, he received phone calls from the Paramount Chief of Kychom and his brother who informed him that President Bio is visiting Kychom. Himself made it clear that he has to be there to welcome the President in his Kychom. He told the President that he was having an emergency but he has to quit it so that he can welcome him.

The Hon. Member of Parliament stated the reasons why he welcomed the President. He said Sierra Leoneans should know that politics should not be by hatred. KKY added that, the important for them as politicians is to show Sierra Leoneans that they can disagree in politics and be in different parties but not for hatred neither for fighting. He said the reason is that all of them want the country to develop.

KKY further stated that, the second reason for welcoming the President is to respect the institution. He declared himself as an institutionalist. “I am an institutionalist and that what I have done for 30 years,” he spoke. “When you have the presidency, is for the whole country,” he added. The 2018 NGC flagbearer continue saying that, if he wouldn’t have witnessed when the President visited his hometown, it shows that he doesn’t respect the country and the President.

He spoke the things that have affected Sierra Leone. According to him, disrespecting leaders is not good and therefore, the institutions and leadership should be respected. “President if you see me here, I have respect for you as a person and the institution as well,” he added. He further that, Maada Bio is their President and as long as it’s about development, he will work with the government of the day.

To land on the request of the President begging him to return to SLPP, Hon. Kandeh Yumkella informed him that, he will consider the request and he will get back to him.