In a surprising turn of events, the Pujehun District Executive of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has faced criticism for excluding the names of two former independent councilors, Marian Sao and Andrew Fulleh who joined the party during the recently concluded Multitier Elections in the country.

Reports indicate that these councilors were successfully nominated under the SLPP, but their names were conspicuously absent from the elected councilors list disclosed by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).

It could also be recalled that, Hon Shaika Musa Sama, who was an independent Member of Parliament who later aligned with the SLPP and despite his affiliation with the party, his name was left off the official list by the District Executive. However, it was later added to the roster by the national executive of the SLPP, leaving many questioning the District Executive’s actions and the possible implications of such omissions.

This puzzling incident has raised concerns within the party, prompting Hon Shaika Musa Sama to personally inform the party’s leader, President Julius Maada Bio, about the unfortunate occurrence. As the situation unfolds, party members and political observers eagerly await an explanation from the Pujehun District Executive for their actions and any potential repercussions it may entail.

In a Whatsapp group conversation, Hon. Shaika Musa Sama asked some questions which have raised further concerns. The post poses several big questions regarding the inclusion of certain names on the ECSL’s list of “2023 Elected Councilors” for Pujehun District. Notably, the case of Memunatu Kekura, whose name appeared on the list despite not being present on the previous lists of nominated candidates, has raised eyebrows.

“Why is Memunatu Kekura’s name (Voter ID: Bn 3569743) included on ECSL’s list ( Number 19) of ”2023 Elected Councilors” for Pujehun District when her name was not on the first list but on the second list (Number 43) of nominated candidates that was displayed at the ECSL Office in Pujehun on 28th April 2023? How did this happen? This is shocking”.

Moreover, the post also highlights Nancy Jaya’s inclusion as an elected councilor despite allegedly never being nominated and having her name absent from any of the SLPP candidate lists for Pujehun District at the ECSL offices. The circumstances surrounding her election have left many puzzled and calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. Respond supporters in the affected chiefdoms of Malen and Sowa are now voicing their concerns and appealing for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. They are urging the party’s leadership, including President Julius Maada Bio, to address the allegations and ensure that all nominated candidates’ names are accurately reflected in the list of elected councilors.

As the situation unfolds, the credibility of the Pujehun District Executive and commitment to fair and democratic practices are at stake.

Citizens await responses from party officials and the Electoral Commission to shed light on these troubling development.

Moves were made to reach the District Executive but all proven futile, but will get you updated when the party executive members response.