The All Peoples Congress in Sierra Leone since 2018 has been witnessing turbulence. The outcome of the recently concluded June 2023 general elections justified the need for more action, new dynamics and generational change on the path of the APC, a political party established over six decades ago. Though the party has enjoyed governance in the country, recent developments suggest that the party needs a radical change to include more young and dynamic people to climb the walls of the body politic of the country with renewed hopes for the future. But remember, not all young men and women are good politicians. (Photo: Abdul Kargbo).

The role of the House of Parliament cannot be overemphasized. No modern country can survive without a vibrant legislative arm of government. As APC resolved to return to the House of Parliament after a dialogue on national unity, one of the members of parliament elected at the Port Loko District, Honourable Abdul Kargbo has been eye-marked to lead the APC party in the 6th parliament of the second Republic of Sierra Leone.  The name, Honourable Abdul Kargbo, rings a bell, having under his belt the records of one of the most vocal politicians in the country at the moment.

Why select Hon. Abdul Kargbo as the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Parliament? Leadership comes with a huge sense of responsibility. At this material time, one thing that’s certain is the fact that the All Peoples Congress (APC)Party should go to the drawing board and allow naturally proven, tried and tested comrades to emerge in various leadership positions. Why Honourable Abdul Kargbo for Leader of the Opposition In the House of Parliament? Many have asked this question in various quarters.

I have seen various names of people billed to assume such a coveted position as leader of the opposition in the House of Parliament, but one thing that I can put a bet on is the fact that Hon.Abdul Kargbo despite sentiment, would have to play a lead role more so at this time when the APC is at a crossroad.  It’s a generational change and we must critically analyze the future of the party; a future that’s tied to picking up the party from a victim of democracy to a state of control over the governance of Sierra Leone as the largest political party with millions of followers.

Need to Unite the Party

There is justification for unity in the APC. Let’s not make any mistakes. Someone within the rank and file and elected MPs should provide the leadership for the party as one of the arms of government. The fact remains youthful representation is what everyone is yearning for; the House of Parliament leadership won’t be an exception. We have identified Honourable Abdul Kargbo as someone who has the required tact to assume such a responsible leadership position. He is an individual who understands the governance issues of Sierra Leone. He always listened and responded to the cries of his people. Members of parliament have three major responsibilities; make law, provide oversight and constituency development. Hon. Kargbo spends most of his time outside of parliament in the church and his constituency (the rich town of Lungi, in the Port Loko District ). He believes in humanity, somebody with fellow feelings and human compassion and will always maintain calm even at the highest provocation.

Articulate and Result-Oriented Leadership

He has a record of articulation. Both in the House of Parliament and the media. Though an engineer, Honourable Abdul Kargbo would spend all his time studying issues of national interest. From the economy, to health, to agriculture to the justice system and every other subject.  No wonder he was incorporated into the National Publicity Secretariat.

Role at the ITGC

High Court ordered an interim governance for the party called ITGC for which Hon. Kargbo served as Secretary. I have always argued. The ITGC started on a solid footing not until the main idea for its formation was diverted. As people working closely at the APC Secretariat, we can vouch that amid tensions and disagreement, Hon. Kargbo maintained a calm posture refusing to hurt a fly even though a human was liable to mistakes.

Matching Competence

The current SLPP makeup needs an equal response. As a former leader of the student body at Fourah Bay, Honourable Kargbo knows the modus operandi of most people appointed and elected within  the other political divide. He has always been an icon even amongst political rivals because of his stance on democracy and knack for speaking truth to power.

Conclusion

From a humble background, Hon. Abdul Kargbo has excelled himself. Having cut his political teeth at institutions of learning:  Fourah Bay College as a student union president, former governor MMCET, and former Head boy St Augustine Agricultural Secondary school, his knack for leading people transcends to the universe.  He had once served as Union president for both Comium and Africa Minerals.

No wonder he was so quick to learn and master the art of legislation as shown in his performance at the past 5th Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone. His selection as leader of the opposition APC in the House of Parliament is a generational change which will endear more intelligent, committed, humble, respectful and God-fearing young people to break the glass ceiling to attain perform and deliver on important positions of the state.

Courtesy: By Gunther AB Daramy& Abu Bakarr Dumbuya (Sibo 125)