Captain Benji Davies a founding member of the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) has become the latest member to throw in the quit towel from the rank and file.
The former Lands Minister called it quit past Friday and observed in his letter of resignation to the Chairman of the party that, “There is first, the deep feeling of sadness that the party in which I am a founding member and served with unflinching loyalty, premised on my unwavering faith and belief that my party had a vision to bring positive change to Sierra Leone, has betrayed the ideals, vision and aspiration upon which this party was built”.
He went on “It is regrettable that the leadership understanding of and dedication to the principles underlying the Party’s vision for “Change” is encumbered by the parochial interests of certain individuals who should not have been entrusted with leadership positions in the first place”.
As a politician, he opined, “my service has at all times been based on the conviction that, whatever we do, we should ensure that our actions contribute to the sustainability of a just society; the upliftment of all our people, and the development of our dear Nation Sierra Leone that belongs to all who live in it”.
Captain Davies also observed that “indeed the pursuit of the vision and principles of selflessness, sacrifice and service in a manner that ensures that the interests of the people take precedence over our desires as individuals has precipitated my decision today”.
The sacked former Lands minister stressed that he, “truly believe(s) that the Government of Ernest Bai Koroma in which I have been privileged to serve will act and work in the true spirit of these values by embarking, on policies and programmes directed at pulling the people of Sierra Leone out of the morass of poverty and ensuring that we build a stable, developed and prosperous country”.
He also noted that “events of the past few months have brought my name into disrepute within the PMDC. But I say to you all, it takes a man of great vision to realize and accept that there is a better alternative to his thoughts and actions on certain issues”.
Captain (Rtd) Davies further maintained in his letter of resignation that he, “depart(s) the PMDC party, driven by the determination to achieve the objective of a better life for all by being a part of that vision of President Koroma.”
He concluded saying “I am therefore filled with a sense of purpose as I renounce my membership of the PMDC knowing that I have contributed positively to our fragile democracy and have taken a decision that best serves the interest of our dear nation.”
When questioned on the phone about the reaction from the PMDC, Publicity Secretary Mohamed Bangura said “it’s news to me, we have not received any letter from him.”