The National Grand Coalition (NGC) elected their Presidential flag-bearer on Saturday 11 November in Bo. Immediately following the election, the Party was officially launched on Sunday 12 November 2017 at the jam-packed Siaka Stevens Stadium. The motto for the launch and Party is “United we stand, we stand united”.
The NGC lead a huge procession through the streets of Freetown. Supporters of the NGC in the thousands converged at Up Gun and marched in a peaceful and celebratory mood to the Stadium.
During the launching, the Chair of the NGC, Dennis Bright, underscored that for over 50 years Sierra Leone has been static in terms of development. He noted that the 2018 elections are not just an ordinary election. He added, “This is the election God has chose to transform Sierra Leone under the leadership of Kandeh Yumkellah.” He said God is using the NGC as an instrument of change, as their Party is preaching against violence and tribalism.
According to the Chair of NGC Western Area, Brima Keita, “If Sierra Leone should move from this stage, Sierra Leoneans should vote for Yumkellah. “He is someone who is developmentally oriented. We are not sharing money in order to convince you but you should consider your current status in the country.”
Addressing the NGC congregation, the presidential candidate of the NGC said, ”The NGC is a new party with a new face and new direction.” He highlighted that the country needs change, which he added, will come from the youth. He said the people of Sierra Leone are suffering from a lack of basic amenities like quality education, hospitals and good drinking water. He promised the people to change the narrative this time around if voted into office.
Yumkellah tagged the NGC as a “rainbow Party”, which is inclusive to all. “Our people are languishing in poverty and this has to stop with the NGC in power come March 2018.”
Kandeh promised to create massive job opportunities in order to empower the youth of this country, adding that thousands of graduates presently are without jobs. He promised to improve the middle level manpower in Sierra Leone. He called for, free, fair, credible and transparent elections.
A representative of the Women’s Wing, Isatu Jabbie Kabbah, said, “The NGC party have strategies, policies and plans to win the next election but we need your support to achieve this marathon task.” She added that the only person that can redeem this nation is Yumkellah, who she described as having an impeccable record and who stands out among the other flag-bearers.
The launching was climaxed by performances from Sierra Leone’s hip-hop star Kao Denero together with Steady Bongo.
MJB/13/11/17
By Mohamed J. Bah
Tuesday November 14, 2017.
ADVERTISEMENT