By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter (D.S)
The National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, has urged the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandi, to step in and work with SLPP councilors to restore effective functioning at the Freetown City Council.
Songa’s call follows what he described as a wider political boycott led by the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC). The boycott, which began in late February, was reportedly initiated by APC leadership to protest the appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner, which the party has claimed was “a direct assault” on reforms agreed through international mediation.
After the government moved forward with the appointment, APC officials including the Freetown Mayor and other councillorswere directed to withdraw from governance activities. Songa said the resulting deadlock has since hampered routine operations at the local level.
He noted that the absence of political participation has affected the Council’s ability to access funding required for essential public services, including waste management and other critical municipal responsibilities. Songa also pointed to public reactions indicating growing frustration, citing an opinion poll in which 76% of respondents reportedly viewed the boycott negatively.
To resolve the impasse, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa said the SLPP leadership is seeking intervention from the Minister of Works and Public Assets, the Ministry of Local Government, and other relevant state institutions. The objective, he said, is to enable SLPP councilors to perform their statutory duties without obstruction.
As part of proposed solutions, the SLPP chairman suggested the introduction of monthly engagement sessions between SLPP councillors and ministry officials, the creation of a clear internal leadership structure within the Council, and stronger cooperation with key ministries to secure resources and technical support.
He also emphasized the need to provide SLPP councilors with the necessary platforms and authority to deliver measurable results, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to good governance and improved service delivery for residents of Freetown.
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