By Hassan Solokoh Bockarie
Madam Khadija Sam-Sumana, wife of former Vice President Chief Samuel Sam-Sumana, has concluded a highly successful three-day political tour of Kono District, galvanising widespread support for her husband’s anticipated bid for the presidential flagbearership of the opposition All People’s Congress ahead of the next general elections.
The high-profile visit, which took her across several communities including Nimikoro Chiefdom, Lebanon, and other strategic locations in Kono District, attracted thousands of enthusiastic supporters, traditional leaders, party faithful, women, and youth.
At a well-attended gathering at Rivoli Hall in Yengema Town, Nimikoro Chiefdom accorded Madam Khadija a heroic welcome, signalling the growing momentum behind the Sam-28 Movement and Chief Sam Sumana’s presidential ambition.
Chairing the occasion, Hon. Kassegbama described Team Khadija Sam-28 as a divinely inspired movement destined to transform the political landscape of Sierra Leone.
“This initiative is from God. It has come to stay, and it will continue to grow across the country,” he declared, while urging the people of Kono and Sierra Leone to embrace the movement.
He further praised Chief Sam Sumana as a leader uniquely equipped to govern Sierra Leone, citing his experience, eloquence, wisdom, peaceful disposition, and commitment to national development.
“Chief Sam Sumana is qualified, peaceful, developmental, eloquent, wise, and politically experienced to manage the affairs of this nation,” he stated.
In a significant display of traditional hospitality, local authorities led by Councillor Tamba Fomba presented cola nuts and palm wine to Madam Khadija, symbolising acceptance and formal welcome to Nimikoro Chiefdom.
Speaking on behalf of Team Khadija Sam-28, National Spokesperson Daniel Frank Adamani Kargbo paid tribute to veteran APC stakeholders, including Sahr Felipe Gborie, Paramount Chief Sahr Songu Mbriwa, Chief Sam Sumana Snr., S.M. Gborie, and T.Y. Gbondo, for their sacrifices and steadfast commitment to the party.
Kargbo noted that Madam Khadija had moved beyond traditional domestic roles to become a formidable political force in support of her husband’s aspirations.
Addressing cheering crowds throughout the district, Madam Khadija formally announced that Chief Samuel Sam-Sumana would contest for the APC presidential flagbearership.
“The time has come for our people to stop being brainwashed. My husband is more than qualified to become the APC flagbearer and, ultimately, the President of Sierra Leone,” she declared to thunderous applause.
She said her mission to Kono was to personally inform supporters that Chief Sam Sumana is fully prepared for the APC leadership contest and to seek their unwavering support.
During a separate engagement in Lebanon Community, Madam Khadija called on residents to unite behind Chief Sam Sumana’s presidential ambition, describing his quest as one rooted in service, national unity, and transformational leadership.
She urged supporters to reject political intolerance and maintain peace throughout the campaign season.
“Let us stop the cheap politics of tearing political banners for small amounts of money. Such actions only undermine our unity and distract us from our common purpose,” she said.
Madam Khadija also made a passionate appeal to women across Kono District to work together and play a central role in the political process.
“If we work together as women, we will gain more respect nationally and globally,” she told supporters.
She commended the Sam-28 Women’s Wing in Kono for their loyalty, prayers, and steadfast commitment, expressing confidence that their sacrifices would yield great rewards.
In a message of reconciliation, Madam Khadija disclosed that Chief Samuel Sam-Sumana has forgiven all those who may have wronged him in the past, underscoring his commitment to peace, unity, and national cohesion.
She also assured supporters that members of the Sam-28 Movement currently in police custody had not been abandoned.
“Our supporters in detention have not been forgotten. The Sam-28 team is working tirelessly behind closed doors to ensure their release,” she affirmed.
The tour culminated in an appreciation gathering at Madam Khadija’s Jerico residence, where she thanked supporters for their overwhelming turnout, prayers, and solidarity throughout the three-day engagement.
She prayed for peace, stability, and continued unity among supporters, while announcing that Chief Sam Sumana would soon return to officially declare and launch his nationwide campaign.
Madam Khadija concluded by reaffirming that Chief Sam Sumana is a compassionate, caring, and capable leader who deserves a peaceful, issue-based campaign.
She urged supporters to remain united, vigilant, and committed as the movement advances toward the APC flagbearer race and the presidency.
The remarkable turnout and enthusiastic reception across Kono District have further cemented the growing momentum of the Sam-28 Movement, positioning Chief Samuel Sam-Sumana as a formidable contender in the APC’s forthcoming leadership contest.
