President Bio was over the weekend snubbed by residents of Kenema when he showed up to officially commission the construction of the FIFA-donated artificial turf for the Kenema Stadium.
Kenema, which is notably the traditional stronghold of the SLPP, snubbed President Bio as many sectors of the local economy including traders, Okada riders and walks of life who used to turn up in their numbers to welcome the President whenever he visits Kenema this time gave him a lukewarm reception.
The residents had gone about their normal businesses contrary to what had used to obtain before when all economic activities would come to a halt.
The SLPP party’s office was empty and very quiet with no signs of celebration while the streets of Kenema were full with traders like any normal day.
A former Honourable Member of Parliament for the ruling SLPP who had been in Parliament for two terms told Nightwatch that the people of Kenema were disappointed with the way things had gone especially in the last two years. “They are expressing these frustrations even when it is being trumpeted that President Bio’s cabinet is full with people from Kenema,” he said. He added that, “They are increasingly worried that their roads are dusty, no water, no electricity and things are continuing to get worse.”
The President, who was supposed to address some gatherings in the outskirts of Kenema around Panguma after the low key attendance of the artificial pitch launching, boycotted the event and later left for Freetown.
Many people are now wondering whether the likes of Chief Minister, Professor David Francis, and many others in government who are professing to have control over the people of Kenema are actually in charge as they claimed to be.
Kenema Snubs President Bio
