By Matty Senghore
Fatoumatta Njai on Monday declared herself secretary general and leader of People’s Progressive Party, less than 48 hours of the party’s disaster congress where allegations of fraud saw the politician refuse to take part in an election.
“To this effect, we the undersigned reject the constituted executive and demand for fresh elections to be held. Meanwhile, we’re here to tell you that we have established an alternative executive pending proper free and fair elections. And to that effect, I declare myself the party leader and the secretary general of the PPP,” Njai told reporters Monday afternoon.
Njai refused to take part in an election at PPP’s congress on Saturday after she claimed fraud had discredited the process. The election went ahead all the same with delegates that stayed voting for Kebba Jallow.
In a news conference on Monday, Njai maintained that the process was fraudulent and she was rejecting it.
“To this effect, we the undersigned reject the constituted executive and demand for fresh elections to be held. Meanwhile, we’re here to tell you that we have established an alternative executive pending proper free and fair elections. And to that effect, I declare myself the party leader and the secretary general of the PPP,” she said.
According to Njai, lack of trust is hindering the growth of People’s Progressive Party.
“I therefore strongly believe that a responsible leader should not wait to be asked for such. As a political party and a government in waiting one must be seen to be transparent and ready to be held accountable, demonstrating responsible leadership whilst at the same time building trust. Absence of trust, as we all know, does enable growth and I am convinced that this is what holds this party back,” she said.
“The lack of trust has been manifested at the just concluded congress and has demonstrated that the love our people have for this party has been lost in transition. This is epitomized by lack of genuineness and sincerity in leadership. Leaders should inspire and not be timid to talk to delegates,” she also argued.
