JOB said there are people in the party such as Retired Julius Maada Bio and his supporters have continued to intimidate, harass and use violence against other members of the party, a situation he said happened to be a serious concern for them.

“Due to the continuous violence in the SLPP party perpetrated by the PAOPAS, we are now seeing a trend we have never seen before, that is the international partners over strengthening the incumbent government financially”, John Benjamin stated.

According to him, that situation signaled to the SLPP that the international partners are unwilling to support a violent presidential candidate.

It could be observed that the World Bank Country Manager, Parminder Brar disclosed that for the next three years the World Bank support to the country has been doubled. He made this statement during the formal launching of the implementation of the de-amalgamation of chiefdoms and installation of Regent Chiefs in the northern city of Makeni.

This redoubling of support by the Bank, according to economic analysis, depicts  continual  confidence in the present government; as it could be recalled that two years prior to the 2007 general elections, development partners blocked all support to the then SLPP government.

However, according to the former Finance Minister, despite the countless support the present government currently receiving from international partners, Sierra Leone today could be categorized as the fastest collapsing economy where interest rate is the highest in the sub-region, inflation has sky-rocketed in double digits and growth stunted.

John Oponjo Benjamin therefore, calling on Sierra Leoneans to bestow confidence in him and his party.

“I have a very distinguished public track record, not only as a very successful businessman, but a politician who has served my party – the SLPP, at every level from the grassroots’ to Chairman and Leader for four years”, he stated.

John Oponjo Benjamin ascertained that “So my ambition today is for the highest office in the country is not by chance or some desperate naked ambition for power. It is the realization and fulfillment of my continuing commitment and dedication to serve my country.”

He reiterated and assured Sierra Leoneans that the future of this country happened to be in the hands of the SLPP, as he maintained that the time for change is now.