There is no denying the fact that the just concluded multi-tier elections which was effectively policed by the Sierra Leone Police with support from other multiplier Forces has not gone unnoticed.
The Police were considered to have exhibited policing brilliance and professionalism throughout the processes, thus attracting the attention of local and international bodies.
One among the important players in the electioneering process in Sierra Leone is the political party grouping.
It is this group, under the umbrella of the All Political Parties Association (APPA) that today (18/07/23) paid a courtesy visit to Police Headquarters in Freetown, to appreciate the Inspector General Mr. William Fayia Sellu and team for the professional manner they were able to provide and maintain a serene environment for people to exercise their franchise on June 24, 2023.
According to the head of the delegation – Mr. Prince Cocker, who doubles as the Chairman of APPA, the visit was aimed at thanking and appreciating the SLP for the display and exhibition of professionalism and comportment during the multi-tier elections, thus contributing to a free, fair and transparent election.
He noted, among others, that as an Association, they were impressed with the security posture and the pivotal role the security sector played; which, he said, precipitated their visit to the IGP and team, with the view to appreciate and commend the Police on behalf of the Opposition political parties in Sierra Leone.
Mr. Coker further appreciated the IGP for providing them (as presidential aspirants and running mates) with personal security through out the electioneering period.
He praised the work of those personnel, thus describing them as disciplined and professional.
Responding, the Inspector General of Police said that he was deeply touched by the sentiments expressed about the SLP; acknowledging that it was the first time in the history of Sierra Leone that after a multi-tier election, people and organisations would openly come out and praise the work and performance of the Police. He wasted no time in extending the same accolades to the multiplier forces, who, through thick and thin, stood with the Police to execute its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property and also preserving law and order in society.
He was extremely pleased that APPA would actually recognise and appreciate the crucial role the SLP played during the electioneering period. Mr. Sellu reciprocated by thanking APPA for strictly following the rules and regulations set before the elections, noting that early preparation and planning of the security sector largely contributed to the success of the Sector.
He recounted the processes undertaken before, during and after the elections, and expressed his satisfaction that the security sector was on top of all those situations.
Climaxing the visit was group photographs with the visiting APPA members.
