By Bockarie Allieu
The Sierra Leone Rugby Union elected a new executive body on Saturday to lead the union for the next five years. The congress was attended by 27 delegates from across the regions. Under the agreed election procedures, in the event of a tie, the outgoing president was to cast the decisive vote. Both presidential candidates, Edmond Abu and Nasu Fofanah, were confident of securing 13 votes each, leaving the campaign focused on winning a critical deciding vote.
The election was overseen by Sarah Johnson and Victor Amara, with representatives from the National Olympic Committee (NOC), the National Sports Authority (NSA), and the Ministry of Sports serving as moral guarantors. After a roll call, 26 delegates were present, with one delegate absent.
Nasu Fofanah withdrew from the race after the dissolution of the previous executive, alleging that outgoing President Jeremiah Pratt was manipulating the election in favor of Edmond Abu. She left the hall with her supporters, but the election proceeded as planned.
Edmond Abu was elected as the new president, with Amadu Jalloh as Vice President, Ibrahim Magbeti as Secretary General, Alhaji Bundu as Financial Secretary, Onita Koroma as Public Relations Officer 1, Alie Bagura as Organizing Secretary, Daniel Pewah as Public Relations Officer 2, and Salamatu Jalloh as Treasurer.
In his acceptance speech, Abu extended an olive branch to his opponents, inviting them to collaborate in advancing rugby in Sierra Leone. He thanked the delegates for their confidence and pledged to elevate the sport to international standards. Meanwhile, Nasu Fofanah has announced plans to challenge the election process, claiming it was premeditated to favor Edmond Abu.
