Aspirant for the position of Mayor of Freetown, Mohamed Gento Kamara, recently named Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas, a creole and Christian, as his Deputy, a promise he had earlier made when criticizing the choice of a Christian and another Creole by former Mayor Aki-Sawyer, as her Deputy.
It could be recalled that after the declaration of Lisk by Aki-Sawyerr as her preferred Deputy Mayor, Gento had criticized her for sidelining natives born and bred in Freetown, as well as Muslims from becoming Deputy Mayor, especially as it had been the norm for a Mayor of the Municipality of Freetown to have as Deputy, someone of the opposite religious faith.
However, the choice of Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas has been seen by many as a positive development, as it sends a message of inclusivity of various ethnic groups in positions of trust in the SLPP. Supporters of the SLPP say that Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas is a creole and belongs to a group known as ‘the Creoles in the SLPP’. Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas has been very instrumental in bringing members of the creole ethnic group to the SLPP, as well as the formation of the group. These have been constantly advocating for inclusion in the administration and activities of the SLPP, and have largely been successful, with the current declaration being an example of their inclusion in the party’s ‘leave no one behind’ drive.
But who is Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas?
Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas was born on 7th April 1971, in Freetown and married with two kids. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the College of Theology and Management, Sierra Leone, and is currently pursuing his Masters in Divinity at the Global International Bible University, USA. He was President of the Students Union of the College of Theology, National President Student Christian Movement, Sierra Leone Worldwide Organization based in Kenya, Volunteer at Plan Parenthood Association, Patron of the SLPP since 2017 and Secretary General of the SLPP Krio Family, founder of the Creole in the SLPP. He has worked in various areas across the country, first as teacher at the Albert Academy, where he taught for some years, Counselor and Life Coach for Alpha International and a host of other professional jobs, with impressive record of interactions with all sets of people, including youths.
Based on his exemplary record among residents of Freetown, including his religious commitment, Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas will provide the necessary support to Gento when they emerge winners of the Municipality of Freetown, and would provide the leadership that Freetonians need for massive transformation of the city.
