By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Honourable Osman Timbo has dismissed as false and misleading statements made by Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, accusing him of spreading lies and damaging his reputation. Timbo was responding to comments made by the Chief Minister during an interview on the Good Morning Salone programme on Radio Democracy 98.1, which were later discussed on SLiK Television.
During the radio interview, Dr. Sengeh reportedly claimed that Timbo, along with others, imposed decisions on former APC presidential candidate Dr. Samura Kamara during the 2023 elections. The Chief Minister alleged that there were aspects of the Agreement for National Unity that Samura Kamara opposed but was allegedly forced to accept by Timbo and others.
Reacting to the claims on SLiK Television, Timbo described the statements as outright lies. He said the Chief Minister’s comments were not only untrue but also malicious and intended to tarnish his image. Timbo went further to accuse Dr. Sengeh of being among those who played a role in the All People’s Congress losing the 2023 elections, though he did not elaborate on how this was done.
In a detailed statement posted on his social media platforms, Timbo said his attention had been drawn to what he called “certain lies” spoken by the Chief Minister during the radio interview. He directly quoted the claim that he and others imposed decisions on Samura Kamara and forced him to agree to parts of the national unity agreement.
“These are not just lies, but malicious, deceitful and rancorous comments,” Timbo stated. He firmly denied ever imposing or forcing Dr. Samura Kamara to do anything, questioning the logic behind such an allegation. According to him, the claim simply does not make sense.
Timbo suggested that power often exposes the true character of individuals. He said some people only become known for who they truly are once they attain positions of authority, adding that power can sometimes lead people to make reckless and unfounded statements.
He contrasted his own record with that of the Chief Minister, saying he has built an honest reputation over the years without holding any public office. Timbo stressed that his credibility was earned organically through hard work and integrity, supported by what he described as an unblemished family background. He insisted that careless talk and false accusations would not diminish his standing.
Timbo has now formally demanded a retraction of the statement made by the Chief Minister as it relates to him. He described the comments as defamatory and warned that he is considering his next line of action if the matter is not addressed.
As at the time of this report, the Office of the Chief Minister has not issued any official response to Timbo’s allegations or his demand for a retraction.
