By: Abdulai sahid Jalloh-De Diplomatic-Diplomat, Expert in International relations, Humanitarian Aid, Diplomacy, Service delivery, Supply Chain, Acquisition Management & UN Peacekeeping.
In light of recent media reports stemming from an Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) video narrated by investigative journalist Josef Skrdlik, it is both necessary and appropriate to issue a thoughtful defense of Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
While journalism—particularly investigative journalism—plays a vital role in holding public figures accountable, it is equally critical that reporting be grounded in verified facts, fair assessments, and a balanced understanding of context. Unfortunately, the narrative presented so far appears to fall short in several key areas.
No Concrete Evidence Has Been Presented
The entire case rests on informal hearsay and anecdotal claims provided by an unnamed “friend” of the journalist in Gambia. There are no public documents, title deeds, or financial records produced that definitively prove Dr. Fatima Bio purchased or owns any such property in The Gambia.
In today’s digital age, property ownership is traceable through official land registries, particularly for high-profile assets like luxury villas. Until concrete legal documentation is provided, such reports remain speculative.
Unsubstantiated Inference Is Not Proof
The journalist notes that a crowd welcomed the First Lady in Gambia and that she and the President entered a villa. This is not evidence of ownership. Heads of state and first ladies are frequently hosted in private residences, diplomatic compounds, or properties rented for security and comfort. The assumption that presence implies ownership is a leap in logic not supported by journalistic integrity.
Character Assassination Disguised as Journalism
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has been a champion of women’s rights, girls’ education, and social justice, both within Sierra Leone and internationally. Her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign has garnered praise globally for fighting child marriage and sexual violence. She is also a UN-recognized humanitarian, and an accomplished professional in the arts and social activism.
Dragging her name into unproven allegations not only threatens to derail her legacy of service, but also undermines women in leadership who are already subjected to disproportionate scrutiny.
A Legacy Built on Service, Not Corruption
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s journey from academia to international advocacy is marked by hard work, transparency, and public service. She is a visible, approachable, and vocal First Lady who has never been linked with corruption scandals or misuse of state funds. On the contrary, she continues to uplift the vulnerable and marginalized, particularly girls and women. I was her high school teacher in Koidu City and I can attest that she is objective, transparent, resilient, honest, pious, respectful, religious, humble, obedient, trustworthy, vocal, and works in a corrupt-free atmosphere. I have too much respect for her as she has respect for everybody and is very humanitarian with problem solving articles. She is a legacy, a material and an asset to this Nation of Sierra Leone, African continent and the world at large. To malign such a figure without hard evidence is not only unjust but borders on defamation. Her norms include but are limited to integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.
Political Motives Cannot Be Ignored
In politically sensitive times, such stories often surface with ulterior motives—to sway public opinion, destabilize reputations, and gain media attention. It is crucial for the public and international observers to scrutinize not just the subject of the reports, but also the motivation and methodology of the reporting entity.
Conclusion
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio remains a pillar of dignity, integrity, and service in Sierra Leone and beyond. Until and unless verified evidence is presented through lawful and transparent channels, it is essential that she be afforded the presumption of innocence, dignity of office, and the respect she has rightfully earned through years of dedicated public service.
Let us not allow speculative journalism to erode the achievements of a First Lady who has dedicated her platform to transformative, people-cantered change.
