By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a bid to clarify ongoing speculations and public misconceptions, First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, made a clear statement regarding the roles within the country’s leadership. During a public address in Freetown last Saturday 17 August, 2024, Mrs Bio emphasized that neither she nor the Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh should be mistaken for the President of Sierra Leone. Her remarks came amidst growing discussions among the public, which had started to blur the lines of their respective roles within the government.
“Sierra Leone has one president, and that is Julius Maada Bio,” First Lady Madam Fatima Bio firmly stated firmly. “Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh is a capable and trusted leader, but he is working under the mandate given to him by President Bio. Similarly, I am the First Lady, not the president, and my role is distinct and separate from the presidential duties,” she continued.
The First Lady’s comments were made at a community engagement event in Freetown, where she was addressing various societal issues, particularly those affecting women and children. Her statements aimed to dispel any confusion about her influence or the Chief Minister’s, which some had speculated was extending beyond their designated responsibilities.
Fatima Bio elaborated on her role, underscoring that her work as First Lady is focused on social initiatives, particularly those concerning the protection of women and children. “My commitment is to ensure that women in Sierra Leone know their rights, that the girl child understands her right to education and safety, and that boys recognize the importance of unity that President Bio has fostered during his tenure,” she said.
She also highlighted the significance of the Free Quality School Education (FQSE), which has been a cornerstone of President Bio’s administration. While she acknowledged her involvement in promoting the initiative, she made it clear that it was President Bio’s vision, brought to life through the efforts of various stakeholders in the government and the community. “The success of the Free Quality School Education programme is a testament to collective efforts, not just the vision of one person,” she remarked.
The First Lady’s clarification comes at a time when there has been increasing public discourse about the extent of influence wielded by close figures within the administration, particularly in light of Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh’s active and visible role in government projects. Some members of the public had begun to draw parallels between the Chief Minister’s actions and the executive authority typically reserved for the President.
Fatima Bio’s address serves as a reminder that while both she and Chief Minister Dr Sengeh are influential figures within Sierra Leone’s political landscape, their roles are supportive and complementary to President Bio’s leadership. She reiterated that her focus remains on her advocacy for the rights and welfare of women and children in Sierra Leone, a mission she hopes to fulfill by the end of her tenure as First Lady.
“We all have our roles, and it is crucial that the public understands where the lines are drawn,” Fatima Bio concluded. Her message was clear: while her and Chief Minister Dr Sengeh’s contributions are vital, they operate under the guidance and leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, the elected leader of Sierra Leone.
