By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has publicly accused former Anti-Corruption Commission boss and APC flagbearer aspirant Ady Macauley of being dishonest, deceitful and disingenuous, following his recent interview on AYV Television.
Reacting to Ady Macauley’s appearance on AYV, Dr Blyden said the former ACC Commissioner was not being truthful to himself or to the public. She claimed that Macauley denied receiving money from the SLPP led government despite having previously admitted the matter to her in private.
According to Dr Blyden, Ady Macauley had openly acknowledged to her that he received a huge amount of money from the Bio led administration through the Ministry of Finance. She insisted that the payment was approved by President Julius Maada Bio and not by the SLPP as a political party. She described Macauley’s denial on national television as misleading and insulting to public intelligence.
Dr Blyden stated that during the AYV interview, Macauley acted as if he had no knowledge or understanding of the funds allegedly paid to him, a posture she described as an act of pretence. She said the former ACC boss chose to conveniently forget details of a transaction he once discussed openly with her.
She further alleged that the money in question was not a small or insignificant amount, stressing that it was substantial and could not have been easily forgotten. In her view, Macauley’s attempt to distance himself from the payment raised serious questions about his credibility and integrity, especially as someone seeking national leadership.
Dr Blyden also used the opportunity to reflect on events following the 2018 elections when the SLPP assumed power. She said at the time, she was one of the few voices who consistently raised concerns about what she described as wrongdoing within the Bio administration. According to her, many people chose to remain silent, while she continued to speak out, regardless of the personal and political cost.
She emphasized that her comments were not driven by personal bitterness but by a commitment to truth and accountability. She maintained that leaders and aspirants must be honest with the public, particularly on matters involving public funds and presidential approval.
The outspoken former minister argued that Ady Macauley’s denial undermines public trust and damages the fight against corruption, especially given his background as a former head of the Anti-Corruption Commission. She said such conduct sends the wrong signal to citizens who expect transparency from public officials and political leaders.
Dr Blyden called on Ady Macauley to be forthright and consistent with his past statements, adding that leadership demands courage to accept responsibility rather than shifting narratives to suit political ambitions. She warned that contradictions of this nature weaken democratic accountability and confuse the public.
As reactions continue to trail the allegations, Ady Macauley is yet to issue a detailed response to Dr Blyden’s claims beyond his statements made during the AYV interview. The development has sparked renewed debate within political circles, with many calling for clarity and openness on the issue to restore public confidence.
