By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The ongoing tension between the former Chairman of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Dr. Prince Alex Harding; and the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, has drawn significant attention across the nation. The strained relationship between these two high-profile figures has sparked questions and speculation among the public, especially after a controversial incident in Parliament that has further deepened the divide.
In a video circulating widely on social media, Madam Fatima Bio expressed her frustration and disappointment over the actions of Prince Harding, accusing him of being the primary instigator of a disrespectful act in the Parliament. According to the First Lady, the former SLPP Chairman began a sing-along aimed at undermining her, and several Members of Parliament (MPs) joined in, singing the song “U Coco Rose oo” in her direction. This public display of dissent, which occurred in the well of Parliament, was described by Madam Bio as unprovoked and deeply disrespectful.
For many, the act of singing a derogatory song about a sitting First Lady in Parliament was a shocking and unnecessary escalation. “It is unprofessional, disrespectful, and unbecoming of public figures,” said one political analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Parliament should be a space for serious deliberation, not for petty songs or personal attacks. To see this happening in the very chamber where laws are made is concerning.”
The incident has stirred intense debate, with many questioning the motives behind the actions of Prince Harding and his supporters. The public’s reaction has ranged from disbelief to anger, particularly as the incident occurred on the same day that President Julius Maada Bio delivered his speech to the nation. The President’s address was an important moment, intended to address key national issues and reaffirm the government’s commitment to moving the country forward. Yet, the show of division and personal animosity in Parliament overshadowed what was supposed to be a moment of unity.
The controversy has sparked a wave of discussions across various platforms, with many citizens expressing their disappointment over the way the nation’s leaders are conducting themselves. “This is not just a matter of political rivalry, this is about the respect and dignity of the office of the First Lady,” said a resident of Freetown. “As citizens, we expect our leaders to set an example, especially in times like these when the country is striving for progress. What message are we sending to the younger generation when they see leaders behaving like this?”
The First Lady’s outburst in the video reflected the emotional toll that such public humiliation has taken on her. She emphasized that the situation was not just a personal attack, but an affront to the women of Sierra Leone. “We, as women, have fought hard for our place in this society,” Madam Bio said. “To be ridiculed in this manner, especially in such a public forum, is an attack on all women who have worked tirelessly to uplift this nation.”
Some political observers have noted that the tensions between the First Lady and Prince Harding may be indicative of deeper divisions within the ruling SLPP party. Harding, who was once a key figure within the party, has been notably absent from major political events in recent months, leading to speculation that his fallout with the Bio administration could be more than just personal. While the specifics of their conflict remain unclear, the public fallout has undoubtedly placed a spotlight on the rifts within the party.
Critics have pointed out that this public discord only weakens the SLPP’s position and, by extension, the nation’s political stability. “Sierra Leone cannot afford this kind of spectacle,” said a journalist based in Freetown. “The country has struggled with division in the past, and we cannot afford for this type of infighting to distract from the serious issues at hand, such as poverty, unemployment, and development. If the leadership cannot find a way to work together, it sends a negative message to the people.”
Some members of the public have expressed frustration with the constant political battles that seem to dominate the national discourse. “We need our leaders to focus on the people,” said a student from the University of Sierra Leone. “We are tired of seeing them fight amongst themselves. We want to see progress, not endless drama.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, many are calling for greater civility and professionalism from the country’s political leaders. With the President’s speech now overshadowed by the events in Parliament, citizens are questioning what this means for the future of Sierra Leone’s political landscape. The public is watching closely to see if the rift between the First Lady and Prince Harding will be resolved or if it will deepen, further dividing the nation’s leadership.
For now, the incident remains a vivid reminder of the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s political leadership; and the question remains: can the nation’s leaders move past personal grievances and unite for the greater good of the country? Only time will tell.
