Under the administration of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, the political landscape in Sierra Leone has been marked frequently by defamation and malicious attacks from the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party. From the moment Bio emerged as the flag bearer of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to his current tenure as president, the APC has systematically sought to undermine his reputation and the achievements of his administration.

Since taking office, President Bio has focused on transformative initiatives that aim to uplift human capital and foster sustainable development across the nation. His administration has proudly achieved significant milestones, including winning the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact four times in a row—an accomplishment that underscores Sierra Leone’s improving governance and economic environment. These successes are indicative of Bio’s commitment to creating opportunities for all Sierra Leoneans, yet they have not deterred the APC from launching relentless attacks against him.

First Lady Fatima Jabbie Bio has also played a pivotal role in advancing the cause of women and girls in Sierra Leone. Through her initiatives, she has worked tirelessly to empower women and ensure that girls are protected from sexual harassment and exploitation. Her advocacy, especially surrounding World Girl Child Day, has drawn international recognition and praise. Yet, despite her contributions toward nation-building, the APC has attempted to discredit these efforts, often resorting to derogatory narratives that ignore the positive impact of her work.

Moreover, in the realm of infrastructure and commerce, the general manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, has been at the forefront of transforming the ports into operational hubs crucial for economic growth. His efforts to revitalize the port system, previously blacklisted during the APC era, are a testament to his leadership and vision. However, rather than acknowledging these advancements, the APC continues to spread negative narratives, focusing solely on the name “Bio” as a source of contempt and division.

The defamation and character assassination tactics employed by the opposition raise serious questions about their intentions and objectives. The ongoing dissemination of false information by APC sympathizers, particularly in the media, threatens to undermine the hard-won progress of the nation. They appear to prioritize

their political ambitions over the truth, leveraging misinformation as a weapon to distort the public perception of individuals they oppose. By targeting figures like Yankuba Askia carrying the name Bio, they do not only seek to tarnish his personal reputations but also to distract the populace from pressing issues that require genuine discuss and resolution.

This pattern of defamation serves multiple purposes: it aims to delegitimize Askia’s contributions to national development.