Opposition Leader Exposes ‘Paopa’ Govt.

Addressing the press recently, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the main opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, has openly and disparagingly criticized the Bio -Led government, accusing it of undemocratic practices and intolerance to criticism.

Kargbo’s remarks came in the wake of an incident at a Town Hall Meeting organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) at the Bintumani Conference Centre. He recalled that during the public meeting, a woman was allegedly attacked while asking a question, an act which he described as government’s intolerance to public scrutiny.

The Opposition Leader stressed that a real democratic government should encourage open criticism, affirming that the current administration’s response to dissenting views threatens democratic values.

He further noted that the government’s approach to the 2023 general elections, suggesting that it reflects a broader pattern of interference. The outspoken opposition leader also referenced to issues in the just concluded and controversial Sierra Leone Bar Association’s election.

In response, Information Minister, Chernor Bah condemned the attack on the woman but noted that she had not adhered to the rules of the meeting. He affirmed the need for adherence to regulations while condemning the violence.

Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma, Leader of Government Business, addressed Kargbo’s comments by defending the government’s commitment to democratic processes. He urged journalists to focus on individuals rather than igniting unrest, adding that one of the roles of the media is to promote national cohesion. Nyuma also mentioned that the Tripartite Committee’s review of the electoral laws, passed in 2022, aims to improve the electoral framework.