The Mayor of Freetown, Mrs. Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, one of the top personalities in the country who has borne the brunt of the SLPP’s politics of repression and intimidation of the opposition is a very troubled woman. She is very unhappy with the highhanded approach President Bio and his government have taken to last week’s violent demonstrations , the lies , baseless accusations , the apparent extrajudicial killings and arrests and the vengeful. destruction of the livelihoods of citizens .
WE PRESENT VERBATIM A STATEMENT BY MAYOR AKI-SAWYER AFTER PRESIDENT BIO ADDRESSED THE NATION ON THE DEMONSTRATIONS
Good day Freetonians. Immediately after His Excellency the President’s speech to the nation last night, the Minister of Information, members of the Strategic Communications Unit and the Presidential Press Secretary held a panel discussion in which they once again falsely accused me of inciting the recent protests.
“I am extremely troubled by this and utterly disappointed that government officials would use such a national broadcast to make baseless accusations.
Let me emphatically state that I had no involvement in the incitement or organization of the protests on 10th August. I condemn all acts of violence that led to the unfortunate and tragic loss of lives and the destruction of property on that day.
This deliberate and continued action of making false accusations publicly has already led to constant attacks of me on social media and attempts of physical attacks on FCC property. But this is not about me.
In the past week, dozens of people have been killed, an unspecified and increasing number of people have been detained and it is my understanding that the detainees have been denied access to legal representation, and sadly thousands of traders (mainly women) have overnight lost their source of livelihood through the destruction of their market stalls.
My heart goes out to all those who are suffering at this time. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. I believe that in challenging times we must nurture a spirit of unity and foster platforms for peaceful engagement. I call for calm in the city and for all to avoid violence.
Finally, let me use this medium to reaffirm my commitment to peace and justice in Sierra Leone. I will continue to do everything I can to diligently serve the residents of Freetown. Thank you.
THE OPPOSITION ALL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS ( APC ) IS ALSO DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PRESIDENT BIO’S SPEECH AND THE SLPP GOVERNMENT’S REPRESSIVE STYLE OF GOVERNANCE
