A heated exchange has erupted between State House Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi and prominent legal luminary and social advocate, Basita Michael, following a strongly worded social media post criticizing the current administration.
The row began when Basita Michael, former President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, posted a critical statement accusing President Julius Maada Bio’s administration of being dominated by “sycophants and yes men” who, according to her, are either unwilling or afraid to offer the President honest and independent counsel.
In her post, Michael wrote:”President Julius Maada Bio’s regime, unopposed by a weak and feeble opposition, unhindered by a compromised Anti-Corruption Commission, unchecked by a largely self-censored media, surrounded and propped up by sycophants and yes men who are unwilling or scared to disagree with him and offer him honest counsel, have driven citizens to rely on foreign outlets like Reuters, Africa Confidential, The Times, and OCCRP to expose scandals, such as the luxury property acquisitions by the First Lady and her family in The Gambia, which have been widely discussed locally but only gained traction through international reporting.”
She further argued that the administration’s clashes with foreign companies, such as mining firm OCTÉA, along with issues like Sierra Leone being implicated in drug transshipment, are shaping the President’s legacy and overshadowing any of his achievements.
“Unrestrained power and corruption,” she stated, “have pitted the regime against foreign entities, which now serve as de facto watchdogs in place of failing national institutions like the ACC, the opposition, and the media.”
Calling for a renewed national commitment to democratic norms, she concluded:
“To salvage our democracy, we must recommit to a free press, a robust and fair justice system, and the rule of law, empowering citizens, not outsiders, to drive accountability and shape the future of the land that we love.”
In response, State House Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi issued a pointed rebuttal.
A heated exchange has erupted between State House Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi and prominent legal luminary and social advocate, Basita Michael, following a strongly worded social media post criticizing the current administration.
The row began when Basita Michael, former President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, posted a critical statement accusing President Julius Maada Bio’s administration of being dominated by “sycophants and yes men” who, according to her, are either unwilling or afraid to offer the President honest and independent counsel.
In her post, Michael wrote:”President Julius Maada Bio’s regime, unopposed by a weak and feeble opposition, unhindered by a compromised Anti-Corruption Commission, unchecked by a largely self-censored media, surrounded and propped up by sycophants and yes men who are unwilling or scared to disagree with him and offer him honest counsel, have driven citizens to rely on foreign outlets like Reuters, Africa Confidential, The Times, and OCCRP to expose scandals, such as the luxury property acquisitions by the First Lady and her family in The Gambia, which have been widely discussed locally but only gained traction through international reporting.”
She further argued that the administration’s clashes with foreign companies, such as mining firm OCTÉA, along with issues like Sierra Leone being implicated in drug transshipment, are shaping the President’s legacy and overshadowing any of his achievements.
“Unrestrained power and corruption,” she stated, “have pitted the regime against foreign entities, which now serve as de facto watchdogs in place of failing national institutions like the ACC, the opposition, and the media.”
Calling for a renewed national commitment to democratic norms, she concluded:
“To salvage our democracy, we must recommit to a free press, a robust and fair justice system, and the rule of law, empowering citizens, not outsiders, to drive accountability and shape the future of the land that we love.”
In response, State House Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi issued a pointed rebuttal.
