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The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has strongly rejected the appointment of an Acting Mayor, describing the move as unlawful and procedurally flawed.
Speaking on the Liberty Breakfast Show, Aki-Sawyerr said a circulating image showing Councillor Gbla in ceremonial regalia was misleading. According to her, the image was originally taken at the Freetown Auditorium and later digitally altered to create the impression that the councillor had access to official mayoral attire.
“I am the elected Mayor of Freetown, and that mandate is given to me by the people,” she said. “The Local Government Act does not make any provision for an Acting Mayor. What the Sierra Leone People’s Party has done is fake and illegal.”
Aki-Sawyerr maintained that the authentic mayoral gown and chain remain in her possession at home. She insisted there is no lawful way for the SLPP-appointed Acting Mayor to obtain or wear them.
She further clarified that, under the law, only the Chief Administrator is permitted to temporarily handle administrative duties in the Mayor’s absence, and only under specific conditions such as during an election period. She emphasized that this provision does not extend to assuming the full role of an Acting Mayor.
On the issue of handing over office keys, the Mayor was unequivocal. “That is not possible. I will never hand over my office keys to the SLPP Acting Mayor because he is illegal,” she stated.
Aki-Sawyerr also questioned the legitimacy of the process that led to the appointment, noting that the move has largely been defended by the SLPP Secretariat rather than the Ministry of Local Government. She said this raises concerns about its legality.
In addition, she linked her return to active council duties to broader governance concerns, including the removal of Edmond Alpha as head of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone.
In conclusion, Aki-Sawyerr reiterated that the appointment of an Acting Mayor is unlawful and not supported by existing legislation, describing the process as flawed while pointing to what she called longstanding institutional challenges involving Chief Administrators during her tenure.
SLPP may not be able to swallow what they are biting.
Be warned
Someone must step in your if you are not functioning. All of you are just preventing our Country from going forward. At least let Someone do role. I some some dead bodies lying on the streets of Freetown that the duty of City Council. Please let’s love humanity and love our nation. May God deliver our NATION from selfish leaders. Amen. A leaders must be selfles.