Activist Edmond Abu Criticizes President Bio’s Meeting with Oil Marketers
Aaron Parker Social activist Edmond Abu, speaking on behalf of the Native Consortium, has criticized the recent meeting between President Julius Maada Bio and oil marketers at State House, questioning its impact on fuel pricing and the cost of living in Sierra Leone.
In a reaction shared more than 24 hours after the meeting, Abu said he had waited to see whether the engagement would yield tangible benefits for ordinary Sierra Leoneans, particularly in addressing concerns over rising fuel prices.
According to the activist, despite widespread reports and evidence suggesting that some fuel stations are selling fuel at prices as low as Le 22, the meeting did not result in any announced changes to pump prices or clear enforcement measures.
He expressed concern that the engagement appeared to focus more on optics than outcomes, suggesting that if the meeting was merely symbolic or intended for publicity, it failed to address the core issues affecting citizens.
“If the President only met with oil marketers to remind them that they are important, without addressing pump price variations, then the meeting itself raises serious concerns,” Abu stated.
The activist further called the attention of Chief Minister Dr. Moinina David Sengeh and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, urging government authorities to take decisive action against what he described as cartel-like practices within the fuel distribution sector.