Theophilus Morrison, a Sierra Leonean-Canadian, has issued a public apology to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio for derogatory comments previously directed towards the First Lady.

In a letter addressed to the President, Morrison expressed his regret for the disrespectful remarks and acknowledged the pain they may have caused. He recognized the President’s role as husband and his natural defense of his wife.

Morrison’s appeal for forgiveness centers around Hawa Hunt, who is believed to have made the original offensive comments. Morrison implored President Bio to consider his record of promoting love, forgiveness, and unity as an opportunity to show compassion in this instance.

“I believe that your leadership, which has consistently promoted love, forgiveness, and unity in Sierra Leone, presents an opportunity for the First Family to demonstrate mercy and compassion,” Morrison wrote.