First Lady Fatima Bio Apologizes for Controversial Remarks During Koidu Holdings Industrial Unrest

First Lady Fatima Bio issued a public apology in Sierra Leone’s Parliament for controversial remarks made during the recent industrial unrest involving Koidu Holdings and its employees.

In her previous comments, Madam Bio referred to some of President Julius Maada Bio’s ministers as “dogs” and accused them of “collecting brown envelopes.”

According to Day Break Newspaper, First Lady Fatima Bio rendered her apology during an event celebrating her election as president of the African First Ladies.

Addressing lawmakers at the Well of Parliament, Madam Bio expressed her passionate commitment to the welfare of Sierra Leoneans, stating, “Sometimes I may backfire, but it is only because I am passionate about the welfare of the citizens.”

She also expressed gratitude to her husband for his unwavering support of women and girls, emphasizing the importance of unity among women: “We are here today because one woman asked other women to celebrate another woman.”

The event, organized by the Parliamentary Female Caucus and led by Hon. Wuyatta Batilo Songa, highlighted the First Lady’s achievements in advocating for gender equality.

Hon. Songa commended Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), and Hon. Mathew Nyuma for putting the country’s interests ahead of political divisions in their support for gender initiatives.