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Deputy Minister of Mines and Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) National Secretary, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has pushed back against lawyer and activist Basita Michael’s recent critique of the media landscape under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Michael accused the media of being compromised and dominated by sycophants unwilling to hold the president accountable or offer honest advice. Koroma responded by urging respectful discourse, stating that while constructive criticism is welcome, it should not cross into personal attacks.
“Insults and derogatory comments are not part of democratic engagement,” Koroma wrote.
“We are professionals and not sycophants; we are your countrymen—brothers and sisters; we are your colleagues, not your foes. Learn to guard your words on a public platform and stop being flippant.”
His remarks follow similar criticism from Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, who earlier rejected Michael’s characterization of the president’s administration as being surrounded by “yes men.”
Both officials emphasized the need for civility in political debates.
When The thief, Fatima BIO described the SLPP Ministers as dogs, who had the balls among them to write a letter to Fatima to condemn her actions? Now they are at their foolishness united to condemn Basita Michaels who expressed the truth. Napoleon, you guys aren’t professionals, but good for nothing individuals dragging our hard earned democracy into the mud. You’re a disgrace to humanity. Shame on you all.
God bless you my brother