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Zainab Sheriff has publicly distanced herself from any involvement by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio in her campaign to promote female leadership in Sierra Leone.
Sheriff recently launched the Wi Duti movement, aimed at encouraging the election of the country’s first female president. However, she stated that not all women in public life embody the type of leadership Sierra Leone needs.
Although there has been no official declaration, social media flyers circulating suggest that the First Lady may be considering a presidential bid. Sheriff made it clear that if this happens, she would not support her candidacy and urged other women not to support her solely based on gender.
Sheriff criticized the First Lady’s conduct during the first term of the SLPP government, citing the wedding between President Julius Maada Bio and the First Lady, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when many Sierra Leoneans were grieving and struggling, Sheriff said the wedding sent the wrong message.
“Leadership is about prioritizing the people,” she said. “In that moment, a personal celebration was inappropriate.”
She added that the First Lady should have advised the President to postpone the ceremony given the national crisis. According to Sheriff, the decision to proceed reflected poorly on her judgment and sensitivity to the people’s suffering.
Another concern raised by Sheriff was a past statement allegedly made by the First Lady, in which she reportedly said she would not spend her personal money on Sierra Leone. Sheriff argued that such remarks could discourage potential investors and send the wrong message about national commitment.
“This is not personal,” Sheriff emphasized. “It’s about the choices she has made and the message those choices send. Leadership is about service, and the First Lady’s actions do not align with the values of Wi Duti.”
Nonetheless, Sheriff expressed openness to supporting any woman endorsed by the First Lady in the future if that person demonstrates integrity and a commitment to public service.
“It’s not about who you are,” she concluded. “It’s about whether you have the character and responsibility Sierra Leone needs.”
As of now, the First Lady has not responded publicly to Sheriff’s statements.
But this not enough excuse, and this her opinion, but now as it stands now no women is popularly know than Fatima BIO let put Politics aside she is the kind of leader we need in Africa because she is fearless out spoken and always speak the truth to the so call White people who are the destroyer of Africa.
That’s her personal opinion. If all she said is not about hatred might be à good reason not to support the first Lady. Leadership is all about the people and for the people. I believe the first Lady is for the people and wish she will be chosen by the people
Zainab if it’s were you that was supposed to get married to the president will you reject the offer in the name of corona virus or people dieing
Please look if you any personal problem with the first lady then you are not Force to join her
But you will regret one day
Kalie, you are mistaken fame for popular, and rudeness for fearless.
Fatima is famous, not popular
And she’s Rude, not fearless