In response to President Bio’s address to the nation on January 18th, 2024, Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, a prominent member of the opposition party APC and a seasoned journalist in Sierra Leone, expressed her skepticism.

Dr. Blyden specifically pointed out President Bio’s assertion that the Judiciary rejected the Attorney General’s strong opposition to former President Ernest Koroma traveling to Nigeria for medical reasons.

“President Bio, in his Address to the Nation tonight, wants us to believe that the Judiciary rejected his Attorney General’s ‘vehemently’ stated opposition to Ernest Koroma traveling to Nigeria for medical reasons,” Dr. Blyden emphasized. She questioned the credibility of this claim while simultaneously acknowledging the President’s praise for the Judiciary’s “professionalism.”

Dr. Blyden didn’t shy away from criticizing President Bio’s narrative, stating, “Our President spoke to us on that particular EBK bail for medical reasons, as if our brains are missing.” Her remarks highlighted a perceived gap in the President’s communication regarding the legal proceedings involving the former president’s travel.

Despite her reservations, Dr. Blyden acknowledged President Bio’s call for national unity, emphasizing the need to build bridges and break down walls in Sierra Leone. She noted that the President’s emotional delivery of this message could resonate with the public and potentially foster unity in the aftermath of the failed coup attempt that resulted in the death of 18 individuals.

“The Call was delivered emotively and I think it will be heeded,” Dr. Blyden remarked on President Bio’s appeal for unity. However, she made it clear that her critique of President Bio’s leadership, particularly in managing relations with Ernest Bai Koroma and the faction within the APC political party, would not cease entirely.

“On that note, I will now ceasefire on my blasting of what I perceive as total inabilities of his Maada Bio leadership around managing Ernest Bai Koroma and the Jihadists faction of my APC political party but I’m still keenly observing Men and Things with an Eagle Eye!” Dr. Blyden concluded, indicating her ongoing vigilance and scrutiny of the unfolding political dynamics in Sierra Leone.