Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has responded to the incident that occurred at the All Peoples Congress Party Office on June 25, 2023, involving supporters and the Sierra Leone Police.

In her statement, she emphasizes that a true leader bears the sacred responsibility of safeguarding their followers from harm at all times. Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, considering herself a true and proven leader, expresses her deep sorrow upon learning about the tragic killing of Matron Mahawa Dumbuya at the headquarters of the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC). She extends her heartfelt condolences to the family and associates of the deceased, emphasizing that Matron Dumbuya did not deserve to lose her life in such a brutal manner. Dr. Blyden calls for an immediate independent investigation into the untimely and painful death of Matron Dumbuya, which marks the second fatality from live bullets at the APC Headquarters within a week. She urges swift action in demanding independent investigations.

Dr. Blyden then proceeds to address the circumstances surrounding the brutal shootings of live bullets at the APC party headquarters. She refers to a video accompanying her post, which depicts scenes prior to the arrival of armed security personnel. The video shows a crowded Old Railway Line thoroughfare at Brookfields, where a large gathering had been called to celebrate with de-facto APC Leader and Presidential Candidate, Dr. Samura Matthew Wilson Kamara.

Dr. Blyden highlights that blocking the streets and impeding the right to free movement of others necessitates prior police clearance to facilitate traffic diversion. However, the APC Leadership failed to request police clearance and proceeded to block the street without considering the human rights of others. She criticizes the APC Leadership for not protecting their followers and leading them away from engaging in actions that could result in conflicts with the law.

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Furthermore, Dr. Blyden raises concerns about the conduct observed in the live broadcast from the APC Headquarters on social media. She deems the commentators’ behavior, as witnessed by the public and the global audience, to be engaging in acts that could be classified as treasonable. She holds the de-facto APC Leadership accountable for exposing their followers to the wrath of the State and failing in their responsibility to protect them from engaging in treasonable acts.

Dr. Blyden explains that the crowds were being urged in the video to refer to Dr. Samura Kamara as “His Excellency the President of Sierra Leone,” which she considers a provocation to the sanctity of the State. She sternly condemns such behavior and calls on all well-meaning individuals to advise the APC Leadership against engaging in such provocative conduct.

She asserts that adhering to legal and constitutional procedures is crucial and any deviation from them constitutes treasonable acts that must be condemned. Dr. Blyden emphasizes the importance of protecting innocent followers and highlights that true leadership involves responsible and zealous protection of every single life.

In conclusion, Dr. Blyden extends her sincere condolences to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives at the APC Headquarters. She calls for an immediate independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the Security Sector resorting to firing live bullets at unarmed civilians. Dr. Blyden asserts that regardless of the crimes committed, the use of live bullets should always be a last resort. She emphasizes the citizens’ right to a thorough investigation into the two killings and prays for the souls of the deceased to rest in perfect peace, while urging divine comfort for their loved ones.