Prominent APC Politician Sylvia Blyden has called on First Lady Fatima Bio to reduce what she described as “unwarranted” attacks on the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), urging her to distinguish between official party positions and individual criticisms.

In a strongly worded response, Blyden noted that while political critique between rival parties is expected, the First Lady’s repeated association of the APC with her personal controversies lacks justification.

“My dear Sister Fatima of the great SLPP, try to reduce slamming the mighty APC now,” Blyden stated. “We do expect you to critique APC as we are political opponents, but you are now doing it in an unwarranted manner.”

She questioned whether the APC, as a party, had issued any formal statements regarding the First Lady’s widely discussed issues, including the Bondo/FGM matter and the council housing saga.

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“Have you seen any official APC party press release on your Bondo FGM affair? No! Have you seen any APC official statement on your private council housing saga? No!” she emphasised.

Blyden argued that the First Lady’s challenges were not instigated by the APC, suggesting instead that many criticisms originated within her own Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).

According to her, some APC supporters may have joined the ongoing public discourse, but they were not the primary drivers of the narratives.

“I use the word ‘join’ because from my perspective, all these molestations originated from right within SLPP circles,” she said, citing examples of SLPP affiliates allegedly amplifying controversies in the media.

She further pointed to international media coverage, including reports by a London-based newspaper, which she claimed were influenced by earlier events such as the Koidu workers’ dispute. Blyden also criticized the use of certain terms in such reports, describing them as misleading and exaggerated.

Despite the criticisms, Blyden stressed that the First Lady enjoys significant admiration even among APC supporters, cautioning that unnecessary attacks could alienate potential goodwill.

“Sis, you will be surprised at how many genuine admirers you have amongst the APC rank and file,” she noted.

She concluded by advising the First Lady to carefully analyze the sources and patterns of criticisms directed at her, urging her to shift focus inward rather than attributing blame externally.

“Remove your eyes from the APC and instead look underneath your feet by the SLPP ,” Blyden remarked. “Mama, look under your foot.”