Abdulai Mansaray: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 25 April 2020:
Love her or loathe her, the First Lady Fatima Bio is an enigma. What makes it tellingly so, is the backdrop against which her life has been gauged, scrutinised, vilified and equally glorified at various levels. She is the wife of the First Gentleman of the state, and by default the first wife of the state.
But again, we should not forget that she is an individual in her own right, with her own identity, her own views and her own way of life. That is one hell of a position to be in, which like moths to light, attract attention.
This is no attempt to psychoanalyse the First Lady. It takes more than WASSCE to do so. But we cannot deny the fact that she has been involved in some controversies because of her views on certain issues – ranging from national, international and to local. Equally she has championed a lot of good causes, some of which go unheralded in the public domain. It is Ramadan time again.
By virtue of her marriage to the President, she becomes a public figure but at the same time a private citizen like you and me. This kind of identity crisis will not be lost on many people. The expectation to behave like a chameleon, switching between private and public life can be enormous.
It is that kind of demand that forms the backdrop, against which the First Lady has been and continues to be judged, and some will say harshly. So, when Fatima Bio does or says something, it can sometimes be difficult for some people to decipher whether she is in private or public mode. Nevertheless, she is always judged as The First Lady, irrespective of her own personal fallibilities.
However, there is a need to recognise that being a public figure should not deprive one of a private life. Equally, Fatima should also acknowledge and expect that her position, even in private mode will command more critical and forensic scrutiny than you and me.
Her position automatically becomes cannon fodder for many people, including the fashion police, the envious, the romantically displaced and of course, the guys on the red side of town. That does not make it right though, but inevitable. It is the unfortunate price that one pays for living in the goldfish bowl.
Those who know Fatima Bio know that she will never shy away from stamping her individuality, irrespective of being the wife of the President. Sometimes, you cannot help but think that she is making some strenuous efforts to come out of her husband’s shadow.
What makes this glaringly so, is the fact that her husband’s shyness and quietness is deafening. President Maada Bio is known to have never complained even when the “Kondor” was late, during his time at the school where “manners maketh man”. Those who know Fatima Bio in Koquima, Boroma and the Kono district environs during her childhood days would testify that she always had the last say in a discussion or an argument.
Although she is the First Lady, but like you and me, she is entitled to her opinion as a private citizen. I know she is of Gambian heritage; so cool it. That does not mean that some of the levels of scrutiny, criticism or otherwise are always deserved. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory – thanks to the fact that her position serves as a default punchbag, even if she sometimes makes a good rod for her own back.
Some of her utterances have been downright embarrassing, coming from someone in her position. She has in the past expressed her views about political issues that you wished were left unsaid.
She can be irrepressible and too vocal for some people’s liking, which brings us to the backdrop against which she is unfairly judged at times.
Sierra Leone is genetically patriarchal – a system of society and government that is controlled by men. We have been breastfed on a societal diet that sees women as second class, to be house bound, to cook, clean and be the warehouse of extended families.
Women are designated as generally there to be seen and not to be heard. But things have changed, and the drive for gender equality, the 50-50 initiative, the war against female circumcision, “hands off our girls” etc – all symbolise a new dawn of female emancipation in our society today.
There is a way to go yet, but a journey of one million miles starts with a step. These are positive and laudable steps; though in their embryonic stages.
Fatima and other gender activists like Vicki Remoe, Nassu Fofana, Aimee Sheriff and others have been very vocal in this vein. And they have also faced criticisms, but not so much as Fatima Bio. What’s the difference? Don’t answer that.
So, is Fatima Bio seen as too vociferous for her gender? Is she, like her compatriots regarded as a threat to the predominant gender? There is no doubt that she is not like the traditional First Ladies we are used to. How many people know that Pa Sheki’s wife was called Rebecca.? How many people know the name of the late S. I Koroma’s wife? How many even knew the names of most our previous First Ladies? I am not talking about sidekicks, but those that wore the ring.
Looking back, you may agree with me that Fatima is a different breed. She is comparatively young, and you can’t say that she is ugly. Don’t tell Ngor Maada that I said so, but its true. People need to recall that Fatima had a previous life in one of the most competitive and male dominating walks of life.
The entertainment industry is a cut throat affair. She made a success of it, in her own right; and that says a lot about her character.
The nation already had a love affair with her from the small screens even before she became Mrs Bio. Those who know her may not be surprised by her sometimes feisty approach to issues.
She may not have “go cam” in her vocabulary. But that can-do attitude can sometimes be the paradoxical Achilles heel, if not applied wisely.
Being the First Lady demands a lot of standards to be adhered to, as if a set of syllabuses. She apparently makes more waves in the news than her husband; and those with an overdose of macho chromosomes could find this unpalatable for their political taste buds’ especially inside the establishment.
Some may even feel that she is trying to outshine her husband. It is not long before they accuse her of trying to do a Grace Mugabe; because some people feel rubbed the wrong way at times. They see her as the bee in the ointment or a thorn in the flesh that puts the position of First lady into disrepute.
So how do you solve a problem called, Fatima Bio? Fatima is not a politician, but a politician by association. Politicians are expected to be politically correct, which is not in her DNA. The truth is politics has become an insult these days, and clear language – a mark of insincerity. But her position means that diplomacy and political correctness should form part of her diet.
Fatima should learn diplomacy – the art of telling someone to go to hell, and they look forward to it. Telling the truth can sometimes be regarded a revolutionary act.
In a recent release, she compared herself to other First Ladies around the world; that she is the ONLY First Lady who does not receive WARDROBE ALLOWANCE. What drives our First Lady to make such pronouncements? Does she need to respond to every criticism, every hint (inch), every provocation? Where are the handlers of her PR and communication machinery?
Does she even listen to them – if any? She needs to understand and be aware that those with political scalpels are always at the ready to take a scalp, each time she falters. She could do well to deprive them of an excuse or the oxygen to do so. Is there a need for some adult supervision or self awareness here?
Remember that the wife of the President is the President of all wives. Do you know the common denominator among the following? Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand), Chancellor Angela Merkel (Germany) President Tsai Ing-wen (Taiwan), Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir (Iceland), Prime Minister Erna Solberg (Norway). They are all female leaders who have handled the Corona Virus better than all their male counterparts combined. Are you thinking what I am thinking? Hmmmm
So Nnathorma, always continue to be yourself, by not being yourself. Choose your battles wisely. I am all for universal suffrage, women’s rights, 50/50 or phone a friend. And Fatima has championed a lot of women’s causes and those of the underprivileged.
This is not an attempt to silence you, or a balance sheet of a psychoanalysis. It is not a noise-cancelling journalism.
I am sure that the majority acknowledge, applaud and appreciate your fight, among others for the fairer sex. But liquids also do find their levels. Do what you do best and leave the rest to the rest. You can’t keep a good woman down – I know.
Fatima deserves our respect; she is our First lady. And to those who have an eternal angst against her, remember that we cannot afford a society that empowers the deranged.
Don’t forget to wash your hands, avoid handshakes, maintain your distance, drink your lemon grass and honey, but don’t forget to turn the lights off when you leave the room.
Jane Kargbo, “Its always good to agree to disagree.” I first heard about Fatima Bio during a fundraising event which I believe was for her charitable organization to help our citizens , and later heard more about her during the 2018 presidential campaign which most political analysts believe that she helped propelled her husband to the state house.
As First Lady, as you correctly stated, ”She started a very laudable initiative,” because she used her position to turn her “SCARRED from her early marriage to STARS for our girls in our country.” So putting together most of the First Ladies within the ECOWAS region to highlight the problems of early child marriage should make every Sierra Leoneans proud.
I also respectfully disagree with your comment that “But she diverted the issue from the core objective to looming her image,” which I believe you are referring to her husband renewing his marriage and expression of his love and affection for her by KISSING her in public. Please don’t hate her because LOVE only comes from the Almighty.
The “Initiative is only in words,” No it is now a law – having sex with a girl below the age of 18 is illegal. My only advice for you is to focus on governance rather than revenge for the just concluded commission of inquiry which reveals that your AYAMPI PEOPLES CONGRESS (APC) party looted our country during their past 11 years of misrule, and I personally believe that the people of Sierra Leone will continue to reject your party for decades. Finally I hope you’re not confusing the difference between self confidence and complex because most of your comments proves that you are very intelligent and confident.
May the Almighty continue to bless our First Family with more self confidence, wisdom and understanding.
Allusine Fallay, for the first time I disagree with you on this. Fatima Bio has been uncontroversial way before thier official marriage. She started a very laudable initiative but she diverted the issue from the core objective to focus on looming her own image.
Now the initiative is only in words as she grapples with redeeming her and her husband image for expending monies on none core issues like launching of the campaign. Those funds are going to be the highlight of the next commission of inquiry against her husband’s administration. Fatima’s behaviour is akin to someone who suffers from complex.
‘Fatima’s behaviour is akin to someone who suffers from complex.’
Jane, this is not a big deal. Ninty five percent of humans and humanoids have a mental health disorder of some sort (The Washingtonpost, 1997). It is only a problem if it affects their day to day activities of daily living (ADLs).
Kudos to SLPP and the Bio admin.for going down in history for starting the aggressive pursuance of accountability and responsibility of govt. officials in Sierra Leone.
BTW,can you be so kind (to the panel of public opinion) to support or cite statistical data for this—” She started a very laudable initiative but she diverted the issue from the core objective to focus on looming her own image. ” …Looming her own image that is. How? Examples? When? Where? Extrapolate. Please, please.
What a very poor performance and unpopularity for a First Lady ever in the history of our country. By the way, comparing the First Lady of the present PAOPA CITY to any First Lady of the City of honey and plenty, is just ridiculous. Do they know that or are they just pretending as always? Bottom line, the First Lady, Mrs Fatima Bio is the most unpopular First Lady ever in the history of our country. Just read the comments. If a vote should be cast on what all of us have written, then, the results will be catastrophic for the First Lady Mrs Fatima Bio.
This just tells everyone how her unpopularity is affecting the SLPP politically and that’s why, they will be voted out in 2023. Simple as that. In any case, State House is in sight. Have they started packing their suitcases? I hope they do. God help restore pride and respect to the office of the First Lady in 2023 when the APC lead no nonsense Administration takes over. God bless the voters of our country in advance for voting out a failed project, elected by mistake because of a less aggressive campaign to crack on the message and disillusion. But that will definitely change next time by God’s grace. That I can guarantee everyone. God bless the people of Sierra Leone as Dr. Samura Kamara Rightly concluded. Amen and Amen.
APC is day dreaming. Where is the statistical proof to support your assertion? ” poor performance and unpopularity for a First Lady ever in the history of our country.” Are you going crazy by the few unfavorable comments about Fatima Bio on Salone
Telegraph and Whatsup? Jeez! Those numbers are very miniscule compared to the number of grass root voters in Salone who are for Fatima Bio.
As it stands right now, Fatima Bio can whip the rear ends of any of your so-called heavy weights if elections were held today. Majority making all the noise on social media don’t even vote. Wake up and face reality bro’. Prove me wrong and ask DR. Sankoh (Mallam O) to carry out Fatima Bio lovability experiment among grass root voters.You will be shocked. Group all your heavy weights together and she can beat them hands down.
Our “ FIRST IRON LADY “ of Sierra Leone always reminds me of the then First Lady of the USA Hilary Clinton who was the champion of the universal healthcare for all Americans when her husband the 42nd president of the USA was elected in 1993. The opposition Republican Party hated her with passion because she was super smart and opinionated which eventually changed the political landscape for women not only in the USA but around the world by breaking most of the political glass ceilings that have been established by Macho Men in the USA around the world.
In my personal opinion, I believe that the worst crime that Fist Lady Fatima Bio Committed was by allowing her husband to express his love for her by AFFECTIONATELY KISSING HER in front of the whole world which in the eyes of her HATERS is like stabbing their cold hearts with a double edge dagger.
Hopefully she will eventually be the first woman President in Sierra Leone because most of the girls she is now liberating through her Hands off our girls program will eventually reward her with their overwhelming votes.
Are you indirectly applying to be her PR consultant?
All said and done, I would say; lovely write up, balanced, so in the middle, leaving it for us to lean whichever way we wish! Kudos.
comes across as a lais·sez-faire. Very impressive. Where are all our women when we so dearly need them?
No body hates Mrs Fatima Bio for being the wife of President Bio. However, she has thrown herself in the wrestling ring inviting fights even when there is no other contestant in the ring. As the writer succinctly puts it – she is not a politician. But her position makes her one by extension. Therefore, she has to be mindful of what she writes and says.
Why would a first lady put out a press release after her husband had addressed the nation as father of the nation regarding the first family going into isolation because of fear of being exposed to the Corona Virus? What was she trying to achieve? Why would the first lady in her private visit to her family in The Gambia give an hour long video interview on issues ranging from her private marriage to governance? These are PR blunders. Why a first lady would engage in bitter exchanges with faceless people – some using monikers on social media? The end result is her person and husband receiving insults, including insults directed at her parents.
What is at stake is that she did not make Maada Bio. Maada Bio had made a name for himself before meeting Fatima. And when Maada Bio made a name for himself in the 90s, he had a wife. Maada was already married to Francess Bio before Captain Strasser wedded Gloria Strasser, and before the late SAJ Musa engaged Tina Kamara. But many only came to know about Frances Bio when Maada Bio first ran for the presidency in 2012. Francess Bio never involved herself in the fight for supremacy that Gloria Strasser and Tina Musa were engaged in during the formative years of the NPRC. Her behind the scene support and cool headed behaviour beguiled her husband to Captain Strasser, who mistakenly took him as a reliable deputy.
Fatima is neither a diplomat nor a politician. But by extension she is viewed as such. It is therefore very imperative that she learns that in politics, the incumbent has two paths – winning people over or losing even the people you had when you first went for the pie. With her action and media hatred that she is generating around herself and her husband, I think she is going for the latter which would be too costly. The opposition has seen her as the weakest link around the presidency, and man – she has been taking their bait.
Mrs. Sia Koroma had several controversial situations when her husband attained the presidency and during the course of her husband’s reign. But she handled herself well. That does not mean that behind the scene that she was not influencing some major decisions that her husband took. Most people continued second guessing Sai Koroma from day one until they left power. There was a time when Sylvia Blyden – another loose cannon, pointed her pens at the first lady Sia Koroma. Diplomatically, Sia Koroma disengaged her and left her junior sister Lawyer Finder Koroma and other admirers to battle it out with Sylvia. At the end the masses did not take notice of what was happening.
Mrs Obama, a highly educated Harvard trained lawyer was called an ape. She left the battle with her admirers and other handlers. What happened? The insulter apologised and resigned her position. That was diplomacy at its best. Street fighting is only fitting when you are not wearing that gown.
To be vocal is good. But to be stupidly vocal is worse.
She is the solution not the problem.
Yei, I reason with some of your counseling but Salone had long been waiting for this kind of a first lady. Her brand of social engineering is what puts haters and bady-hearties exactly where they belong. To hell with them. Is this more important than the recolonization of Salone? Salone and Sierra Leoneans are doomed!!
Wait a minute Mr. John Julius Edwin Kallon. Do you want to tell me, that the First Lady, Mrs Fatima Bio, just fancy to be a controversial figure and also happy to be part of a State Corrupt Scandal? Send me a reply as quickly as possible Mr. John Julius Edwin Kallon. Hear Mr. John Julius Edwin Kallon, somewhere there on planet earth, trying to portray the character of the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Fatima Bio, for my listening pleasure/attention. I refuse.
God help Mr John Julius Edwin Kallon with portraying the First Lady Mrs Fatima Bio’s character which, I have no interest in. God bless the office of the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone from controversies, corruption and State Scandal. 2023 will uncover all those hiding behind the valley of the shadow of PAOPA CITY. PERIOD!
Sahr, being controversial is pedagogically good for learners. It helps learners think deeply into the subject. Salone and some Sierra Leoneans are ‘still learning’. The mishaps in sierra Leonean society are enormous. We need to start solving those problems instead of intellectually gossiping here and there about Fatima Bio. She propagates the truth in the Sierra Leonean conundrum. No doubt George Orwell once said: ” In times of universal deceits, saying the truth is a revolutionary act.” Allez Vous, Fatima!! Let the phonies die.
Fatima may have good plans for girls in Sierra Leone generally or for her politically concentrated regions of interest. However when a nation has a first lady of this type who has had so many dissapoitment in past relationships, a sensible person begins to think about reasons for her breakups. Attitude they say is everything and this she has manifested by taking up position as president instead of first lady. Her frequent appearances and utterances on social media reveals her true character especially when she spoke of mob justice and we Sierra Leoneans have started seeing it. Casting spell/curse on people making constructive criticisms of her government and replying to social media vulgarly.
Her project – ‘hands off our girls’ is a direct hijacked project from the mandate of the ministry of gender and children affairs. More resources could have gone to this ministry and desired results would have been achieved. One would just conclude that it is done for the huge amount of money that is involved.
Even when the president is invited in a mosque to pray she would sit beside him against the islamic principles. I admire her for being strong behind her husband’s victory but now in power she is going too far. I think she needs professional advise on how to manage her private life and that of first lady.
A word for the wise is quite sufficient
Attitude determines altitude for some political crooks. That’s the reason they continue lying to you folks unabated. You encourage and support it, so you get what you want – malnourished Salone. What are Fatima’s rewards for doing all these good for humanity? What are the achievements of the welfare department since its creation?
Do you strongely believe Fatima wants to be president? Hell no!! Are you irritated/intimidated by a strong, pleasant, bright, loving, upright, good and take-no-nonsense lady? Please, leave the good lady to be herself and having fun at it. Blame the ills of society that are responsible for the change of the Sierra Leonean psyche and culture. She is part of the solution to the problems that started long before she was born.
She should simply learn to treat certain comments from the public with contempt. People will always criticize someone in such a position – similarly there’d always be those who’d commend such people. If one has to always react to critical comments from the masses then they’d only be glorifying those critical comments and providing free “advertisement” for same. Silence is sometimes the most powerful tool – she should ask her husband to tell her about the power of silence, not least in the Sierra Leonean society.
She may not be a copy Tom. Many have already confirmed that she’s an independent person and may not want to cling to her husband’s apron string.
Pete, silence is golden but the Sierra Leonean society practised silence for too long and the end result is decadence, social inequality and bad statecrafts. Are Fatima’s actions proven to be impedements to the progress of Sierra Leone? I believe patriotic Sierra Leoneans should be supportive. Please let her be!
Another buffet party for Forumites thrown by Mr. Abdulai Mansaray. He seems not to want anything. Even a glass of water, in my view. However, I am going for “Foo foo and Bitas”. This is the first, First Lady our country has ever had with lots of controversies surrounding her. Is it because, she doesn’t listen to her advisers, or she just have people around her, who don’t know what to do? Her advisers must make sure, that every word the First Lady is going to say in public must be vetted/edited. Also, advice must be given on how to go about public and official duties.
Deputising on behalf of the “Minister of Education” or the “Sierra Leone Ambassador” to the Gambia is not her job. More importantly, “asking for public funds”, to sponsor any project must be subject to scrutiny, just like any other department. No BLANK CHEQUE for any First Lady. Furthermore, She has to explain to us about the millions of leones scandal hanging as a cloud over her head. If that scandal is not resolved before she leaves office, then, a COI will be setup in 2023, after the people of Sierra Leone vote them out of power.
A scandal is a scandal and must be investigated. Whether you are the First Lady or not, does not matter. Sierra Leoneans will never support any FATBIONOMICS. The ACC must act and take its responsibilities. What is good for the goose, is good for the gander. PERIOD.
I have always admired our First Ladies because of their caring attitudes towards the people and the country. None of our First Ladies have never attempted to become politicians, political mouthpiece for their husbands or defacto President. The present First Lady is responsible for all what is facing her. She has the solutions to her problems. But whether she corrects them now or not, is for the birds in my view. Anyway, they will be voted out of power in 2023. God bless the office of our First Ladies and prevent that caring and noble office from scandal. God protect Mr Abdulai Mansaray and all Forumites from Coronavirus.
Sahr, well behave women do not make history. Only our fellow Sierra Leoneans with skewed mentality will attribute that trait (bad behavior) to Fatima. With all protocols that the so-called “well behaved” have been practicing, where is Salone today in terms of social and economic justice? Where is Salone today in anything? …country of STAGNATION. Please, please, let her be! It is not hurting anything.
How do you solve the problem called Fatima Bio?
The answer to the writer’s question is extremely easy. Abolish misogyny and male chauvinism in Sierra Leone. For it is only the misogynists and the male chauvinists that see the likes of Fatima Bio as a problem.
Misogyny and male chauvinism are part of a patriarchal society. And African societies are largely built on the foundation of patriarchy. The writer argues that:
“Sierra Leone is genetically patriarchal – a system of society and government that is controlled by men. We have been breastfed on a societal diet that sees women as second class, to be house bound, to cook, clean and be the warehouse of extended families.”
Bingo!!! So, if women are considered as second class and if women are prohibited from contesting for chieftaincy in many of Sierra Leone’s districts, is it plausible to expect equal respect to be accorded to the likes of Fatima Bio (First Lady), Dr. Priscilla Schwartz (Attorney General and Minister of Justice), Nabila Tunis (Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation), Dr. Memunatu Pratt ( Minister of Tourism and Culture), to name just a few?
It follows that Sierra Leone cannot solve the problem called Fatima Bio while the country continues to be ingrained in misogyny and overt male chauvinism. The two are two parts of a coin. The solution to one must lead to a simultaneous solution to the other. For now, folks must deal with the hard-punching Fatima Bio. While Mrs. Bio makes the misogynists extremely uncomfortable, I enjoy every second of the First Lady’s public utterances
Two parts of the same coin eloquently laid bare
A bunch of nonsensical cliches. Women are by nature the caretakers. There is a reason why nature made them the ones to carry the next generation. Can anyone imagine how things would be if men had the breast milk?There is nothing wrong with being the caretakers of the family.In my book that shouldn’t make women second class or be restrict them from pursuing a career.The writer listed at least four women holding powerful positions in the government.
How was that possible and admissible in the “backward patriarchal society “the writer described? Girls are not barred from education here neither are women barred from pursuing a career. However there are certain societal and religious norms which forms part of our African traditions.
And it the same everywhere. When the first lady of America travels to Saudi Arabia she doesn’t accompany her husband to the Mosque and certain places. Mrs Bio’s refusal to observe social and religious doesn’t make her a feminist, it makes her immature and disrespectful to her soft husband and the very society she claims to love.
As far as trying to be President, I will advise her to run for an office and stop forcing herself on the people. There is only one President – even if he is soft.
Thanks for an objective piece of writing, you remind of the independent award winning journalist (Robert Fisk); you provide the reader with both sides of the argument and the rest is his/hers to make. I wish our journalists will take a leaf from your book, Salone will be in a better place.
If wishes were horses, Ajay, then beggers will ride. I’ll bet the last cent of my pension, that most journalists will never borrow a leaf from him because of individual differences in journalism. Most are subjective in their reportage rather than being objective.
Prince Owusu sir, with all due respect, that is too twentieth century. We are in the twenty first century.
I happen to be one her admirers during the campaign period and the earlier months of her husband’s presidency. I was with the conviction that she is the epitome of a good and loyal wife — taking into account the support she provided to Maada Bio during his penniless stay in London while pursuing his PHD. Nonetheless, she has suddenly transformed herself into a thorn, jeopardizing her husband’s political career, and driving the deeper wedge into the already highly polarized political landscape of Salone.
First ladies all across the globe are by no means considered politicians. On the contrary, they traditionally embrace the role of motherhood by embracing all shades of the political divide, complimenting their husband’s role as a father of the nation. This is definitely not the role our current first lady is playing. Her involvement in politics, coupled with her occasional social media utterance of unsubstantiated claims have earned her critics all across the nation, this includes within her husband’s political party – the SLPP.
By all indications, she is definitely not helping. The more she continues to make irresponsible utterances on social media, the more she exposes herself to ridicule. There is a lack of immaturity in many of her actions. This definitely rubs off the dignity and respect usually bestowed on the office of the first lady. She will do a lot of good for herself, husband, and the nation at large, if she just stay muted.
You think she’s that type that stays mute in the face of inflammatory comments on what she does or doesn’t? You wait and see-she won’t. Those comments are going to continue goring her on. “To hell with her handler/advisers.
Lord have mercy! Abdul, reading g through this article, I paused several times to verify that the writer was the same journalist I know and not a professional counselor or psychologist. Thanks for your analysis and fairplay conclusion.
I also love this part of the analysis very much, “truth is politics has become an insult these days, and clear language – a mark of insincerity. But her position means that diplomacy and political correctness should form part of her diet. Fatima should learn diplomacy – the art of telling someone to go to hell, and they look forward to it. Telling the truth can sometimes be regarded a revolutionary act.”
All said and done I honestly would concur with most of what you rightfully suggested. Nonetheless, this is my take, a quote from the Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1-3. Amen!
Thoughts of Michelle Obama come to mind when reading. Not so much for her Americanisms as most linear thinkers would assume, but of her activism with respect to her husband’s presidency. She was villianized by white western media because she is unambigously West African in appearance, a woman, educated, vocal and revered by her spouse.
I winced when reading what has been mentioned about Mrs. Bio’s past relationships, her physical appearance and other superficial remarks in this article to justify her bravado. However, in the same moment her friends give credence to her personality as a youth irrespective of her attachment to her husband.
Yet, I have grown accustomed to this quality of writing and critiques from this particular demographic. In the midst of Africans being colonized by the Chinese and the likes of other foriegn parties, it is the voice of Mrs. Bio that threatens the sovereignty of Sierra Leone at this very moment.