Fatima Bio Condemns Parliament Humiliation, Urges Respect

By Benjamin S. Conteh

In a strongly worded statement released via a widely shared social media video, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, has broken her silence on what she describes as a deliberate and orchestrated attempt to humiliate her during the State Opening of Parliament on Thursday, 7th August 2025.

Mrs. Bio directly accused former Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Chairman, Dr. Princess Harding, along with certain Members of Parliament from both the ruling and opposition benches, of engaging in disrespectful behavior towards her as she made her way into the Well of Parliament.

According to the First Lady, MPs began chanting the phrase “Coco Rose ooh, how you manage sotay you Coco Rose ooh” a popular street song in a manner she said was meant to degrade her and liken her presence to that of a “street woman” rather than the wife of the Head of State.

Parliament is the Legislative Arm of Government. It is supposed to be a place where respect and decorum are upheld at all times. The entire world was watching, yet my dignity was publicly attacked,” she stated.

Allegations Against Former SLPP Chairman and MPs

Mrs. Bio claimed that Dr. Harding instructed former SLPP MP Hon. Alusine Kanneh and others to persist with the mocking chants, while a Chief Immigration Officer present was told to “sit down” as part of the spectacle.

She noted that amidst the ridicule, the only SLPP parliamentarian who openly defended her was Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara of Kono District.

“This was a day when my husband, President Bio, was set to address the nation on his government’s achievements and plans. Instead, it was used by certain individuals to target and humiliate me in the most public way possible,” she lamented.

“Not Seeking Attention, But Setting the Record Straight”

The First Lady emphasized that her statement was not intended to seek social media sympathy but to counter what she described as “misconceptions, misinformation, and deliberate attempts to tarnish my character.”

There comes a time when silence is no longer an option especially when your dignity is publicly attacked and no one speaks up on your behalf. That is why I have chosen to address the nation today,” she explained.

Mrs. Bio stressed that she has been the strongest supporter of President Julius Maada Bio, consistently working to protect his legacy and uphold his image. She recounted arriving at Parliament with pride and optimism, having first stopped at the Speaker’s Office as tradition demands, only to notice an “unusual tension” that she initially dismissed.

A Call for National Reflection

In her closing remarks, the First Lady urged all Sierra Leoneans to reflect on the values they wish to uphold as a nation, regardless of political affiliation.

Our national institutions do not belong to individuals or political parties they belong to the people of Sierra Leone. We must protect their dignity and maintain a culture of mutual respect.”

Her remarks have since ignited heated discussions across the country, with some condemning the alleged actions of MPs and others questioning the deeper political undercurrents behind the incident.