Fatima Maada Bio accused of turning Parliament into a political theatre — and plotting her rise to the top as SLPP battles for its soul
In what is now being described as the most humiliating spectacle at a State Opening last Thursday, in recent memory, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has landed herself — and the First Family — at the centre of an unfolding political crisis that has not only embarrassed the presidency but ripped the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) wide open.
What began as a raised eyebrow over her refusal to stand for the President’s ceremonial entrance has snowballed into full-blown political drama — with insiders revealing that this wasn’t just a protocol blunder, but the latest salvo in a simmering power struggle at the heart of the state.
Multiple credible sources within the corridors of power have told the Public Review that the First Lady’s growing political influence — both in government and within the ruling SLPP — has become a source of serious friction between herself and President Julius Maada Bio. “She’s not just a First Lady anymore — she’s running her own show,” quipped one senior government aide.
From pushing her own candidates in the recent SLPP delegate elections, to open defiance of State House positions, Fatima Bio is now seen as a shadow power operating parallel to her husband’s administration — and in many cases, working at cross-purposes. “There are two governments at play: Bio’s and Fatima’s,” said a disgruntled SLPP insider. “And only one can survive.”
The real powder keg, however, appears to be Madam Bio’s long-whispered ambition to vie for the presidency herself. According to highly placed party sources, the First Lady is actively laying the groundwork to contest for the SLPP flag bearer position in 2028 — or possibly enter into a strategic alliance with political heavyweight Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella as his vice-presidential running mate.
Her influence was on full display during the just-concluded delegate elections, where she openly backed her own loyalists for executive positions at regional and district levels — in clear defiance of the President’s preferred candidates. “She planted her people like yam seedlings at every level,” remarked one party stalwart. “Now she has roots everywhere.”
Following the dramatic scenes in Parliament last Thursday, President Bio is said to have finally cracked the whip. Reliable reports confirm that Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu has been ordered to immediately reduce the First Lady’s security detail. Meanwhile, the Secretary to the President has issued similar instructions to drastically slash her staff and limit the use of government vehicles previously used for her high-profile convoys.
“This is not just about a protocol breach — this is a palace war,” said one source at State Lodge. “And the President has just drawn the battle lines.”
The ruling party itself is now a house on fire. The once-formidable unity within the SLPP has crumbled under the weight of internal rivalries and fear of a Fatima takeover. A veteran group of party elders — often referred to as “The Old Guards” — have risen in fierce resistance.
Names like Jacob Jusu Saffa (former Finance and Chief Minister), Dr. Alie Kabbah, and former Party Chairman Dr. Prince Harding and others are now leading what they call “a defensive war to save the soul of the party.” One of them was heard vowing, “Over our dead bodies will we hand this party to the First Lady.”
Dr Harding is key on this as the leader and seconded by Saffa .
There is now the buzz word around town “”YOU COCO ROS OH !! “”Referring to Fatima and songs have begun coming out on social media mimicking the First Lady on the buzz word .
Unfazed by the backlash, Fatima Bio seems determined to press on. In a video that recently surfaced on social media, she boasted that her support base within the SLPP now exceeds 40%. “The battle line has been drawn,” she said confidently. “They can fight, but I am already in the game.”
Analysts say that’s not just bravado — it’s backed by cold, calculated political engineering. From district chairpersons to national executives, Fatima’s fingerprints are all over the recent party appointments. “She didn’t just join politics,” one observer commented, “she came in with a bulldozer.”
As tensions rise to boiling point, a major cabinet reshuffle is reportedly underway. Sources at State House confirm that President Bio is preparing to axe several ministers and political appointees who are believed to be loyal to his wife. Many of these officials are referred to sarcastically within government circles as “Fatima’s blue-eyed boys and girls.”
“It’s purge season,” whispered a source close to the presidency. “The President is about to clean house — and if your name was whispered in Fatima’s favour, start packing.”
With whispers turning to roars, Sierra Leone now finds itself in uncharted territory — a constitutional First Lady behaving like a political rival, a President seemingly blindsided in his own house, and a ruling party that may be heading for a spectacular implosion before 2028 even arrives.
As the dust settles on this week’s scandal, one thing is clear: what happened in Parliament was not a slip-up. It was a message. And Sierra Leone — bruised, bewildered, and watching — is left to wonder: Is Fatima Maada Bio the First Lady of the Republic, or the first shot in a new political war?
The the last few days ; Fatima has released at least two videos now circulating on social media explaining her side of the story her own side of the story stating that the incident in parliament was staged managed and meant to embarrass her and provoke her as the wife of Bio .
She says it was fixed by what he described as an old man ; referring to Dr Harding . Fatima says her status and person was never recognized in parliament that very day ; all in a bid to prove her and reduce her status as a First Lady but denied the fact that she misbehaved during this special event .
Unconfirmed sources say the First Lady has almost moved out of State lodge since the incident in the Walls of Parliament last Thursday; as she is in hot waters with Bio because the center can no longer hold .
By Joseph Turay
