By Mariama Bundu
First Lady Fatima Bio has dismissed claims circulating about her personal wealth and political conduct, saying many of the narratives about her are based on stories rather than facts.
Speaking on AYV Television, Mrs Bio said she was financially independent before marrying President Julius Maada Bio and owned multiple businesses in The Gambia
She rejected suggestions that she depended on anyone for survival before her marriage, noting that she was previously married to a footballer for eight years and also worked as a model.
She said that upon her husband’s election as President, she declared her assets to the Anti-Corruption Commission, stressing that the properties in question were acquired before her marriage to President Bio.
The First Lady said she does not publicise her philanthropic work, adding that with the support of her husband and friends, she has contributed to the construction of 15 mosques across the country and supported the renovation of 34 hospitals at a cost of nearly 12 million dollars.
She also said she introduced the national food basket programme during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to her, Sierra Leone’s response to COVID-19 cannot be discussed without reference to her contributions, but she chooses not to boast about her work due to personal and religious beliefs.
Mrs Bio also addressed issues surrounding Edwina Jamiru, stating that she is personally responsible for paying her school fees.
She said her decision to intervene was guided by the desire to help Jamiru become a better person, but she declined to involve herself in personal matters she did not support.
Commenting on criticism she faces, the First Lady said speaking the truth often attracts hostility.
She described herself as someone who is not diplomatic and who speaks her mind, acknowledging that she sometimes gets things right and sometimes wrong.
She further raised concerns about internal dynamics within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), saying she is a paid-up member and a major financial contributor to the party.
Mrs Bio said she believes she is unfairly criticised for supporting candidates, noting that her political engagement is often misrepresented as being solely linked to her marriage to the President.
