The elected Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has this morning shed light on the unfolding situation surrounding the swearing-in ceremony for key local officials in Freetown.
The ceremony, held on August 17th at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, was notable for the absence of the Mayor, Chairman, Deputy Mayor, Deputy Chairman, and several APC Councillors. The ceremony was conducted by the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.
This conspicuous absence stems from the APC Party’s decision to withhold participation in governance activities. This decision follows the party’s contention that election results, as officially announced, do not accurately reflect the true outcomes recorded at polling stations.
In a statement posted on social media, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reiterated her commitment to the city and its residents.
She acknowledged the overwhelming support she has received and expressed her dedication to continuing her service to Freetown.
“The Mayor, the Chairman and our Deputies and all APC Councillors did not attend the event in continuation of the APC Party’s non participation in governance following the announcement of election results that do not reflect the actual results tallied at polling stations,” she stated.
Furthermore, she highlighted the APC Party’s willingness to engage in a dialogue with the government, provided the process is overseen by an independent and credible external arbiter or institution.
“It should be noted that the APC Party has agreed to engage the government in a dialogue facilitated by a credible independent, external arbiter or institution to address the current political impasse. Thank you again for your overwhelming vote of confidence in me. I look forward to continuing to serve Freetown with all my heart, with all my abilities and in partnership with all Freetonians,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr concluded.
The political impasse underscores the challenges faced by Freetown’s leadership, as efforts are made to navigate this complex situation and seek resolution through constructive engagement.”
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