Basita Michael Slams Officials’ Focus on Government Vehicles Instead of Boycott Implications

Prominent Sierra Leonean lawyer, Basita Michael, A has strongly criticized what she describes as a misplaced focus by government officials amid an ongoing political boycott, warning that critical governance concerns risk being overlooked.

In a public statement, Michael argued that while the boycott has potential implications for governance, service delivery, and national cohesion, these broader issues appear to be receiving less attention than criticisms directed at opposition figures over the use of government resources.

The APC boycott stems from concerns surrounding the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Edmond Alpha. However, Michael noted that some officials of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) have focused their response on issues such as the use of government vehicles by opposition members, rather than focusing on the underlying implications of the boycott.

Her comments follow recent remarks by Chief Minister David Sengeh, who criticised the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, alleging misuse of government resources. In a social media post, Sengeh described the mayor as a “horrible leader,” claiming that government vehicles were being used while the city council faces financial challenges.

Similarly, State House Communications Director Myk Berewa questioned the consistency of the boycott, stating: “You boycotted your council, but your weekly fuel-sheet and top-up card are not boycotting?”

Michael’s intervention suggests that these concerns, while relevant, may be overshadowing more pressing risks associated with the political standoff. She warned that failure to address the wider implications of the boycott could deepen governance challenges and widen divisions at a critical moment.