Gbla Clarifies: SLPP Councillors’ Complaints Led to My Leadership, Not Acting Mayor

Ibrahim Gbla has clarified that his recent selection to lead SLPP councillors in the Freetown City Council (FCC) stems from complaints submitted by party members, and does not make him the acting mayor.

Speaking in an interview, Gbla said:

“I want to make it clear to the public that the FCC does not have an acting mayor. I am representing the leadership of the SLPP councillors.”

He explained that the SLPP councillors had formally raised concerns with their party chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, about their treatment under Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s leadership. Following discussions with the chairman, the councillors were advised to select a leader among themselves, resulting in Gbla’s appointment.

“The councillors decided to make an official report. After we wrote to the SLPP chairman, he called and discussed the matter with us. He advised us to choose a leader among the councillors, and I was chosen,” Gbla said.

Gbla emphasized that his role is to represent the collective voice and concerns of the SLPP councillors within the council, and not to replace the mayor.

The statement comes amid ongoing frustrations within the FCC over management and decision-making practices under the current mayor. Gbla’s clarification aims to reassure the public and maintain transparency regarding the council’s leadership structure.

This development highlights the SLPP councillors’ efforts to address internal grievances while maintaining party unity in the council.