Information Minister Defends President Bio’s Controversial Statement as Idiomatic Expression

The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has stated that a viral video in which President Julius Maada Bio made remarks about APC supporters in Bonthe District should not be interpreted as a literal threat, but rather as an idiomatic expression.

Responding to public reactions, the Minister explained that the phrase used by the President is commonly understood in local parlance and does not imply an actual wish for harm.

“Dong to we, if person dae lie, we dae say ‘e go die e yai open’. E nor mean say we wish for make e die. It’s a simple idiomatic expression,” Bah stated, noting that critics may have misunderstood the context of the statement.

He further suggested that individuals he described as “boycotters” were attempting to extend their actions to what he referred to as “nuances,” adding that the backlash was misplaced.

The clarification follows widespread circulation of a video in which President Bio was heard saying that “anyone in the Bonthe District who says they support APC shall die early in the morning.” The statement has generated significant public debate, particularly on social media and within political circles.

The development has sparked broader discussions, with varying interpretations of both the President’s remarks and the explanation provided by the Information Minister.