Sylvia Blyden Questions Legality of Gbla’s Acting Mayor Role

Sylvia Blyden Questions Legality of Gbla’s Acting Mayor Role

Dr. Sylvia Blyden has formally questioned the legal validity of Ibrahim Gbla’s appointment as Acting Mayor of the Freetown City Council (FCC). Her concerns center on whether the appointment adhered to the mandatory quorum requirements stipulated under the Local Government Act.

Dr. Blyden noted that the FCC comprises 40 councillors, consisting of 18 representatives from the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) and 22 from the All People's Congress (APC). Citing Section 16(6) of the Local Government Act, she emphasized that a valid council meeting requires the presence of at least half of all members—specifically 20 councillors in the case of the FCC—to achieve a legal quorum.

The core of the dispute involves reports that only 18 SLPP councillors convened to appoint Mr. Gbla. Dr. Blyden argued that this group lacks the statutory authority to make binding decisions for the council. She stressed that adherence to established legal procedures is fundamental to the legitimacy of governance and warned that circumventing these laws undermines political credibility.

“In the absence of a simple majority of councillors, no council meeting can be legally convened, and no formal decisions can be ratified,” Dr. Blyden stated.

She further asserted that claiming 18 councillors represent the full authority of the Freetown City Council is an inaccurate representation of the law.

Dr. Blyden called upon the SLPP leadership to operate within the framework of the law and uphold the principles of responsible governance. She urged political leaders to ensure all council activities are conducted with transparency, legal compliance, and a commitment to stability, noting that both the party and the nation deserve rigorous adherence to the rule of law.

Reflecting on her consistent opposition to extra-legal activities and civil unrest, Dr. Blyden highlighted that violations of domestic statutes like the Local Government Act, coupled with procedural irregularities, could have broader implications for Sierra Leone's standing under international legal standards.

These developments follow the presentation of Mr. Gbla as Acting Mayor while the substantive Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, remains away from her official duties. The situation has intensified scrutiny regarding procedural compliance and the overall legitimacy of the council's current administrative direction.

Dr. Blyden concluded by urging a return to lawful conduct: “Leadership requires a commitment to the laws of the land. It is imperative that those in power act with the responsibility and civility expected of public officials to ensure that history reflects a respect for our democratic institutions.”