Sierra Leone Police Acting as Political Vigilante for SLPP Government — Says Ady Macauley
By James Johnson
A leading flagbearer aspirant of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Ady Macauley, has accused the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) of gradually transforming into what he described as a “political vigilante” for the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government.
Macauley warned that the police must remember their constitutional mandate as a national security and protection force for all citizens, not an enforcement arm of any political party or regime.
“The police are meant to protect the people of Sierra Leone, not to serve as a tool for the SLPP government,” Macauley asserted.
While acknowledging that the police force still comprises many professional and dedicated officers, the APC flagbearer hopeful called on them to prevail on their colleagues whom he described as ‘bad officers’ to abandon partisan conduct and uphold professionalism.
Macauley further stressed that the APC of today is a transformed party, fully prepared to lawfully resist any form of intimidation, repression, or abuse of power by the government.
Speaking specifically on the arrest and detention of APC Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya, Macauley described the action as a clear violation of Dumbuya’s fundamental rights.
He questioned the basis of the alleged cyberbullying offence, asking pointedly whether President Julius Maada Bio is the complainant in the matter.
“If allegations are being made against the APC, including claims that the party is unprogressive, are those not also forms of cyberbullying?” Macauley queried.
He cited comments previously made by the Chief Minister, in which the APC was allegedly criticised, and challenged the apparent selective application of the law, arguing that such statements were not subjected to similar police scrutiny.
Macauley accused the police of exercising their powers unreasonably and disproportionately, particularly in the decision to summon and detain the APC Secretary General over cyberbullying allegations.
Concluding his remarks, the APC flagbearer aspirant called on the Inspector General of Police to remain professional, impartial, and independent, reminding him that he serves the people of Sierra Leone — not the SLPP.
