SLPP Acting Mayor’s Gown & Chain ‘Fake & Photoshopped’ — Aki-Sawyerr Avers
By Kelvin Jay
Speaking on the Liberty Breakfast Show, Aki-Sawyerr said the image showing Councillor Gbla in ceremonial regalia was originally taken at the Freetown Auditorium and later digitally altered to create the impression that he had access to the official mayoral attire.
“I am the elected Mayor of Freetown, and that mandate is given to me by the people,” she stated. “The Local Government Act does not make any provision for an Acting Mayor. What the SLPP has done is fake and illegal.”
She emphasized that the authentic mayoral gown and chain remain in her possession at home, insisting there is no lawful way for the SLPP-appointed Acting Mayor to obtain or wear them.
The Mayor further explained that the law only allows the Chief Administrator to temporarily handle administrative duties in the Mayor’s absence under specific circumstances, such as during an election period—not to assume the role of an Acting Mayor.
On the issue of handing over office keys, Aki-Sawyerr was firm: “That is not possible. I will never hand over my office keys to the SLPP Acting Mayor because he is illegal.”
She also questioned the legitimacy of the process, noting that the move has largely been defended by the SLPP Secretariat rather than the Ministry of Local Government—something she believes raises concerns about its legality.
Aki-Sawyerr added that her return to active council duties depends on addressing concerns surrounding the removal Edmond Alpha as head of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
In conclusion, Aki-Sawyerr maintained that the appointment of an Acting Mayor is unlawful and procedurally flawed, while also highlighting what she described as years of institutional challenges involving Chief Administrators throughout her tenure.
