By Salhaj Tajj
Sierra Leone social media has become so caustic that it appears to be a crime if your surname is Bio. In this current age and day, hardly a day goes by without seeing negative or concocted stories on social media against the Bio Family. This opinion is not in any way trying to be defensive, but to checkmate some of the libelous and concocted stories being put out on social media against individual just because they carry the Bio surname.
At the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority, the current Director General, Yankuba Askia Bio, has suffered severe blackmail and bullying than the others holding eminent positions. From research and investigation conducted, one will be surprised to know that Yankuba Bio has been working at the Port seven to eight years before President Bio became President in 2018. His appointment to serve as Director General of SLPHA was not a mistake. He has a wealth of experience in ports operations and has been doing well in curbing crime, as well protecting the image of the Port. Those who have worked with him hold the view that he’s a man whose commitment, dedication and hard-working on ports operations is always held in high esteem. In all of these, critics hardly publish or celebrate the good work and achievement of the SLPHA DG, but are always happy to peddle lies and concocted stories against the gentleman.
At the Customs and Excise Department is Tennyson Bio, who happens to be the Commissioner of Customs at the Office of National Revenue Authority. He is a quiet man, who strongly believes in always doing things moderately. Tennyson Bio is qualified in customs operations and has been doing well in his area of responsibility. The calumny campaign being put out by one Bob Tucker in the United Kingdom does not even have a leg to stand on. Tucker’s allegations are never backed with evidence. His focus on the Bio Family has earned him nothing other than shame and disrespect, making him a laughing stock in the UK. When allegations are made without substantial evidence, the one who alleges must be able to prove. In this case, there has never been a single evidence that can tie or link both Yankuba Bio and Tennyson Bio to drugs other than just figments of imagination. The attack against the Bio Family is a calculated plot to tarnish their image and reputation, all in the name of “bad heart”, says a political and social analyst from the opposition, who preferred to be anonymous. The same thing about James Bio, who is the current head at the Sierra Leone Roads and Safety Authority. Since his assumption of office, James Bio has done extremely well in uplifting the SLRSA to the amazement of his critics, yet they still continue to peddle rumors and concoct stories against him. Are the Bios not Sierra Leoneans that they shouldn’t be employed or appointed in prominent positions? Attacking the Bios just to bring them down is not something patriotic. If you have any strong evidence linking them to corruption or any corrupt related offenses, why not make them public instead of building fake and libelous stories. President Bio also suffered similar blackmail while in opposition.
Today, the Bios can’t even breathe just because the first gentleman of the state is a Bio. Why are we so myopic to always bring people down because of the position they hold and are doing well? Are we not happy that young people are being capacitated with such appointments? Let’s learn and try to forge ahead with good intentions rather than focus on the pull him down syndrome. Allow the Bio’s to Breathe!