First Lady Fatima Bio received an energetic and cheerful welcome during her visit to Makeni, a city often viewed as a strong support base for the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). Her reception has stirred discussion in political circles, with some suggesting it may have caused discomfort within segments of the opposition.

An analyst noted that her activities in the northern region—especially her commissioning of a hospital at the Teko Barracks—triggered criticism from former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara. He argued that the First Lady overstepped her role, saying the commissioning of the facility should have been handled by the Vice President.

Kamara described the event as having “blurred the line between official state duties and political campaigning.”

However, supporters of the First Lady have strongly rejected these claims. They emphasized that the commissioning aligns with the government’s broader mission to improve healthcare services across the country.

They pointed out that Fatima Bio has consistently played a major role in the health sector, including supporting the development of a 600-bed hospital at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown and championing the creation of the Dr. Fatima Maada Bio College of Health Sciences and Allied Technology in Waterloo.

Her advocates also highlighted her humanitarian work in Kono District, where she established a Safe Home and Vocational Centre in Koidu City to support survivors of gender-based violence with shelter, counselling, and skills training.

Supporters are encouraging the public to recognize her efforts and judge her work beyond political lines, stressing her contributions to national development.