By Josephine Sesay
President Julius Maada Bio issued a stern warning on Tuesday during a town hall meeting, condemning the illegal sale of state-owned land by public officials including Members of Parliament and members of the judiciary calling it a gross betrayal of public trust.
In an impassioned address, the President expressed alarm over what he described as a growing trend of land grabbing orchestrated by individuals in positions of authority.
I have great respect for the integrity of our judges, he said. But I will not sit by and allow anyone, regardless of their title or position, to sell government land for their selfish interests.
His remarks follow mounting public outrage and media reports about unauthorized land transactions involving government property. Although President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s respect for the independence of the judiciary, he acknowledged that ongoing investigations had implicated certain judges and parliamentarians in corrupt land dealings.
This government will not tolerate the misuse of state assets for personal gain, he declared, we will take decisive action against anyone found complicit in such schemes.
To address the issue more effectively, President Bio announced that his administration would strengthen collaboration with local authorities, including traditional leaders and community headmen, who are often the first to detect illegal land activities.
I will be engaging local authorities directly, he stated, we must work together to safeguard what rightfully belongs to the people.
The President concluded by reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Anyone found guilty of misconduct related to land grabbing will face the full force of the law regardless of their rank or status, he warned. No one is above the law.
President Bio’s uncompromising stance has been welcomed by anti-corruption campaigners and civil society groups. However, it also puts increased pressure on government institutions to investigate allegations thoroughly and restore public confidence in land administration processes.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,21th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
