State House, Freetown, Tuesday 18 September 2018 – The head of delegation, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to Sierra Leone and British Member of Parliament, John Mann, has assured President Julius Maada Bio that not all British Members of Parliament take information from social media.
John Mann, a Labour Party politician in England who has been the Member of Parliament for Bassetlaw since the 2001 general election, was commenting on the recent action of a certain British MP, Neil Coyle, making a statement in videos being propagated on social media about the Government of Sierra Leone.
John Mann, MP, distancing himself and the British Parliament from that recent action of his colleague, Neil Coyle, MP, said that members of parliament should rely on accurate information and facts and not on what is being propagated on social media.
Mr Mann further stated that as responsible members of parliament they wanted to have the facts straight and get a true picture of what was happening, which was why they had decided to visit the country and speak to many people to get first-hand accounts.
“From what we have seen on the ground, the people we have spoken to and we have listened to your vision, I must say we are very impressed Mr President with what you have done within this short time and we are hopeful for the future of your country,” he said.
The leader of the delegation also told His Excellency President Bio that when they return to the United Kingdom, other Members of Parliament would be informed about the impressive work going on in Sierra Leone.
There was the strong view, among the visiting Members of Parliament, that the comments, actions and views of Neil Coyle, MP, had been based on social media lies and false propaganda about Sierra Leone. Neil Coyle, MP, is a British Labour politician, representing Bermondsey & Old Southwark and was first elected in 2015.
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, said Members of Parliament around the world have always been very cautious not to speak on issues from an ill-informed position because it won’t only destroy their reputation but could also make a mockery of them.
“The visit by the British parliamentarians has once again showcased the impressive efforts being made by President Bio in less than six months in office. As they assured President Bio, the members of parliament will share their experiences and the first-hand information they have acquired from Sierra Leone and enlighten their colleagues, including Neil Coyle, MP, about the great progress Sierra Leone is making. Neil Coyle should also come to Sierra Leone to see our great country,” he said.
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