Freetown City Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer is facing accusations of overstepping her authority after allegedly appealing to an unrecognized parliamentary figure to intervene in a dispute with her Chief Administrator. Critics say the move amounts to usurping the mandate of the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Sengehpor Thomas.
The controversy stems from a letter authored by the Mayor on 25 November, in which she expressed frustration over what she described as the Chief Administrator’s refusal to cooperate, and sought what she termed “urgent intervention” from an individual she referred to as the “Chairman” of the Local Government Parliamentary Overnight Committee. Parliamentary officials say the individual in question has not been endorsed by the Speaker, and therefore holds no recognized authority.
Sources within Parliament noted that all sessional titles and committee designations must be presented to the Speaker for review, endorsement, and declaration under the Parliamentary Standing Orders. By bypassing this process, they argue, the Mayor may have violated established parliamentary protocol. Some MPs say she could even be subpoenaed to explain her action.
Parliament’s leadership has launched an internal examination of the letter, describing the review as “forensic” and “microscopic,” with a public report expected after deliberations conclude.
The dispute appears rooted in a long-standing tension between the Mayor’s office and the Local Government Service Commission. In her letter, Mayor Aki-Sawyer complained about the Commission’s refusal to transfer her Chief Administrator, a matter she described as deeply obstructive to the functioning of the council. But the Commission has dismissed her concerns as “vexatious,” maintaining that it acted within its statutory mandate.
Under the Local Government Act of 2022, the Local Government Service Commission is legally responsible for staff administration across local councils, including transfers, assignments, and mobility between councils. While the Mayor’s office participates in recruitment through consultations with the Commission, the law makes clear that decisions regarding the movement or reassignment of Chief Administrators rest squarely with the Commission.
Officials also note that in situations requiring escalation, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs may issue directives relating to staff movements. However, even in such cases, the Ministry is required to act through—rather than override—the Commission.
A former Member of Parliament told this outlet that the Mayor “should be fully aware” that transfers within local councils are the exclusive purview of the Commission. She added that such transfers are routine administrative matters and “should not be construed as punishment.” She further emphasized that when conflicts arise between senior local government officials, administrative law requires that both parties be heard before any decision is taken, in order to safeguard fairness and promote national development.
With Parliament now reviewing the matter, political observers say the episode could heighten tensions between municipal authorities and national oversight institutions. The Mayor’s office has not yet issued a public response.
