𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 & 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲… 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐯𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐬

In recent days, some faceless bloggers and unscrupulous media practitioners have circulated reckless publications linking the Director General of Sierra Leone Ports & Harbours Authority, Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, to drug involvement. As a media professional, I believe it is our duty to separate facts from fiction, especially when a public officer’s reputation is under attack without verifiable evidence.

1. NO EVIDENCE, NO CHARGES, NO CASE

Serious allegations demand serious proof. To date, no law enforcement or regulatory agency — Sierra Leone Police, DEA, ACC, or international Port security partners — has named, charged, investigated, or arrested Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio in connection with drugs.

In journalism, “allegation” without “evidence” is rumor. In law, it is defamation. Citizens deserve verified facts, not recycled and unsubstantiated social media claims.

2. RECORD OF SERVICE AT SLPHA

Since his appointment as Director General, Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio has focused SLPHA on modernization, revenue growth, and Port security in line with international standards. Key focus areas under his leadership include:

1. Improving cargo handling efficiency to reduce clearance time for traders and importers

2. Strengthening Port security and ISPS Code compliance for global trade confidence

3. Enhancing revenue systems to support government’s development agenda

These are measurable results. Attempts to distract from institutional progress with unverified rumors do not serve the national interest.

3. MEDIA RESPONSIBILITY VS “BLOGGER JOURNALISM”

Press freedom is protected by the Constitution, but it comes with responsibility. Publishing drug allegations against a serving DG without police reports, court filings, or official statements violates basic journalism ethics: verification, balance, and right of reply. Trial by social media destroys careers and institutions. The right place for credible evidence is the ACC, SLP, or courts — not unverified blogs.

4. PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE

Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio remains the legally appointed DG of SLPHA, serving at the pleasure of His Excellency the President. Under Section 23 of the 1991 Constitution, every Sierra Leonean is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

CONCLUSION

Sierra Leone needs development, not distraction. As media practitioners, we must choose truth over fabrication. Let us allow institutions to work and allow due process to prevail. Until any competent authority proves otherwise, Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio deserves the respect and presumption of innocence owed to every citizen.