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Claim: A post by SL News Blog claimed that the song sang in the Well of Parliament was only by APC MPs and their supporters, and not a single SLPP MP, member, or supporter.
Verdict
Misleading. Evidence from multiple sources, including video footage credited to SNTV, commentary from the First Lady, and media discussions (Slik TV, All Issues Blog), shows that MPs from both APC and SLPP participated in the singing. Furthermore, the song originated within SLPP circles before being adopted in Parliament, contradicting the claim that it was solely an APC action.
Full Text
The viral post by SL News Blog attempted to “set the record straight,” insisting that only the opposition APC MPs and their supporters sang against the First Lady in Parliament, while no SLPP members joined. The blog further argued that APC MPs had a long history of singing in Parliament to provoke the ruling government.
However, this assertion has been challenged by counter-narratives, including from the First Lady herself, who has claimed the song originated from the SLPP’s national convention. Other platforms, such as All Issues Blog and Slik TV, also provided commentary and footage suggesting the issue was bipartisan and not limited to the APC.
The controversial song “You Coco Roast Oh” was a derogatory chant directed at Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, during the State Opening of Parliament. Its lyrics were laced with innuendos that mocked and ridiculed her in a manner many considered disrespectful and demeaning.
So was the chant from the APC side of the house?
DUBAWA decided to investigate the claim as part of its mandate to promote truth in public discourse.
Verification
First Lady’s Position
In her own video, particularly from the third minute, the First Lady stated that the song was first chanted by some MPs of their party (The ruling SLPP) and some from the APC as well. She further noted that the song originated from their national convention. She emphasised that it was later used in Parliament, suggesting that the APC could not have been the originators.
Other Media: Accordingly, All Issues Blog supported the First Lady’s account, noting that the song was first chanted during the SLPP delegates’ conference. This undermines the claim that it was solely an APC creation. The same was reported by Sierraloaded.
Further, footage circulated by Sylvia Blyden, credited to SNTV, clearly shows MPs from both APC and SLPP participating in the singing. This contradicts the claim by SL News Blog that it was only the APC MPs who were involved.
Slik TV Breakfast show
Slik TV’s breakfast show hosted a lengthy discussion on the incident, centring on parliamentary protocols and traditions, and how MPs across both major parties directed the song at the First Lady. The video is part of their live breakfast show. The relevant portion for the fact check starts from the third minute of the video. This further debunks the one-sided portrayal by SL News Blog.
Selective Editing
The video posted by SL News Blog reportedly showed only one side of the chamber, omitting the other side where SLPP MPs were visibly involved. This selective presentation skews the narrative.
Conclusion
The claim by SL News Blog that only APC MPs and supporters sang against the First Lady in Parliament is misleading. Evidence from the First Lady, media outlets, and video footage indicates that:
- The song originated from within the SLPP, not the APC.
- Both APC and SLPP MPs participated in singing it in Parliament.
- The viral video circulated by SL News Blog was selectively edited, leaving out parts that contradicted its narrative.
Therefore, the reality is more complex: both parties in Parliament were involved, and the song has roots in SLPP’s political gatherings.
