THE BBC'S UMARU FOFANAH'S LETTER OF COMPLAINT

3rd February 2009.                                                                                           

The Chairman
Independent Media Commission
Freetown  

Dear Madam, 

COMPLAINT AGAINST “WE YONE” RADIO 

My attention has been drawn to a programme aired on We Yone Radio on the night of Monday 2 February 2009. I did not listen to it myself but from what I have been told by several of those who did, the station alleged that because I filed a report for the BBC on the same day about an open letter written to President Ernest Bai Koroma by a group of apparently disgruntled soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, I therefore had a hand in the writing of the said letter.  

I consider this not only as reckless by the radio station because of its preposterousness, if it did broadcast any such thing, but also as something that endangers my life and the safety and security of my family. For this, I write to seek redress from your commission. 

Even though I resolved several years ago that I would not take any media house or journalist to the IMC let alone to court, I am constrained to do this because of the sensitivity of this case and the fact it is not for the first time a vitriolic attack has been directed at me by political party radio stations especially We Yone, and I hope the outcome of this will put a stop to their unwarranted attacks against me. 

Kindest regards. 

CC:

BBC African Service

Secretary General, APC party

Minister of Information

The Press