Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia’s National Assembly on Wednesday established a Select Committee to investigate the sale of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh. The committee will be chaired by Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, Member for Old Yundum, a decision that sparked significant debate among lawmakers.
Hon. Ceesay’s appointment faced strong opposition from several National Assembly Members (NAMs), who raised concerns over potential political bias and conflict of interest, given his role as Deputy Majority Leader and affiliation with the ruling party.
Hon. Assan Touray, Member for Bakau, was among those who called for Ceesay to step aside.
“We are yet to see a female member. I have seen Honorable Abdoulie Ceesay as the Chairperson of the Committee, of which I believe he is serving here as the deputy majority leader, and he is on the side of the ruling party as well. On my observation, I think he should excuse himself as being the chairperson of the committee, and I propose the honorable Suwaibou
Touray as chairperson of the committee,” he stated.
Hon. Bakary K. Badjie of Foni Bintang also expressed firm opposition to Ceesay’s appointment, saying, “I oppose this selection today, tomorrow, and always. I recommend Suwaibou Touray as Chair.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Hon. Almameh Gibba of Foni Kansala argued that the committee’s leadership should reflect impartiality and transparency.
“I am putting forward the suggestion that Honorable Suwaibou Touray be the chairperson of this committee. We have to be ready to break the rock that has already been set with barricades towards this “Wanterr Commission,” he said.
The Member for Sami also supported the motion, stating succinctly, “I also propose for Suwaibou to be the chair of this committee,” he said.
Despite the widespread objections, other lawmakers defended Hon. Ceesay’s appointment. Hon. Bakary Kora, Member for Upper Fulladu West, dismissed claims of partisanship.
“I will disagree with some of the members by saying that the chairperson of the committee should not be Hon Abdoulie Ceesay. I say he should be the chairperson because during the sales of Jammeh’s assets there was nothing like the NPP,” He Said.
In the end, the Assembly confirmed Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay as Chairperson of the Select Committee. Hon. Madi Ceesay, Member for Serekunda West, was appointed Vice Chairperson.
Other members of the committee include:
Hon. Suwaibou Touray (Wuli East)
Hon. Kebba Lang Fofana (Nominated Member)
Hon. Omar Jammeh (Janjanbureh)
Hon. Sheriff Sarr (Jeshwang)
Hon. Alagie Mbowe (Upper Saloum)
The committee is tasked with overseeing investigations into the controversial sale of assets accumulated by former President Jammeh during his tenure.
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