Africa-Press – Gambia. The government’s decision to remove the Auditor General is highly disturbing. The National Audit Office (NAO) plays an important role in accountability and transparency. This office audits and inspects government institutions, and reports to the National Assembly. Over the years, various audit reports from the NAO have exposed substantial corruption and wrongdoing within the government.
Because the NAO plays such a crucial role in accountability, it is a highly protected office. The country’s constitution specifies the conditions under which the Auditor General can be removed. Additionally, specific legislation also protects the position of the Auditor General. He or she can only be removed based on factors such as professional malpractice or mental incapacitation before the 9-year term expires.
The government has claimed that it did not fire Mr. Ceesay but simply offered him a ministerial position. However, Mr. Modou Ceesay has denied accepting any offer. The government has not provided evidence that Mr. Ceesay has relinquished his current post and accepted the ministerial offer. Now, the government has forcibly removed Mr. Ceesay from office, which is completely illegal.
This is a very disturbing development. It shows that the government is determined to remove Mr. Modou Ceesay. Offering him a ministerial position was simply a ploy. There can only be one reason for this: the Adama Barrow government is unhappy about all the revelations from recent audit reports. They are trying to remove Mr. Modou Ceesay to replace him with someone who will cover up for the government rather than hold them accountable.
This should concern every Gambian citizen. The level of corruption in this government is too high. The nation’s resources are being wasted without consequences. It is even more important to have a credible oversight body.
I urge President Adama Barrow to do the right thing and allow Mr. Modou Ceesay to do his job.
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