Africa-Press – Gambia. Demba Sabally, the minister of agriculture and deputy national president of the ruling National People’s Party, accused an opposition lawmaker, Almameh Gibba, of religious hypocrisy and personal misconduct during a campaign event in Foni Giffoni, as political activity intensified ahead of the Bantanjang ward councilorship contest.
Speaking to supporters, Mr. Sabally criticized Mr. Gibba, the National Assembly member for Foni Kansala, questioning his conduct as a practicing Muslim and alleging that he frequents places where idols are worshiped and stays overnight at a lodge rather than at his family home.
“Since the campaign started, I have been sleeping at my father’s house in Bondali,” Mr. Sabally said, contrasting his own actions with those he attributed to Mr. Gibba. He went on to question with whom the lawmaker stays at a lodge in Bwiam, adding that “having a long beard does not make one a Muslim.”
Mr. Sabally further claimed that if Mr. Gibba were sincere in his religious practice, he would reside at his father’s house rather than at a lodge, and suggested that the lawmaker had failed to build a home within his family compound. He urged Mr. Gibba, whom he accused of misleading residents, to be honest with the people of Foni about what he described as his inability to deliver tangible benefits to the constituency.
The agriculture minister framed his remarks within a broader appeal for political support, warning residents against backing candidates outside the ruling party’s alliance. “If you vote for no alliance,” he said, “these people will not come to Dr. Sabally’s office or to the offices of the ministers responsible for roads and electricity, and they will not be able to bring these developments here.”
Mr. Sabally told the crowd that only the government’s candidate, Abdoulie Badjie, could deliver development to Bantanjang Ward, citing promises of infrastructure improvements and youth support initiatives. He said demands for electricity, roads, and agricultural projects could only be met through President Adama Barrow’s administration and by electing candidates aligned with the government.
Mr. Gibba did not immediately respond to the allegations.
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