By Bakary Ceesay
The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC) has strongly rejects reported allegations that Council received millions of Dalasis from President Adama Barrow.
It is widely reported that President Adama Barrow contributed eight million dalasis for the council nationwide tour to asked Gambians to rally round the president regarding his plan to remain in office until 2021.
However on Friday, the council reacted in their official Facebook page saying that: “With regard to the spread information and ill allegations about the Council’s Annual Nationwide Tour”
GSIC explained that: “This is an annual activity that happens once every year. It has nothing to do with the political situation of the Nation. It is just coincidence that year’s topic is about “Peace”. It is NOT ideal that the Council can spend Millions of Dalasis in a Four (4) Days Nationwide Tour. Even President Barrow, we think will NOT allow for that under these circumstances. If there is any expenditures on allowances for the team, that will not be more than Three (3) to Five (5) Thousand each”
GSIC recalled that: “In 2017, the Gambia Government promised to give the Council Five (5) Million Dalasis for the Religious activities in the Gambia. With reasons best known to them, that has never materialised. Earlier this year, the same promise was made and still nothing”
“We call on the public to be aware that the Council has been carrying out its activities without any funding from the Government. The Gambia Government has never given a Dalasi to the Council. The Executive of the Council contribute (from personal accounts) to pay staff Salaries monthly and to help the needy,”
“We assure the General Public that, the Council is not here to mislead the Nation. All our activities are upon the authentic teachings of the Beloved Muhammad ﷺ.The Council is always open for any inquiries and concerns”
