By Adama Makasuba
Police have opened investigations into corruption scandal at the Ministry of Fisheries after it’s been report by media that the permanent secretary and others took bribes from Chinese fishing firm called Golden Lead Factory.
An undercover investigation carried out by Malagen online media unearthed corrupt practices including the alleged taking of bribe by the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Dr Bamba Banja.
A recorded audio of the senior civil servant demanding for illegal fishing in The Gambian waters was released by the newspaper.
However, Mr Banja has been given an administrative leave (suspension) by the authorities but was on Thursday summoned for questioning by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Police Spokesperson Superintendent Lamin Njie told The Voice newspaper: “we can confirm that an investigation has been launched into the matter.” But he detail further on the issue as he said “investigation is at the commencement stage and so we may not be in a position to share details as of now.”
‘Like Trump, unfortunately Barrow is also undermining public institutions’ Jobarteh
Leading human rights activist, Madi Jobarteh, has stressed that State House is a non-partisan grounds. “It must not be used for any partisan activity by any political party. Like Trump, unfortunately Adama Barrow is also undermining the integrity of public institutions by hosting such events at State House.”
He also described the ongoing National People’s Party (NPP) rally on the grounds of the State House is illegal and undermines democracy and good governance of the country.
“It is indeed a hugely worrying practice that manifests abuse of office and total disregard for the principles and standards of free, fair and transparent elections,” he said opinion made available on Saturday.
He added: “State House is a non-partisan ground. It must not be used for any partisan activity by any political party. Like Trump, unfortunately Adama Barrow is also undermining the integrity of public institutions by hosting such events at State House.
Let NPP hire private or commercial venues to conduct its activities and not use official public premises to carry out partisan activities.”
He stressed that the use of State House grounds means the use of public resources for partisan activities, saying that hall they are currently using and the electricity that provides air conditioning as well as the other materials and services of State House that are being used are public properties that must not be used by any political party.
“Therefore hosting an NPP rally on the grounds of the State House violates the Elections Act and undermines good governance norms. It is a practice intended to divert State resources to a political party. In the final analysis such practice is intended to undermine fairness, hence damage the integrity of the election. This illegal rally must be stopped ASAP,” Jobarteh said.