By: Fatoumatta Krubally
Former Bundung Six-Junction Ward councillor, and now the national assembly member for Bundungka Kunda ,Honourable Sulayman Jammeh, found himself at the centerof a heated controversy during the Local Government Commission of Inquiry session. Jammeh boldly refuted allegations of his participation in the contentious market exercise payment conducted by the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) in July 2018.
As he faced intense scrutiny from the commission, Jammeh unequivocally insisted, “This is not my signature,” disavowing any association with the documented records related to the said market exercise. His statement echoed the sentiments expressed by several former councillors who have contested the authenticity of the signatures appearing on the payment documentation.
Amidst the inquiry’s proceedings, Jammeh took the opportunity to clarify, “I knew that it was discussed at the council level, but I did not take part in the market exercise as alleged by the KMC. While it was routine for me to visit the local market, I did not engage in the exercise as claimed.”
His resolute denial added a layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative, with doubts cast on the transparent and ethical conduct of the market exercise payment process orchestrated by the municipal council. The discrepancy between the documented signatures and the testimonies provided by Jammeh and his counterparts has raised questions surrounding the credibility and procedural integrity of the KMC’s financial practices.
The revelations emerging from Jammeh’s testimony have drawn renewed attention to the intricacies of the KMC’s decision-making processes and financial governance. With concerns mounting over the backdated payment and varying accounts of councillor participation, the Commission’s mandate to uncover the truth and ensure accountability within the council has taken on enhanced significance.
As the inquiry delves deeper into the complexities of the market exercise payment saga, the spotlight remains trained on transparency, integrity, and ethical standards in local governance. Jammeh’s steadfast denial and the testimonies of other former councillors serve as crucial pieces in the puzzle of unraveling the truth behind the controversial payment scheme, guiding the quest for accountability and responsible leadership within the Kanifing Municipal Council.