By: Fatoumatta krubally
In a riveting turn of events at the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, former KMC CEO Sainabou Martin-Sonko continued her testimony, regarding the financial controversy that led to her suspension.
The focus of the inquiry was on the guarantee she made to the KMC Staff Association to obtain a loan from Agib Bank.
In her testimony, Sainabou highlighted that she had the power as CEO to guarantee loans for staff members of the council. She defended her decision by stating that the loan was less risky and that the staff had agreed to be deducted from their salaries to repay the loan. She emphasized that the land used as collateral for the loan would be sold to recover the money in case of default.
Despite facing backlash from the mayor and the council, Sainabou stood by her actions, stating that she had the authority to make such guarantees. She also revealed that the KMC’s decision to suspend her was made without affording her the opportunity to be heard, as required by due process.
Furthermore, Sainabou shared details of her attempts to resume work after the Ministry of Regional Government and Lands intervened, only to be denied entry by the Municipal Police. She also mentioned the court order that eventually allowed her to return to work in October 2022.
As the inquiry delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding the loan guarantee, Sainabou provided evidence in the form of letters and communications to support her claims. Despite facing scrutiny and allegations from the KMC, she stood her ground and defended her actions throughout her testimony.
The Commission has scheduled Sainabou Martin-Sonko to continue her testimony today. Her ongoing revelations shed light on the intricacies of the financial dealings at the KMC and the challenges she faced during her tenure as CEO. As the inquiry unfolds, more insights are expected to emerge, providing a clearer picture of the events that led to her suspension.
Sainabou’s unwavering stance and persistence in defending her decisions have raised questions about the transparency and accountability within the KMC. The inquiry serves as a platform to unravel the complexities of the financial controversy and unveil the truth behind the actions taken by the former CEO. The upcoming hearings are anticipated to shed further light on the intricacies of the case and the implications for all parties involved.