By: Binta Jaiteh
The National Assembly joint committee on Finance and Public Accounts and the Public Enterprises has demanded an extension in the investigation over $30M worth of petroleum products.
The committee was established by the House tasked with the mandate to investigate allegations of bribery and tax evasion involving Apogee FC, Creed Energy Ltd., and Ultimate Beige Logistics in connection with the sale of petroleum products, amounting to 36,953.614 metric tons.
Lamin J. Sanneh, chairperson of Public Enterprises Committee on Monday told the Assembly that the joint committee convened its inaugural meeting on 15 August 2024, during which it established Terms of Reference (TOR) and identified key witnesses to be summoned.
“The list of witnesses includes mover of the motion Sainey Jawara, representatives of Apogee FZC, Creed Energy Limited, and Ultimate Beige Logistics, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Registrar of Companies, GAM-Petroleum, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and relevant desk officers,” stated Sanneh.
“The committee is yet to conclude hearings with Apogee FZC, Ultimate Beige Logistics, Creed Energy Limited, Mrs. Haddy Dandeh-Jabbie [Company Secretary of Apogee Limited],” he revealed.
According to him, the joint committee has determined that certain witnesses, including Gam-Petroleum, the current Inspector General of Police, the Registrar of Companies, and Castle Oil are required to reappear to provide additional clarifications.
“In light of these circumstances, the committee respectfully seeks an extension of its mandate to ensure the thorough completion of its inquiry, including engagements with all outstanding witnesses. The committee proposes to submit its final report during the second ordinary session in June 2025. This request is made in the interest of procedural rigor, accountability, and the pursuit of a conclusive resolution to this matter of significant public importance,” he asserted.
Nominated National Assembly Member Kebba Lang Fofana told the legislature that the entire country is eagerly anticipating the committee’s report.
