National Assembly set to open an investigation committee to painstakingly probe into the alleged bribery scandal involving the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources, Dr. Bamba Banja.

Recently, an audio associated with him has been making rounds on social media where he is purportedly involved in a bribery transaction that was leaked and eventually made its way to different social media platforms. In the audio, the minister was heard in a telephone conversation with an unidentified minister in the supposed discourse.

Dr. Banja in his defense, strongly dismissed any suggestions that he was the one in the viral audio. He said his voice might have been tampered with to defame his character.

Scores of Gambians both online and offline, expressed outrage over the  audio and called on the government to hold him accountable and get to the root of the matter.

Sainey Touray, the Committee chairman,  said, the National Assembly committee on environment will ensure that no stone is left unturned as far as unearthing corruption in government sectors is concerned. He added that the committee’s work will not be based on mere supposition but facts. He said the committee will first initiate its findings and later summon concerned individuals for questioning to clear doubts.

“We will also invite the whistle blower because this has to do with corruption and, in a democracy, we cannot condone such practices,”

He noted that his committee is working tirelessly to ensure that corruption has no place in the new Gambia as boldly written on their motto “declaring war on corruption.”

“Fighting corruption is not an easy task, but we will never waiver in our efforts. We must pursue those found wanting, or suspected of corruption,” Mr Touray vowed.

“This is highly unprecedented but, unless and until we establish all the facts, I don’t want to put the cart before the horse.”

Concluding, Touray urged Gambians to allow them to do their job and not jump the gun. “Due process and diligence must be followed”, he noted.

 

By: Fatoumatta Samateh