Lamin Tamba, the Alkalo of Bantanjang Village, has confirmed his dismissal by the governor of the West Coast Region, allegedly due to his backing of opposition political activities.
Tamba, the village head since 1995, reported that he was called to the governor’s office where he was verbally notified of his dismissal. “I inquired whether everything was fine, and he responded affirmatively,” Tamba recounted during a phone interview with Kerr Fatou. “When they inquired whether I was Bantanjang Alkalo, I affirmed that I was.” They remarked, ‘You are the one who hosted the No-to Alliance,’ to which I responded affirmatively.
Tamba expressed his bewilderment regarding the decision, highlighting his consistent tradition of welcoming both government and opposition parties. . “We have welcomed both opposition and government parties, and now you’re saying I shouldn’t welcome the opposition?” he said.
Tamba reported that the governor referenced his position as a civil servant and purported ties to the government as justifications for his dismissal. “They claimed it was due to my affiliation with the government and my role as a civil servant,” he stated.
Tamba has officially transferred his stamp to Chief Omar Colley of Bondali and has communicated his dismissal to the villagers. “They informed me that there is no one available to take my place, that I am the sole individual they are familiar with,” he remarked.
Tamba countered allegations regarding his frequent absences from official meetings, explaining that his health issues are the cause of his missed attendance. “Sometimes I send my younger brother or my son to attend, and I provide fuel for that,” he said.
The recent dismissal prompts an additional investigation of local governance and the influence of traditional leaders in politically charged regions, especially within communities where various parties are actively involved.
Lamin Tamba, the Alkalo of Bantanjang Village, has confirmed his dismissal by the governor of the West Coast Region, allegedly due to his backing of opposition political activities.
Tamba, the village head since 1995, reported that he was called to the governor’s office where he was verbally notified of his dismissal. “I inquired whether everything was fine, and he responded affirmatively,” Tamba recounted during a phone interview with Kerr Fatou. “When they inquired whether I was Bantanjang Alkalo, I affirmed that I was.” They remarked, ‘You are the one who hosted the No-to Alliance,’ to which I responded affirmatively.
Tamba expressed his bewilderment regarding the decision, highlighting his consistent tradition of welcoming both government and opposition parties. . “We have welcomed both opposition and government parties, and now you’re saying I shouldn’t welcome the opposition?” he said.
Tamba reported that the governor referenced his position as a civil servant and purported ties to the government as justifications for his dismissal. “They claimed it was due to my affiliation with the government and my role as a civil servant,” he stated.
Tamba has officially transferred his stamp to Chief Omar Colley of Bondali and has communicated his dismissal to the villagers. “They informed me that there is no one available to take my place, that I am the sole individual they are familiar with,” he remarked.
Tamba countered allegations regarding his frequent absences from official meetings, explaining that his health issues are the cause of his missed attendance. “Sometimes I send my younger brother or my son to attend, and I provide fuel for that,” he said.
The recent dismissal prompts an additional investigation of local governance and the influence of traditional leaders in politically charged regions, especially within communities where various parties are actively involved.
