Councillor Sheriffo Bayor Sonko, known as Sonko Gambia, of Brikama Area Council, informed AG Radio that the government under President Adama Barrow perceives Chairman Yankuba Darboe as a threat. This perception arises from the government’s awareness that Chairman Darboe is focused on development and is a proponent of hard work. Chairman Darboe is an individual who consistently advocates for the rights of the people. Chairman Darboe was one of the Gambians in the diaspora who actively opposed the oppressive regime during Yahya Jammeh’s time. Many Gambians in the diaspora recognise Yankuba Darboe’s significant role in the fight to free Gambia from dictatorship.
Councillor Sheriffo Bayor Sonko stated that Chairman Darboe dedicated his own energy, time, and resources to ensure Jammeh’s departure. He set up an online platform known as Kibarro News. He made appearances on numerous television stations, including BBC and Al Jazeera, among others. The current government perceives Chairman Darboe as a danger due to his principles and beliefs. He is well-educated, a lawyer by profession, and he genuinely cares for his people. The government believes that granting Chairman Darboe freedom will enhance his power, given the strong support he enjoys from the populace.
Corruption stands as the primary challenge for this government. Chairman Darboe made a campaign promise to combat corruption before his election, and he has been actively working to fulfil that commitment ever since. This government appears to disfavour those who oppose corruption. Upon assuming office as the Chairman of Brikama Area Council, Chairman Darboe’s first action was to investigate the Council’s accounts, revealing widespread corruption that he brought to the attention of the nation. That is when this government began to target him, as they believe he must be halted.
Councillor Sheriffo Bayor Sonko stated that Chairman Darboe has significantly transformed the Brikama Area Council by ensuring the inclusion of individuals from various political backgrounds, thereby enhancing the council’s effectiveness. Significant transformations have occurred in the market of Brikama. The built stalls were allocated evenly among women, foreigners, and individuals from the disabled community. This is one of the reasons the women support Chairman Darboe. For the first time, Brikama Area Council has implemented a program that includes everyone in the community. Chairman Darboe is genuinely appreciated by the people for the advancements he has brought to Brikama. However, the Governor of the West Coast Region, Mr. Ousman Bojang, who hails from Brikama himself, perceives these developments as a disadvantage for the government. Consequently, he has begun to meddle with the council’s programs, fully aware that his actions contradict the Local Government Act. Reports indicate that individuals declined to pay for the majority of the council’s designated stores under Governor Ousman Bojang. What has happened and why? Only Governor Bojang has the answers. The council should be the recipient of these funds, rather than the Governor.
The government has been actively opposing the Brikama Area Council, impeding our progress to the point of freezing one of our accounts following the situation involving CEO Mr. Modou Jonga. He was advised for removal in accordance with Section 45 of the Local Government Act 2002, based on allegations of incompetence and abuse of office, as outlined in subsections 45(a) and 45(b). At one time, the Council constructed stores in the market area for allocation to the people. However, Governor Ousman Bojang wrote a letter demanding the immediate demolition of the stores, stating that the Council did not have the authority to build them there. A letter was issued to him stating that the specified location is under the management of the Brikama area council, and we possess the authority to construct whatever we desire on that site. The Governor did not respond, and we proceeded with our work.
Councillor Sheriffo Bayor Sonko states that whenever we construct stores and stalls in the market for the community, we encounter significant challenges from the government and the Governor’s office. At one point, Operation Clear the Road took down several constructed stores. Given the location of these stores, NRA was consulted, and they provided some technicians to construct a road leading to the market. Upon the completion of the road construction, the stores were assigned to some women. One day, Operation Clear the Road unexpectedly arrived and arrested a man who works in the market for the council, handcuffing him before taking him to Anti-Crime. Violence broke out in the market later as clashes occurred between the police and the crowd, with the police deploying tear gas against the people. Subsequently, the entire council staff visited the police station, where the detained council worker was granted bail. The next day, IGP Seedy Touray stepped in and informed Operation Clear Road that their responsibility is to clear the road, not the market.
Under Chairman Darboe, the Brikama Area Council has committed D200,000 to assist the victims of the Kafuta road accident. Brikama Area Council acquires new trucks to enhance garbage collection efforts. Brikama Area Council has successfully concluded a partnership with Barcelona Metropolitan Area.
A multitude of boreholes were constructed for the community, along with numerous students receiving full scholarships for their education, all accomplished under Chairman Darboe’s leadership. Councillor Sheriffo Bayor Sonko stated
