The Local Commission of Inquiry recently questioned the Councillor of New Jeswang Ward regarding the D260,000 paid to him by the Knaifing Municipal Council.
Habib M.L. Ceesay informed the commission during his testimony that a council resolution had been passed to provide him and other councilors who participated in an exercise conducted by the council with D260,000 each.
Counsel Gomez also requested that he provide an explanation of the nature of the exercise. He informed the commission that he was a member of an ad-hoc committee that was established to ensure that the Council’s revenue was maximized.
He stated that the objective of the exercise was to guarantee that individuals paid their taxes, and that it lasted for 24 days.
“The Councilors were present to verify that the individuals were paying.” He declared, “They are not present to handle any money.”
Additionally, he observed that they visited markets and businesses during the exercise. He was a member of the team that visited the Jeshwang Constituency, which encompassed communities such as Old Jeshwang, New Jeshwang, Ebo-Town, and certain sections of Pipeline.
Additionally, Lead Counsel Gomez inquired about the exercise’s records. Nevertheless, the witness responded that he was uncertain as to whether anyone was taking minutes and that there were no reports.
He further stated that he was present for all 24 days and actively engaged in the exercise; however, he was unaware of whether a report had been generated for the exercise.
The witness was informed by Lead Counsel Gomez that Karamo Ceesay was the author of a report.
The witness stated that he did not observe the report. The report was presented to him, and he reviewed it.
He was informed by Lead Counsel Gomez that the matter would be thoroughly investigated upon his subsequent appearance.
