Buduck School Ceremony Rocked by Political Row Over Guest Speaker

Published by: The Fatu Network

A political controversy has erupted ahead of the Buduck Lower, Upper and Senior Secondary School Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony after the invitation of a prominent opposition youth leader as guest speaker was allegedly withdrawn at the last minute, prompting accusations of political interference.

The dispute has drawn in several influential figures from Nianija, including National Assembly Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie, Nianija District Chief Dawda York, National Assembly Member Amadou Camara and Deputy Permanent Secretary Adama Jimba Jobe.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, Momodou Cham, a youth leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), said he was informed only hours before the ceremony that his invitation had been cancelled.

“A few days ago, the school committee informed me that they had unanimously agreed to invite me as the guest speaker at the Buduck Lower, Upper and Senior Secondary School speech and prize-giving ceremony,” Cham said.

“Just this morning (30th July, 2026), the deputy head teacher came to my house and asked me to voluntarily withdraw as the guest speaker or they would be forced to cancel the event.

“He said they had been given directives to cancel my invitation.”

Cham alleged that the decision was politically motivated because of his affiliation with the UDP and accused Seedy Njie, Dawda York and Amadou Camara, all natives of Nianija, of influencing the decision.

The Fatu Network could not independently verify the allegations. The individuals named in the allegations were contacted for comment before publication.

“Everyone was excited to receive me, but that has been cut short. The students are not happy, and I have been receiving calls from parents, teachers and students,” he said.

Cham further alleged that Deputy Permanent Secretary Adama Jimba Jobe instructed school authorities to either find another guest speaker or cancel the ceremony altogether.

“The Deputy Permanent Secretary Adama Jimba Jobe called the school and instructed them to find a replacement or cancel the event,” Cham alleged.

Despite the cancellation of his invitation, Cham said he remains committed to supporting the school, adding that the learning materials he purchased for the institution will be delivered at a more convenient time.

Several students who spoke to The Fatu Network on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisals, confirmed that Cham’s invitation had been cancelled and alleged that some teachers were being threatened over their involvement in inviting him.

“Some teachers have been targeted following this. The authorities are threatening to transfer some teachers because they were part of the decision to invite Cham, which was done unanimously at committee level,” one student said.

Another student familiar with the matter also alleged that a teacher involved in the committee’s decision had received threats from the authorities but declined to provide further details.

The Fatu Network also obtained a WhatsApp message circulated in the school’s teachers’ group that was said to have originated from the Regional Education Directorate. The message read:

“Can you tell the principal of Buduck Lower, Upper & SSS to choose another guest speaker or cancel the Prize and Speech ceremony.”

The Fatu Network has not independently verified the authenticity of the message but sought clarification from the relevant authorities.

When contacted for comment, Mamadi Jarju, the Principal Regional Education Director, said he was unaware of the allegations.

“I’m hearing this from you. I haven’t heard this before,” Jarju told The Fatu Network, declining to comment further.

One source, whose identity has been withheld, alleged that the district chief contacted Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie and asked him to ensure Cham did not attend the ceremony.

The Fatu Network could not independently verify the claim.

The same source further claimed: “Both the chief and Seedy Njie have not done anything for the school. Cham has been there anytime the school needs him. He invests his money and resources in the school.”

The source maintained that the issue was politically motivated.

The Fatu Network also contacted the school authorities, who said they had been instructed by the Gambia Teachers’ Union not to speak to the media on the matter.

The Fatu Network contacted the individuals named in the allegations before publication. While some could not be reached or did not respond, others declined to comment.

The incident has renewed concerns among some residents and education stakeholders over the alleged politicisation of public institutions as they await the outcome of the matter.