GAP demands answers as deputy speaker accused of influencing appointments

By Dawda Baldeh

The opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP) has demanded that President Adama Barrow explain the growing influence of National Assembly Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie, accusing him of “dangerous interference” in public appointments and calling for his removal if allegations are true.

GAP says Njie has no constitutional authority over the civil service but has allegedly influenced who holds key public offices, including rescinding Abubacarr Darboe’s appointment as Director General of GRTS.

“Who is Seedy SK Njie to determine appointments or promotions based on political affiliation?” asked GAP Secretary General and Party Leader Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly. The party has called on the National Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the extent of Njie’s influence.

GAP also urged President Barrow to explain why Njie, who it says once vowed the president would never be sworn in, is now “steering the affairs of the nation.” The party questioned whether Njie “now possesses powers exceeding those of the Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service or even senior officials at the Office of the President.”

“GAP demands an immediate explanation from the President and calls for the resignation of Seedy SK Njie if he possesses any shame, morals, or respect for the Gambian people,” Batchilly said, warning that no unelected individual should wield such power in a democracy.

The party added: “The Gambian people deserve transparency, accountability, and leadership free from clandestine manipulation.”