By Seedy Jobe
Former Chairman of the Sanyang Village Development Committee (VDC), Abdoulie Gaye, has issued a bold challenge to the Brikama Area Council (BAC), demanding documented evidence to support the dissolution of his committee and declaring that neither he nor his executive intends to vacate their positions.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kerr Fatou, Gaye disclosed that following BAC’s issuance of a dissolution letter, both the VDC and community elders formally rejected the decision. Rejection letters were subsequently submitted to the Governor, the Alkalo, the BAC Chairman, the Gunjur Chief, and Councilor Boto Bojang.
“We write to the Brikama Area Council that if they want, let them go to court. We are not stepping down,” he stated.
Addressing allegations of D90 million in misappropriated funds linked to the Sanyang Development Fund (SDF), Gaye insisted that any such claims must be substantiated with documentation.
“Let them bring out documents that show, either from the audit report or any other report or their own investigation, that here is 90M, and we spent it here and there,” he said.
The former chairman called for the establishment of an independent body to investigate both the VDC and the 17 petitions filed against the SDF, affirming his committee’s willingness to face legal consequences if found culpable.
“I also made it clear that even if the Council wants, let them select an independent body to come and investigate the VDC to see whether the allegations are true. Secondly, let the Brikama Area Council select an independent body to investigate the SDF’s 17 petitions. If we are found guilty, let them apply the law against us,” Gaye said.
He also raised concerns about the procedural conduct of BAC, questioning the rationale behind commissioning multiple reports and commissions from a single institution on the basis of one petition.
“But one institution, two reports, two commissions on one petition? There is something suspicious in the Brikama Area Council,” he remarked.
Gaye firmly denied allegations that he bribed community elders to garner support, reaffirming his long-standing stance against corruption.
“The concept I have is this: I have told all the media that any day they level allegations against the VDC and put forward evidence, they should sack me and my entire executive. And let it not stop there, because if you sack me without taking any legal steps, you are encouraging corruption. If you say Boto Gaye stole 1M, put forward evidence. Take me to court. If the law finds me and my executive guilty and says jail us, let it be. That is what I believe,” he said.
Gaye expressed hope that his conduct would set a lasting standard for future VDC leadership.
“Other VDCs who come after me will not dare to do such a thing. Not even a dalasi will be taken. I have opened that door already. I have even told them to sue me in court. I don’t bribe any elder. I am the first person who says no to bribery. All the companies that deal with the VDC know i don’t accept bribery. If you bribe me, you are tying my neck,” he added.
He also addressed his interactions with companies operating in the area, specifically referencing GACH and a local fish mill, stressing that all dealings are conducted at arm’s length.
“There is no company in this community, starting from GACH and the fish mill, that I deal with directly. I have only met with the fish mill twice since I came 1 year and 2 months ago. Only two times. The only money the fish mill gave when I came as VDC Chairman was 10,000 dalasi, and the purpose of it was to maintain the road which was destroyed by rainwater,” Gaye clarified.
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