Almameh Gibba, National Assembly member for Foni Kansala
By Makutu Manneh
Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Foni Kansala, has strongly rejected claims made by the Minister of Agriculture, Demba Sabally, describing him as the most ineffective agriculture minister The Gambia has ever had and accusing him of making reckless public statements.
The exchange comes amid an increasingly heated campaign for the Foni Bantanjang ward by-election, which has been characterized by sharp rhetoric, personal attacks, and counter-accusations between Minister Sabally and Hon. Gibba, as both canvass support for their respective candidates.
Hon. Gibba alleged that Minister Sabally has failed to deliver any tangible development in the agricultural sector, particularly in Foni. He further claimed that tractors and farming equipment previously provided to the area under the former administration were removed and sold.
“The only visible presence of the Ministry of Agriculture in Foni under his tenure is billboards bearing the ministry’s name. Beyond that, there is nothing to show,” Hon. Gibba said.
He added that throughout the campaign, the minister has offered no substantive message to the people of Bantanjang, focusing instead on accusations against political opponents.
According to Hon. Gibba, Minister Sabally should appreciate that the contest is a local government election, noting that even if the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) candidate were to win, the councillor would still serve as an opposition member within the Brikama Area Council.
The Foni Kansala lawmaker also criticized the minister’s remuneration and benefits, claiming that Minister Sabally earns a monthly salary of D300,000, compared to D500,000 for the president, and significantly more than National Assembly Members. He questioned why the minister focuses on attacking others rather than addressing concerns about his own privileges.
“He earns almost twice as much as NAMs. Can he honestly compare his benefits with ours? His statements are intended to mislead the Gambian people,” Hon. Gibba said.
Hon. Gibba further challenged claims made by the minister regarding vehicles allocated to National Assembly Members. He stated that the vehicles cost D2.5 million and are being paid for through loan arrangements with interest, contrary to Minister Sabally’s assertion that they cost D3 million and were provided free of charge by the president.
Highlighting his own contributions to the community, Hon. Gibba said he has personally supported university and other tertiary students by paying tuition fees. He questioned what tangible assistance the agriculture minister has provided to the people of Foni.
“What has he done for the people, particularly the residents of Foni?” Hon. Gibba asked.
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