By Makutu Manneh
Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly member for Foni Kansala, has pushed back sharply against comments by the Minister of Agriculture, Demba Sabally, who recently accused Mr. Gibba of religious hypocrisy and personal misconduct.
In a response issued through local media, Mr. Gibba described the minister’s remarks as baseless and said political campaigning should focus on ideas and policies rather than personal attacks. He portrayed himself as a practicing Muslim and Islamic preacher, rejecting any suggestion of improper conduct and warning the minister against what he characterized as unfounded allegations.
“I am an Islamic preacher; if you do not know, go and ask about me. I am a Muslim, a believer, and I am a practicing Sunni. I am not involved in personal misconduct, but for you, I have your album, so do not make me talk,” he stated.
He derided Minister Sabally as a “paracetamol seller” lacking any substantive expertise and faulted President Adama Barrow for appointing him to lead the Agriculture Ministry.
Responding to Mr. Sabally’s question about his presence at a lodge in Bwiam, Mr. Gibba said he was hosting a friend, Gibril, who had traveled from Sweden to attend a youth camp organized in the area. To prove his point, he provided Kerr Fatou with a receipt from the Foni Ding Ding Federation Lodge bearing the name Gibril Senghore.
Mr. Gibba further asserted that the development initiatives he has delivered in his constituency would take Mr. Sabally years to accomplish in a personal capacity, adding that any projects currently being implemented by the minister are undertaken in his official role and funded with public resources.
He also said his campaign is aimed at retaining the seat, noting that the position had previously been held by their councilor until his death.
“You have abandoned your official responsibilities and remain in Foni to campaign,” Mr. Gibba said. “The National Assembly is currently on leave, but I want President Barrow to know that you are doing him no favors in Foni through personal attacks.”
Hon. Gibba said he would not engage with what he described as the minister’s personal attacks but warned that his camp would not remain silent if provoked, adding that they would respond in kind if the attacks continued.
“I am not a stranger in my constituency. I have built my home there, and you are free to conduct your own survey,” Hon. Gibba said.
The Foni Kansala lawmaker also challenged Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally to a televised debate.
“Demba, you thrive on spreading false information, but you cannot tarnish my reputation. Be prepared—come 2026, you will answer to the people of Foni,” he said.