By Seedy Jobe
The Executive Director of the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), Madi Jobarteh, has strongly condemned the removal of Baboucarr Nyang as Alkalo of Nyangen Village, describing the decision as unlawful, unjustified, and a blatant abuse of administrative authority under the Local Government Act of 2002.
Mr. Jobarteh’s reaction follows a decision by the Office of the Governor of the Central River Region (CRR) to retire Alkalo Nyang, effective May 2, 2026, on the grounds of non-residency, citing Section 143(1)(b) of the Act.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Mr. Jobarteh argued that both the Governor and the relevant ministry acted outside the bounds of the law in effecting the removal.
According to him, a proper interpretation of Sections 142 to 145 of the Local Government Act clearly shows that the cited provision relates only to eligibility for appointment as an Alkalo and does not constitute a legal basis for removal from office.
He emphasized that the law explicitly outlines the circumstances under which an Alkalo may cease to hold office, including death, resignation, disqualification under specified conditions, or removal by the Minister responsible for Local Government and Lands on grounds such as misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity.
Mr. Jobarteh noted that none of these legally recognized grounds were cited in the case of Alkalo Nyang, rendering the decision “null and void.”
He further criticized the role of the Governor of the Central River Region, Ousman Bah, stating that the office holds no legal authority to appoint or dismiss an Alkalo. He described the issuance of the retirement letter as an act carried out in excess of legal powers and in violation of established statutory provisions.
“This conduct represents a serious abuse of administrative power and undermines the principle of legality in public administration,” Mr. Jobarteh stated, warning that arbitrary actions by public officials risk fostering a culture of impunity.
The rights activist also raised concerns about possible political motivations behind the decision, pointing to earlier incidents in which Alkalo Nyang’s official stamp was reportedly confiscated during the voter registration exercise amid allegations of his perceived political sympathies.
Mr. Jobarteh said the sequence of events raises “serious and legitimate concerns of political persecution and victimization.”
He called on the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs to immediately rescind the decision and reinstate Alkalo Nyang, while urging that the actions of the Governor be subjected to scrutiny to ensure accountability.
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