Ex-NAM Criticises IGP Over Charges Against Sonko

By: Nyima Sillah

The former NAM for Tumana has sharply criticized the IGP for slamming BAC councilor SheriffoSonko with the charge of threatening violence.

According to the erstwhile Tumana legislator FodayN.M. Drammeh, the police have no moral authority to prefer the charge against Sonko because the institution itself is guilty of more serious things.

He advised the police to put their house in order, saying they must come to the realization that the power vested in them is derived from the people they “maltreat”.

“I want to tell the police that anything that has a beginning will one day end and anything that goes up will eventually come down. How many police brutalities are registered in The Gambia under the watch of Adama Barrow and his IGP?” he stated.

Drammeh pointed out that the police are maintained by the Gambian people and not President Adama Barrow, adding that the security agencies owe loyalty to citizens and should always ensure their actions are guided by justice.

The former lawmaker stressed that the Gambia PoliceForce (GPF) and President Barrow should come to the realization that selective justice undermines the principles of fairness, equality, and the rule of law.

“It can erode public trust in the justice system and create the perception of corruption or bias,” he added.

Drammeh stressed that the police must ensure that laws are applied without consideration of status, influence or political leaning.  

“The peace and tranquility of our country is threatened by Adama Barrow and his inner circle and the security,more especially the police, with their tactics of the day; inviting the opposition to the police for questionings,”he lamented.

It would be recalled that Sonko was arrested alongside the UDP campaign manager Momodou Sabally a few days after two paramilitary officers were killed at Sukuta Traffic Lights on Tuesday of last week.