By: Fatou Krubally
Several National Assembly Members (NAMs) have raised fresh concerns over the Financial and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC)’s report on alleged irregularities in the petroleum import sector, citing evidence of administrative underperformance, suspicious transactions, and the need for further action.
Speaking during the heated debate on Thursday, Hon. Almameh Gibba, Member for Foni Kansala, urged lawmakers to forward the report to the police for deeper investigation, stressing that the Assembly’s role is not to prosecute but to expose wrongdoing for competent authorities to handle. “We are not investigators or financial experts,” Gibba said. “Let the police investigate. If you are clean, you are free.”
Lower Badibou NAM warned colleagues against shielding individuals implicated in the report. He pointed to serious administrative lapses, such as companies operating without fiscal addresses or registered staff. “Let us not protect a few individuals at the expense of the Gambian people,” he said.
Hon. Suwaibou Touray, Member for Wuli East, noted that the report showed clear anomalies, including tax evasion risks, untested fuel products, and policies implemented without Cabinet approval. He called for a national petroleum testing lab to protect consumers.
The Talinding Kunjang NAM Hon Musa Badjie argued that the findings reveal contradictions between the report’s conclusions and its actual evidence, saying corruption can only be tackled if the Assembly stops defeating the purpose of such probes. “The committee’s work has shown the malpractices. We must act on them,” he insisted.
The Latrikunda Sabiji NAM Yaya Sanyang rejected parts of the report recommending disciplinary action against a company lawyer, saying the lawyer’s role was limited to incorporation procedures and could not have influenced board decisions.
From Foni Bintang, Hon. Bakary K. Badjie urged the Assembly to act on the committee’s findings and hold former ministers accountable for alleged misconduct. “If nobody is taken to task, we are not going anywhere as a nation,” he said.
The NAM for Lower Fuladu West Hon Gibba Mballow pushed back against calls for censure, arguing that if the committee found no proof of bribery or tax evasion, there should be no punishment. “No wrongdoing, no punishment,” he said.
Hon. Lamin J Sanneh, Member for Brikama South, reminded colleagues that the inquiry revealed extensive maladministration which should be verified and acted on by competent authorities. “We dealt with 39 witnesses. The plenary must adopt the report so that next steps can follow,” he said.
While views differ on the next step, many NAMs agreed the report sheds light on critical gaps in governance that must not be ignored.
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