UDP’s Karamba Touray has strong words for Nominated National Assembly member Ya Kumba Jaiteh over her proposed D54 million loan scheme for parliamentarians. 

Mr Touray in an audio reaction said Ms Jaiteh has disappointed lots of people.

He said it was insensitive for lawmakers to demand loans in the middle of a pandemic that has crippled the country’s economy and destroyed the livelihoods of hardworking families. 

“The problem with this proposal is the country is facing a very unprecedented economic contraction and all over the world what governments are doing is they are prioritising the needs of their people and definitely honourable Jaiteh with all due respect housing for members of parliament is not exactly a priority in the middle of a pandemic,” Mr Touray said.

He added: “I think whatever your motivation is Ms Jaiteh, you have disappointed a lot of people and I think this [is] a mistake. 

“You may think that you are doing a very good job for others and then I have no doubt that this is a selfless effort on your part because I don’t think this is what you can get all for yourself. 

“It may be that you are trying to look out for your colleagues but this is not right in the middle of a pandemic Ms Jaiteh.”

The US-based UDP activist warned Ya Kumba that her housing loan proposal would damaged her political career. 

“The very fact that this [is] a legacy for you and you are somebody who ranked among the highest in the National Assembly, I think this will hurt you. 

“You are not only with those of us who are allies but others you have given a lot of hope that as an institution there is somebody out there looking for their interests.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba