The Chairman of the Basse Area Council, Hon. Mahamadou Ceesay, has strongly responded to remarks made by Gambia Football Federation President Lamin Kaba Bajo regarding the Nyakoi Mini Stadium controversy.

While acknowledging the Federation’s ambition, Chairman Ceesay distanced himself from the Council from the implementation of the D14.6 million project and rejected claims that the Upper River Region is divided.

“As Chairperson of the Basse Area Council, I wish to categorically acknowledge the Gambia Football Federation for its foresight and ambition in initiating what is intended to be a meaningful mini stadium project for the people of the Upper River Region,” he stated.

However, he firmly condemned Kaba Bajo’s comments on West Coast Radio. “His assertion that the people of the Upper River Region are divided, and that such division hinders development, is both misleading and unfounded.”

Hon. Mahamadou Ceesay insisted that public scrutiny over the Nyakoi project does not amount to disunity.

“The growing calls for transparency and accountability surrounding the GFF–Nyakoi project do not reflect division; rather, they demonstrate the strong unity that exists among our people whenever matters concerning the collective interest of the region arise.

“Demanding accountability should never be misconstrued as disunity. On the contrary, it is a hallmark of civic responsibility and democratic maturity.”

The Basse Area Council Chairman also clarified that the Council was not involved in the project’s execution.

“It is also important to clarify that at no point was the Basse Area Council involved in the implementation of this project.”

Reaffirming the region’s stance, the Honourable Chairman concluded, “We remain united, committed to transparency, and steadfast in our pursuit of sustainable development for our people.”

Chairman Ceesay’s response comes amid intensifying debate over the reported D14.6 million Nyakoi Mini Stadium project and recent remarks made by the GFF President.

By Ebrima KB Sonko