The government has thrown out a call by MPs to suspend Gam Petroleum’s managing director, Yerro Jallow, over perjury allegations.

The National Assembly’s powerful Public Accounts and Enterprises Committee wanted Jallow placed on administrative leave after a probe into the handling of nearly 37,000 metric tons of petroleum products.

But Finance Minister Seedy Keita told lawmakers on Tuesday that the move was unnecessary and insisted Jallow’s fate rests with his employers.

“Sending Mr Jallow on leave at this stage is not warranted,” Keita said, adding that the Ministry of Justice would advise once its review is complete.

However, the government confirmed that police will investigate Gam Petroleum’s general manager over alleged conflicts of interest and breaches of duty.

The inquiry also exposed questionable storage deals, with MPs calling for an urgent audit of the company’s ullage allocations.

Lawmakers ordered Gam Petroleum to cut ties with Apogee Gambia Ltd, submit its accounts for audit, and face governance reforms to protect the public interest.

Keita said the government had noted the recommendations and promised they would be forwarded to the company’s board for action.

By Adama Makasuba