National Assembly Member for Central Badibou Sulayman Saho has alleged that D70 million was withdrawn from the Central Bank of The Gambia for President Adama Barrow’s ongoing Meet the People Tour.

Saho made the allegation while criticising the government over what he described as the use of public funds during the nationwide tour.

“We are informed that 70 million dalasis had been withdrawn for the tour from Central Bank,” Saho said.

However, Saho did not provide details of who allegedly authorised the withdrawal, when the money was withdrawn or how the funds were allegedly intended to be spent.

The lawmaker also did not provide documentary evidence to support the claim during his remarks.

Saho’s comments come as President Barrow and his delegation continue their annual engagement with communities across the country as part of the Meet the People Tour.

The tour brings the President and senior government officials into direct contact with communities, where government programmes, development projects and local concerns are discussed.

Saho also used his remarks to issue a pointed statement directed at President Barrow’s supporters.

“No amount of funds will save you and your ethnic gangsters,” he said.

His reference to “ethnic gangsters” formed part of his criticism of those he accused of relying on resources and ethnic mobilisation.

The Central Badibou lawmaker’s remarks add to growing political exchanges surrounding the President’s nationwide tour, which comes ahead of the December presidential election.

While the D70 million figure cited by Saho has not been independently verified, the allegation raises questions about the financing of the tour and the use of public resources.

Saho did not specify the source of the information that led to his claim.
No response from the government or the Central Bank was included in the remarks provided.

The Meet the People Tour is an annual presidential engagement intended to allow the government to interact with communities and discuss national development issues.

By Adama Makasuba