The Supreme Court has ruled that the removal of former Auditor General Modou Ceesay was unconstitutional and violated his constitutional rights, but has declined to reinstate him to the position.

In its judgment, the court held that while Ceesay’s removal was unlawful, returning him to the Auditor General’s office would not be in the public interest.

The court noted that Cherno Amadou Jallow, the current Auditor General, has already been appointed and has occupied the position for about nine months.

Instead of reinstatement, the Supreme Court ordered that Ceesay continues to receive his salaries and allowances until his retirement in 2035.

The court also directed that he be paid all outstanding salaries and allowances from the previous month up to the date of the judgment.

In addition, the Supreme Court awarded Ceesay D4 million in damages, ordering that the amount be paid within 60 days.

The judges said evidence presented before the court showed that the relationship between Ceesay and the executive was no longer in good standing, making his return to the office unsuitable.

The ruling brings an end to a legal challenge over Ceesay’s removal, with the court affirming that constitutional procedures were breached while providing compensation for the violation of his rights.

By Adama Makasuba