Presidential
spokesperson Amie Bojang-Sissoho told journalists at State House yesterday that
President Adama Barrow has rejected the resignation offer from Justice Minister
Aboubacarr Tambadou.
This
followed a scandalous leaked audio recording of a conversation between the
minister’s brother, Sheriff Tambabou and wife of one of the key suspects in the
NIA 9 trial, who were accused of the murder of political activist Solo Sandeng
under state custody last year.
“In
this light, justice minister Aboubaccar Tambadou, a brother to Sheriff felt
strongly about the leakage and offered his resignation to President Barrow,”
Amie told journalists.
“However,
having carefully considered the resignation offer, the president had rejected
this because of the trust and confidence he has in the minister’s
professionalism and integrity in handling his work,” she said.
On
whether Minister Tambadou accepts to serve the country, Amie said, “Yes, he
did. It has been discussed and he accepted to continue to serve the country, on
the basis of his professionalism and the belief that he has something to
contribute to the country.”
She
added that the Minister should not be distracted by things that are associated
to him but in reality, would not lead anyone to question his integrity. In that
light, Tambadou accepted to serve.
“At
the end of the day, what matters is ‘what was he doing? Was his integrity being
questioned with regard to that?’ Definitely, after it has been carefully
considered, the president decided he would not accept it,” she added.
Also
asked if the President does not see it as a problem that two brothers are on
such a delicate team, or one appointing the other, Amie said the minister in
fact did not appoint the brother. Rather, it is the lead prosecutor, Lawyer
Antouman Gaye who actually appointed the brother to the prosecution team.
Assets
declaration extended by 2 weeks.
Amie
also said some ministers have submitted lists of their assets declaration as
earlier directed by the President.
However,
others in the cabinet have requested for more time and a two-week extension has
been given.
Asked
if the remaining minsters said why they needed an extension, Mrs Bojang said
they did but she would not divulge that information.
“The
assets declaration is not being made at the Office of the President. What we
need to understand is that the government is trying to put systems in place and
lay foundations for institutions to be respected. This is why it is the Office
of the Ombudsman that have been tasked with the declaration and not the
President,” the State House press director said.
