On the contrary, The Gambia Government wishes to make it absolutely clear that former Vice President Touray has neither taken any items from the residence nor refused to hand over any vehicles, furniture or valuables as is being falsely peddled.
In fact, soon after she handed over to her successor, Vice President Touray was gracious enough to invite Mr Badara Joof’s wife to a conducted familiarisation tour of the VP’s residence on a Sunday. During the friendly and frank familiarisation tour, VP Touray patiently took Mrs Joof around the property with detailed descriptions.
Therefore, any suggestion or insinuation that VP Touray reneged in her handing over responsibilities or has seized some state vehicles is not only preposterous but utterly malicious to potentially bring her into disrepute. Equally false is the suggestion that the residence is messy, decrepit and in a virtual rundown state.
The Gambia Government wishes to make it very clear that Vice President Touray has handed over the entire fleet for the VP’s retinue and all keys returned under normal inventory and has therefore, no pending issues whatsoever.
In actuality, it is the current VP, His Excellency Badara Alieu Joof who chose to remain home due to family reasons. Besides, VP Joof believes that The Gambia Government can reserve such residences to host visiting statesmen and dignitaries to cut costs on expensive hotel bills.
Signed
Ebrima G. Sankareh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser
