#National News

New Jeshwang Councillor questioned over D260,000 payment

Oct 30, 2024, 11:16 AM | Article By: Ali Jaw

The Councillor of New Jeswang Ward recently appeared before the Local Commission of Inquiry, where he was questioned about the D260,000 paid to him by the Knaifing Municipal Council.

Habib M.L. Ceesay in his testimony told the commission that there was a council resolution to give him and other Councilors who participated in an exercise conducted by the council D260,000 each.

Counsel Gomez further put to him to explain what type of exercise was it. In response, he told the commission that he was part of an ad-hoc committee that was set up to go round to ensure that the revenue of the Council is maximised.

He explained they were out to ensure that the people pay their taxes, saying the exercise lasted for 24 days.

“The Councilors were there to observe to make sure the people are paying. They are not there to touch any money.” he stated.

Furthermore, he noted that during the exercise, they went to the markets and businesses, adding that he was part of the team that went to Jeshwang Constituency, covering communities such as Old Jeshwang, New Jeshwang, Ebo-Town and some parts of Pipeline. 

Lead Counsel Gomez further asked about the records of the exercise. However, the witness replied that he was not sure whether there was anyone taking minutes and there were no reports.

He added that he attended all the days and participated in the whole exercise for 24 days, but testified that he did not know whether a report was prepared for the exercise.

 

Lead Counsel Gomez put to the witness that Karamo Ceesay, authored a report.

The witness said he did not see the report. He was handed the report and he read it.

Lead Counsel Gomez told him that the issue will be looked into in details when he appears again.