By Lamdo
When people speak up against Manjang’s removal, not all are merely against the government. This is more complicated than that. It’s alright though if that’s where your understanding is. We however will indulge your attention for a minute.
Though SSHFC Managing Director is not necessarily the Chairman of Trust Bank (Manjang is the first SSHFC MD and Gambian to be Chairman of Trust Bank) and Gam-petroleum. Under his tenure, as MD both paid significant dividends.Simply put, not only is the MD responsible or safeguarding Pensioners’ funds but also a key player in the governance of other institutions. Mohammed Manjang in essence held the Nation’s wallet in these cases and The head of State through Finance Ministry felt they were being blocked from frivolous spending.
I see some asking if Manjang is the only qualified Gambian? Again the understanding of Manjang’s supporters like myself are being misconstrued. Yet still I will divulge something. In the history of SSHFC, there has never been this much received as dividends in the name of pensioners. For example, for the first time ever, Gam-petroleum paid out over D70 Million in the last two years to SSHFC and are expected to pay another substantial sum this year.
Again, no one is perfect so yes, he may not be the most qualified deh, but from Sankung Fatty, to Jeffrey Renner to Tumbulo Danso, and others I have never heard of such. I may not be that old but folks as wollof Njie would say “ noppa Mor mak borom”! Gaja nga lama Manjang! Sticking with numbers, Manjang will leave behind D2 Billion. Am sure we all remember where the the institution was after Jamus and Bazzi filled their pockets like nobody’s business.
As far as the backlogs SSHFC cleared under Manjang, I will ask you to talk to pensioners. One group of women said “ we have been back and forth for over a decade to get what’s ours and Alhamdulilah Manjang and team satisfied us”. They finally got their owed funds in thousands. There are many who retired twenty years ago who couldn’t get pension until recently. THAT my friends is what Bai Toubab would call “ proof is in the pudding”!
As far as the rumored buses. Contact Tarik Musa directly and if he is a God fearing man I know him to be, he will clear the air. That folks was just one of many requests. MD Manjang plugged a lot of rabbit holes. The institution was bleeding funds like a Nigerian oil rig! The other recent expectation was to buy and donate rice and sugar to the newest scheme in town. Some even expected cash to be publicly donated. Again pensioners’ funds. Manjang and co being ultimate professionals refused to do so. We all know Sun Beach,that is being used by government for Covid-19 quarantine is owned and managed by SSHFC.
SSHFC has also offered their guest houses should they be needed for covid-19 quarantine.That to me is contribution to fight against the virus. Any reasonable person will agree that dishing out cash in professional environment should be discouraged.
Simply put, Manjang was a block to the Mamburay Njie cartel as someone named it. If we are serious about growth and National Development, we should all call out the unnecessary spending no matter where it’s coming from. From the top down! Thank you Mohammed Manjang. We all know the stories being peddled around are just that, stories! You did well for pensioners and we appreciate you.
We hope and pray, Mamburay’s buddy, Tambadou (oops), I mean your replacement will aspire to follow your footsteps in moving SSHFC forward!
