The former Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority, Muhammed Lamin Gibba has said that presidential directives limited his obligations to serve the country without fear or favor during his tenure in office.
“I always endeavor to serve my country without fear or favour,” former MD Muhammed Lamin Gibba said.
Mr. Gibba who was the former managing director of the country’s port authority said he has limitations to carried out his work without fear or favour under the former president Yahya Jammeh.
Gibba made these revelations before the commission of inquiry set up to look into the financial activities of the former President Yahya Jammeh and his close associates at the Djembe Beach Hotel, Kololi.
“The former president personally called me to rebuild the Kanilai Cultural Centre at Kanilai Village,” he disclosed to the commission.
The former Ports Managing Director confirmed the sale of CFA to the Office of the former President, saying he received a phone call from the former president himself demanding from them.
He explained to the commission the responsibility of the committee in the system that look at the tenders made for the CFA exchange that was usually sent to him for approval. He said the former president made verbal demands. There was an outstanding balance of D6.9 Million.
The documents representing financial transactions between the former president and ports authority were admitted and marked as exhibits.
Gibba told the commission that the money was escorted to the Office of the President by Ousman Jobarteh, the Deputy Managing Director who delivered it to General Saul Badjie and Major Yusupha Sanneh.
Former MD Gibba explained his difficulties to contact the former president to settle the outstanding balance of D6.9 Million for the CFA Exchange.
“I can only talk to him when he calls because I don’t have his private number,” he interjected.
He was questioned about the importations made by the Kanilai Family Farm which he said were owing outstanding bills to the ports authority.
“I reminded the president but he only laughed,” he added.
Gibba said he does not know much about the Youth Development Enterprise YDE. He said he was never sworn in during his appointment as Managing Director of Ports. He added that he only took the oath of office when he was appointed Minister of Local Government.
Meanwhile, he spoke about the development he brought to the country’s ports authority during his tenure in office. He was released but told he would be recalled when he is needed for clarification. The sitting are now adjourned to Monday, 4th September.
