By Lamin Njie
The Supreme Islamic Council has repudiated reports its officials had received millions of dalasis from President Adama Barrow.
Reports have abounded in recent weeks that President Barrow gave the top brass of the country’s apex Islamic body eight million dalasis for a nationwide tour to ask Gambians to rally round the president regarding his plan to remain in office until 2021.
The SIC on Friday reacted to the reports in a statement on its officials Facebook page saying the tour which is currently taking place has ‘nothing to do with the political situation of the nation.’
The SIC said: “This is an annual activity that happens once every year. It has nothing to do with the political situation of the Nation. It is just coincidence that year’s topic is about ‘Peace’. It is NOT ideal that the Council can spend Millions of Dalasis in a Four (4) Days Nationwide Tour. Even President Barrow, we think will NOT allow for that under these circumstances. If there is any expenditures on allowances for the team, that will not be more than Three (3) to Five (5) Thousand each.
“In 2017, the Gambia Government promised to give the Council Five (5) Million Dalasis for the Religious activities in the Gambia. With reasons best known to them, that has never materialised. Earlier this year, the same promise was made and still NOTHING!
“We call on the public to be aware that the Council has been carrying out its activities without any funding from the Government. the Gambia Government has never given a Dalasi to the Council.
“The Executive of the Council contribute (from personal accounts) to pay staff Salaries monthly and to help the needy.
“We assure the General Public that, the Council is not here to mislead the Nation. All our activities are upon the authentic teachings of the Beloved Muhammad.”
