Abdoulie Ceesay, National Assembly Member for Old Yundum and Deputy Majority Leader, has responded to growing criticism over his appointment as chair of the parliamentary inquiry committee set up to investigate the sale of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh.
The National Assembly recently confirmed the formation of a special seven-member committee tasked with probing the controversial sale and disposal of Jammeh’s assets. The committee includes representatives from across the political spectrum and is chaired by Hon. Ceesay. Other members include Madi Ceesay (UDP), who serves as vice chair, Suwaibou Touray (PDOIS), Omar Jammeh (Independent), Sheriff Sarr (APRC), Alhagie Mbow (NRP), and Kebba Lang Fofana (Nominated).
Some critics have questioned Ceesay’s impartiality, suggesting that his perceived closeness to the government makes him unfit to lead such a sensitive inquiry. But in an interview with JollofNews, Ceesay dismissed these concerns.
“Maybe they have seen me as a pro-government MP and lack confidence in my leadership. That I have no control over,” he said.
Ceesay emphasised that the appointment of committee leadership lies within the powers of the Assembly itself, not individual opinions outside the legislature.
“They have the right to their opinion, but the decision to head a committee surely lies in the general membership of the House. What’s important is to support the committee by all well-meaning Gambians. The Gambia is what will achieve results in this whole process, not necessarily the chairperson or members of the committee,” he said.
In the same interview, Ceesay also addressed allegations circulating on social media that he had received COVID-19 pandemic funds designated for constituency development.
“What COVID-19 funds? Does the government give that fund to MPs?” he responded. “Maybe the office of the Clerk would be the right office to respond to that, because I don’t deal with the central government. No, I have never received any such fund from the government.”
The inquiry into Jammeh’s seized assets comes years after a government-appointed commission recommended the recovery of millions in assets allegedly looted during the former president’s 22-year rule. The new parliamentary probe is expected to provide greater transparency on how those assets were managed and sold, and whether due process was followed.
Ceesay called for public support for the work ahead. “What matters now is cooperation and transparency. Let the facts speak for themselves,” he said.
