Deputy Mayor Yankuba Colley Takes Over

The embattled Acting Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), Mr. Alieu Momar Njie, on Friday 21st September 2007 had his services terminated, barely five months after his appointment, according to a press release from the Office of the Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service. Mr. Njie was appointed Acting Mayor on 16th April 2007.

Mr. Yankuba Colley, Deputy Acting Mayor, has been appointed as Acting Mayor as replacement.

When contacted for his reaction with regard to his new found position, Mr. Colley said that although the position is challenging, he would live up to expectation. “The position is challenging. I know a lot is expected from me, and I will also try to do my utmost. My motto is: Less theory, More Practical. I assure that the taxpayers will have the benefit of their money because we are just custodians, but they own the money. All I want from the people of KMC is co-operation, patience and unity.”

Mr. Alieu Momar Njie is currently standing trial for alleged embezzlement of funds of The Gambia Boy Scouts Association, of which he is the Chief Scout Commissioner, amounting to 4.8 million US dollars.

On Friday 7th September, he appeared at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, charged with theft, a charge he flatly denied. He is expected back in court today, 24th September, 2007 for continuation of the trial.

Prior to Mr. Njie’s appointment as Acting Mayor, he was IEC’s Commissioner in charge of Upper River Region (URR).

Meanwhile, The Point has gathered that municipal elections are expected in January 2008.