Basiru Gasama, the former APRC candidate for Bakau Old Cape Ward, yesterday testified in the on-going sedition charges against Fatou Jaw Manneh, a Gambian-based journalist in the United State of America.

In his testimony, Mr. Gassama told the court that he is the Security Manager at the Sun Beach Hotel and Resort in Bakau. He added that he travelled across the country only on one occasion in a year. He said between 1994 to date three presidential elections were held by the Independent Electoral Commision (IEC), which were all won by HE Dr Yahya  AJJ Jammeh.

Mr. Gassama said from 1994 to date, The Gambia has experienced numerous developments in the areas of education, health and infracstructure, among other things. He said the APRC government has provided free education for girls and the establishment of the Unversity of The Gambia (UTG), numerous health facilities and HIV/Aids treatment initiative, among others, as a clear manifestation of APRC government regards for the people of The Gambia.

According to him, he listens and reads news written in English, monitors news in the internet and watches news on the GRTS.
During cross-examination by the Defence Counsel Lawyer, Lamin Joberteh, Mr. Gassama said he cannot recall when he last travelled from Mandinaba to Basse, adding that he did not know the present road condition in the area. He then noted that he travelled from Barra to Laminkoto two weeks back. When asked when Bakau Post Office was built, he said it was built after the 1994 military takeover by the then AFPRC.
He noted that the roads from the main entrance of the Airport to Airport terminal are first class roads, constructed by the APRC government.

Mr. Gassama further told the court that all the main roads in Bakau are in good condition.
On cross-examination he told the court that he did not see the accused speaking to anyone with regards to seditious charges against her, but he was quick to say that the accused granted him an interview. He added that at the time he was questioning her, the accused did not mention any individual that she had granted an interview to, neither the newspaper. He told the court that interview could take different forms, noting that it could be done through telephone, answering questions and one-to-one interview. According to him, he did not take note at the time when he questioned the accused person. But he was quick to note that he did not fail his duties by failing to take notes and that he is a truthful witness.