SIC slams Barrow gov’t for breach of multi-million Dalasis subvention promise

By Sainey Darboe:

The government of The Gambia, under the leadership of president Adama Barrow, has repeatedly made false promises of financial subvention to Supreme Islamic Council, a statement from the apex Islamic body has alleged.

Supreme Islamic Council President Muhammed Lamin Touray

While seeking to undermine perceptions of collusion with the government to influence public opinion in favor of the incumbent after allegedly receiving millions of Dalasi, the Supreme Islamic Council riposted:

“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!”.

Noting the Barrow government’s break with Jammeh’s tradition of supporting the council, the report added:

“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.”