By Omar Bah
Two sacked ministers, Demba Ali Jawo and Omar Amadou Jallow of Information and Agriculture, respectively, have reacted to their sacking, both saying that no reasons have been forwarded for their removal.
Speaking to The Standard yesterday via telephone from his home, Demba Ali Jawo said although there was no reason advanced to explain his sacking “the President has the prerogative to appoint and fire anybody whenever he wishes without giving any reasons.”
“But I have to say that, it was not a surprise to me because there were lots of challenges and I honestly knew one fine day, it might not continue. So I was not surprised that it turns out this way,” he said in a calm voice.
He continued: “As the government spokesperson, it is important that I am involved in everything that the government is doing but unfortunately there was not much coordination within the government. But you can understand it is a new government, it will take a while before we settle down. So definitely those are the things. The coordination between the various ministries was lacking.”
Asked what message he had for President Barrow, Jawo said: “I just want to thank President Adama Barrow for giving me the opportunity to serve my country and also wish the government all the best. As far as I am concerned, I have nothing against his government.”
When asked what he intends to do next, the former information minister added that he needs time to rest and reflect on what he would do next because it has been a very hectic moment for him.
Meanwhile, the former Agriculture Minister, Omar Jallow told The Standard that PPP militants have urged him not to make any public statement in connection with his sacking.
“I can only confirm to you that I have been relieved of my duty as minister of agriculture. I cannot say anything more than that because I’ve been advised not to, by my party militants. This is a Coalition Government and my people have decided that we would meet next week as a party to discuss about my sacking. Whatever we agreed on would be made public,” he concluded.
The reshuffled cabinet reads:
1. H.E. Madam Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang has been relieved of her cabinet appointment and redeployed to the Foreign Service.
2. Hon. A.N.M Ousainu Darboe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation & Gambians Abroad has been appointed to the Position of Vice President and Minister of Women’s Affairs.
3. Dr. Mamadou Tangara has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation & Gambians Abroad.
4. Hon. Amadou Sanneh, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs has been redeployed the portfolio of Minister to Trade, Regional Integration, Industry and Employment.
5. Hon. Dr. Isatou Touray, Minister of Trade, Regional Integration, Industry and Employment has been redeployed as Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
6. Hon. Lamin N. Dibba, Minister of Lands & Regional Government has been redeployed as Minister of Agriculture.
7. Alhajie Musa Drammeh has been appointed Minister of Lands & Regional Government.
8. Hon. Saffie Lowe Ceesay, Minister of Health and Social Welfare has been redeployed to the Foreign Service.
9. Hon. Omar A. Jallow, Minister of Agriculture and Hon. Demba A. Jawo, Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure have been relieved of their cabinet appointments.
10. Mr Ebrima Sillah has been appointed Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure.
11. Hon. Henry Gomez has been relieved of his appointment as Minister of youths and Sports and appointed Special Adviser to the President.
12. Mr. Hadrammeh Sidibeh has been appointed Minister of Youths and Sports.
