By Omar Bah
The UDP has rescinded its decision in expelling the Brikama Area Council chairman Sheriffo Sonko and two other area councillors from the party.
A statement from the party’s senior administrative secretary Lamin N Dibba to Mr Sonko seen by The Standard read: “…The National Executive of the party has directed me to inform you that it has for the time being rescinded the decision to expel you from the party. Please be informed that the matter of your expulsion from the party is now referred to the Central Committee from which you may hear in due course.”
In March, the party wrote to expel Sonko, councillor for Jamburr-Sanyang Ward Modou Bojang, and councillor for Nema Kunku Ward Bilal Faal for “straying from the party’s cause”. The party wrote to the council as well as the national electoral commission notifying them of the expulsion and asking for by-elections for the three men’s seats.
But Mr Sonko said his “purported” expulsion from the UDP was null and void and that even if his ejection from the party was valid, it would not impact negatively on his position.
He said he ignored the expulsion letter sent to him on March 27 because he could not be expelled without previous notice and being heard in a fair hearing and that no reason was ever communicated to him suggesting the party was considering his expulsion and also denied being guilty of “manifest or opulent” betrayal of the UDP.
He said he would continue to remain the chairman of the area council and “intend to act in accordance with the mandate given [him] by the electorate”…and demand that the party “allow [him] to continue to exercise [his duties] without interference”.
