Hon. Lamin Ceesay, the National Assembly Member for Kiang West, has issued a scathing rebuke of the Gambia Police Force, accusing them of intimidating former police spokeswoman ASP Binta Njie over a Facebook post in which she defended her community.
In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday, Ceesay demanded an immediate end to what he described as politically motivated actions against Njie, warning that any victimization could spark widespread protests led by himself and the people of Kiang.
Ceesay, a native of Kiang, expressed solidarity with Njie, whom he called his “sister,” and challenged the police to specify which law or regulation she had violated.
“Binta has every right to respond to any politician who launches personal attacks on her place of birth,” he said. “She has not violated any law or institutional regulation. Let the police administration tell the public what she is found wanting for.”
The controversy stems from a recent Facebook post by Njie, which reportedly addressed derogatory remarks about her community. While Ceesay refrained from directly addressing those remarks in his statement—promising a fuller response in Parliament—he condemned the police response as an overreach of authority. “If such a remark had been made against Mankamang Kunda, the perpetrator would already be in custody by now,” he argued, suggesting a double standard in the application of justice.
The lawmaker’s statement escalated tensions further as he vowed to mobilize the Kiang community if Njie faced repercussions for her stance. “We are prepared to take to the streets if Binta is victimized for defending her place of birth,” Ceesay declared. “I, Hon. Lamin Ceesay, will lead the protest alongside the entire Kiang community in response to the police’s lack of respect for our people.”
Ceesay also issued a broader warning to the police and the government, urging them to “reflect on the past” and recognize that “no government stays in power forever.” He accused authorities of abusing their power to protect incumbency and personal interests, calling such actions “unacceptable” and demanding an immediate halt to political targeting of “innocent and responsible citizens.”
In his defense of Njie, Ceesay praised her impeccable record, describing her as respectful, committed, and diligent in her duties as a police officer. “Binta has always upheld the oath of office and never shown any hint of disloyalty,” he said. “She has been obedient and determined in her service.”
Mmeanwhile, The Gambia Police Force has responded to a controversial social media post by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Binta Njie, emphasizing its commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct among its ranks.
In a statement released today, the police underscored that all officers, including ASP Njie, are bound by internal regulations designed to uphold the integrity and impartiality of the institution. “Officers are expected to maintain the highest standards of behavior and refrain from actions that could undermine the reputation of the Force,” the statement read.
While the police clarified that ASP Njie has not been arrested or interrogated over the post, they confirmed that the matter will be addressed administratively. The Force would follow established disciplinary procedures to handle the situation. However, specific details about the post’s content or the breach’s nature were not disclosed.
