By: Ousman Saidykhan
Activists Madi Jobarteh, Omar Camara, and Babucarr Nyang have submitted their petition to the National Assembly for the legislature to open an investigation into all state land allocations, including the lands allocated to both State and Non-State Officials, individuals, and businesses from January 19, 2017, to December 31, 2023.
The petitioners said their petition specifically refers to The President, The Vice President, Cabinet Ministers, National Assembly Members, Senior officials in ministries, departments, and agencies, Judicial Officers, Private Companies and Businesspersons, Private citizens/individuals, State institutions, and Non-state institutions.
The trio said they have made efforts to address the issues raised in the petition but have not received a response from the relevant institutions. They believe they are eligible to make the petition.
“This petition is made in all seriousness and has the prospect of ensuring accountability and good governance, and it is not frivolous,” the petitioners indicated.
The petitioners seek to investigate and identify the names of the beneficiaries of state lands, the size allocated to each, the physical state of each plot and its location, and the dates of applications and allocations of the plots.
“Determine whether the allocations met the due process without undue influence, bribery, or inappropriate official conduct.
“Determine whether the beneficiaries met the full eligibility requirements as set out in the State Lands Act, 1991, and other relevant legislations,” the petitioners seek.
According to them, their petition arose from public concerns on allegations of impropriety, unfairness, and the Executive’s inappropriate and illegal allocation of State land.
The petitioners believe “the petition relates to a matter of public concern and interest and is within the National Assembly’s supervisory powers to ensure accountability in all State institutions, particularly in the functioning of the Executive.”
Madi Jobarteh said Land is the most crucial national asset and should benefit all Gambians, but in a manner that is transparent, ethical, and follows the rule of law.
The activist said their petition targets allocations made in 2017 because that was the time the country ushered in what was supposed to be a new Gambia.
“We have noticed allocations of lands to public officials, families of public officials, and other individuals connected with public officials, and that is unfair. And it is unjust. And questions have been raised as to the justifications of these allocations, and the state has not given any justification,” Jobarteh said at a press conference shortly after submitting the petition.
Madi believes allocating State Lands to people who do not deserve it and ignoring those who deserve it is a recipe for conflict in any society. “Because Land is a major source of conflict in many societies, we feel we need to do this as citizens for the peace and stability of The Gambia. For the good governance of The Gambia.”
Another petitioner, Omar Camara, said, “We expect the government to take the concerns of the citizens very seriously. “And then this one cannot be treated exceptionally. We believe this is one of the most serious issues in this country right now.”
Babucarr Nyang said all Gambians who believe the allocation of State lands is of interest to them are welcome to join them. “Because what we want—we want transparency,” Nyang said.
The petitioners hope the National Assembly will admit their petition, which they urge to be taken urgently.
