MC Cham Jr., Business Councillor at KMC
By Buba Gagigo
MC Cham Jr., Business Councillor at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to summon President Adama Barrow for questioning regarding alleged remarks that he claims could incite unrest.
During the recently concluded Meet the People tour, President Barrow criticized KMC Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda during a meeting in Ebo Town. He accused the Mayor of failing in his responsibilities, urging residents to demand accountability and development in return for their taxes, which he said should benefit them directly. Barrow also claimed that waste collection in the area had worsened under the Mayor’s leadership, and encouraged residents to question him on his achievements since taking office.
In response, MC Cham Jr. expressed concern in an audio message, alleging that the President’s remarks could incite protests against the Mayor, potentially leading to a breach of peace.
“The President’s call for KM residents to demand their rights from the Mayor seems like an indirect call for protest, which could disrupt public order. The President is not above the law, and the IGP should question him about his statements,” Cham argued.
He further accused President Barrow of using divisive rhetoric against Mayor Bensouda, suggesting it stemmed from a personal vendetta after Barrow’s candidate lost to Bensouda in a highly contested election.
“If an opposition figure made such remarks against the President, they would likely be detained, as we’ve seen happen before. A leader should always preach peace. The President’s grievance with the Mayor is clear—he cannot accept his election loss and is bitter about the Mayor’s popularity in KM,” Cham asserted.
Cham also challenged President Barrow to reflect on his own leadership failures:
“You ask us to question Bensouda’s achievements, but Mr. President, what have you achieved since your re-election? We’ve seen rising corruption, the tragic deaths of over 66 children under your administration, and ongoing economic hardship. You owe the people of KM answers as well.”
The Councillor accused the Barrow administration of working against national unity, pointing to incidents such as the absence of government officials at the inauguration of KMC’s state-of-the-art library despite being invited.
“If the government doesn’t acknowledge the efforts of opposition-led councils in national development, how can they expect their own work to be respected?” Cham questioned.
He concluded by urging President Barrow to focus on fostering unity and addressing national challenges instead of creating divisions.