The justice minister has revealed for the first time that the counsel for the commission probing Yahya Jammeh , Amie Bensouda, was being paid D500, 000 for the first three months of the inquiry.
Gambian lawmakers have on Tuesday approved another three months extension for the commission of inquiry probing the former president Yahya Jammeh.
The commission which was established 9 months ago was mandated to investigate the financial activities of Jammeh and his close associates.
The three months extension will bring its whole session to one year.
The Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou who brought the motion to the lawmaking body said the extension has been necessitated by the uncovering of new evidences and new information into the financial dealings of Jammeh.
Lawmakers approved the extension but complains were raised about the financial burden the commission places on tax payers who are funding its operations.
The justice minister also revealed for the first time that the counsel for the commission, Amie Bensouda, was being paid D500, 000 for the initial three months of the session.
However, Tambadou said Bensouda has agreed to offer two or three months of free service after their first three months elapsed. Then she was approved for another six months and now another three months.
The commissioners were each paid D300, 000 for a sitting period.
The lawmakers have asked the justice minister to provide them with preliminary findings of the commission since it started before approving another 3 months, but the minister said that will not be possible because of the huge task at hand.
He however said the commission is currently being helped in its work by professional auditor from America.