By Fatou Sillah
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry has rescinded its November 12th order against Jaja Cham, former acting CEO of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).
Mr. Cham was accused of witness interference following an alleged confrontation with Sarata Jaiteh, a procurement officer at KMC, after her testimony before the commission.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Commission issued an order for Cham’s detention at Mile 2 Central Prison, citing allegations that he had interfered with a witness. He subsequently spent two nights at Mile 2.
Sarata Jaiteh alleged that Cham assaulted her in the KMC’s procurement unit. Cham appeared before the Commission accompanied by his lawyer, Abdoulie Fatty, who requested that Cham be allowed to address the Commission directly. The Chairperson granted this request.
In his address, Cham expressed regret, stating that it was never his intention to interfere with the Commission’s work. “What happened lately was not my intention. I didn’t know talking to somebody who is a witness will come out this way, or the Commission will see it either directly or indirectly as interference. I apologise for that one sincerely. You would recall that I have provided a lot of evidence, a lot of information as requested, unfailingly. I always report earlier than any witnesses here,”he Said.
Counsel Fatty added that Cham had not foreseen his actions being perceived as witness interference. He highlighted Cham’s remorse and acknowledgment of the Commission’s work, appealing for leniency.
Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez also supported the request for leniency, noting that Cham had been cooperative with the Commission. “We align ourselves to the application of Counsel Fatty in the face of showing remorse,” He said.