Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie has addressed tribalism allegations that arose following the circulation of a secretly recorded conversation between him and Mr. Omar P. Jallow on social media. Njie stated that the recording led to accusations of him being tribalistic and specifically "anti-Mandinka," prompting him to address the nation directly. He denied these claims, asserting, "I am not a tribalist, nor am I anti-Mandinka," and described the allegations as "completely inconsistent with my life, my relationships, and my values," noting that his first wife is Mandinka. The allegations specifically claimed that Njie harbored a bias against the Mandinka ethnic group, a claim he vehemently refuted.
Njie further clarified that he has never contacted the Inspector General of Police to request security personnel based on ethnicity, adding that the officer heading his security detail, as well as his Personal Assistant and Deputy Personal Assistant, are all Mandinka. He emphasized that throughout his public service, competence, trust, professionalism, and dedication to duty have been his sole criteria. Njie concluded by rendering "my unreserved apology to all Gambians for any wrong I may have done to each and every one during the course of my public service." This apology was extended to all citizens, acknowledging the potential impact of the controversy.
Recording Sparks Controversy
A secretly recorded conversation between Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie and Mr. Omar P. Jallow has been circulated on social media, leading to allegations that Njie is tribalistic and specifically "anti-Mandinka." Njie acknowledged that the recording was disseminated without his knowledge or consent and discussed extensively in the public domain. He stated, "Fellow Gambians, in the recent past weeks, a secretly recorded conversation between me and Mr. Omar P. Jallow has been circulated on social media and discussed extensively in the public domain. The recording has given rise to allegations that I am tribalistic and specifically 'anti-Mandinka'. Given the seriousness of these accusations and the concern they have generated, I consider it necessary to address the nation directly." The unauthorized dissemination of the private conversation became the catalyst for the public outcry and subsequent allegations.
The Deputy Speaker has denied these claims, asserting, "I am not a tribalist, nor am I anti-Mandinka." He characterized the allegations as "completely inconsistent with my life, my relationships, and my values." Njie further noted that his first wife is Mandinka, emphasizing his deep personal ties to the Mandinka community. He also clarified that he has never contacted the Inspector General of Police to request security personnel based on ethnicity, stating, "At no time have I contacted the Inspector General of Police to request the appointment of a Fula orderly or any security personnel on the basis of ethnicity." This statement directly addressed specific accusations regarding his influence over security appointments based on ethnic considerations. He noted that the officer heading his security detail, along with his Personal Assistant and Deputy Personal Assistant, are all Mandinka, further illustrating his non-discriminatory approach to staffing. Njie emphasized that throughout his public service, competence, trust, professionalism, and dedication to duty have been his sole criteria, adding, "For The Gambia, I hereby render my unreserved apology to all Gambians for any wrong I may have done to each and every one during the course of my public service." This full apology sought to address any harm or misunderstanding caused by the controversy.
Njie's Personal Ties and Values
Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie has publicly refuted allegations of tribalism, stating, "I am not a tribalist, nor am I anti-Mandinka." Njie noted his personal connections to the Mandinka community, noting that his first wife is Mandinka. He also mentioned that their marriage ceremonies involved ANM Ousainu Darboe, a prominent figure, further illustrating his deep personal ties and integration within the Mandinka community. These personal details were presented as evidence against the claims of anti-Mandinka sentiment.
Njie detailed the ethnic composition of his personal staff and security, asserting that the officer leading his security detail is Mandinka. He also clarified that both his Personal Assistant and Deputy Personal Assistant are Mandinka. These details were presented to counter claims that he harbors bias against the Mandinka ethnic group, demonstrating a practical application of his stated values. He showed that his choices for personnel are based on professional merit and trust, not ethnic background.
The Deputy Speaker also addressed specific accusations regarding his influence over security appointments. He denied claims that he requested the appointment of a Fula orderly or sought to influence security deployments based on ethnic considerations. Njie maintained that his decisions are based on merit and professionalism, not ethnicity, reinforcing his commitment to impartial public service. He stressed that his actions have always been guided by the principles of competence and dedication to duty.
In a show of support following the controversy, a delegation visited Njie at his residence. The delegation was led by Hon. Birom J.S. Sowe, the National Assembly Member for Niamina West. This visit occurred as public discussion continued regarding the secretly recorded conversation and the subsequent allegations, indicating solidarity from a parliamentary colleague. The presence of such a delegation showed the ongoing public interest and political implications of the matter.
Apologies and Call for Unity
Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie expressed regret for any potential misunderstanding, embarrassment, or unintended discomfort that his discussion might have caused the President of the Republic. He stated this concern if any part of the conversation inadvertently led to such issues, demonstrating his respect for the highest office. Njie also extended a sincere apology to Hon. Lamin Queen Jammeh, specifically addressing any misunderstanding or inconvenience that resulted from the mention of his name during the controversial recording. This direct apology aimed to mitigate any personal or professional fallout for Mr. Jammeh.
Njie reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to upholding the unity, peace, and democratic stability of The Gambia. He emphasized his dedication to these principles in the wake of the allegations and public discussion, noting his role in fostering national cohesion. The Deputy Speaker further urged all Gambians to allow themselves to be guided by truth, fairness, and a profound sense of collective responsibility. He called on citizens to reject any attempts to sow division along ethnic, political, or regional lines, stressing the importance of national cohesion and emphasizing that such divisions threaten the very fabric of the nation. He reiterated that the pursuit of truth and fairness should be critical in public discourse.
Background of the Meeting
Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie asserted that the meeting which produced the controversial recording was a product of "goodwill and mutual respect," rather than political animosity. He clarified that the discussion was not born out of hostility but rather a genuine effort to address a concern. The discussion centered on concerns surrounding Mr. Omar P. Jallow's redeployment from his assignment at the Office of the Vice President. Njie noted he had traveled over three hundred kilometres to attend a community event in Sarre Gainako, where the meeting took place, showing his commitment to engaging with community issues. This significant travel distance noted the importance he placed on the event and the subsequent discussion. Following the discussion, Njie appealed to the Director General of GRTS and the Director of Administration/Human Resources not to terminate Omar P. Jallow's employment, receiving a positive response to his intervention. This intervention demonstrated his efforts to assist Mr. Jallow, further supporting his claim that the meeting was driven by goodwill.
