Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Sheriffo Sonko, the former Chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC), on Tuesday appeared before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, where he admitted to serious lapses in oversight and accountability during his tenure from May 2018 to May 2023.

The Commission, tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the financial and administrative operations of local government councils between May 2018 and January 2023, is probing widespread irregularities across the country in a bid to improve transparency and governance.

Sonko’s written statement, dated 9 September 2024, was admitted into evidence. In his testimony, he disclosed that the Council comprised 28 elected councillors, to which he appointed nine more.

He said the Council had hired lawyers to assist in tax recovery, a matter discussed by the Contracts Committee—whose minutes the Commission has now requested.

While Sonko claimed to have overseen the Council’s administration, he acknowledged being sidelined on key financial decisions.

“Most of the spending was not discussed with me,” Sonko told Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez, explaining that financial matters were handled by the CEO and finance director, despite legal requirements mandating oversight.

“There was no formal expenditure threshold,” he said, admitting he was aware of the legal obligation but continued to operate under pre-existing practices. “My interest was for the council to deliver to expectation,” he added.

However, Lead Counsel Gomez contested that the BAC failed to meet expectations, particularly regarding procurement and financial accountability.

Citing a 2022 internal audit report, Gomez pointed to numerous financial violations, including payments made without adherence to procurement rules, double fueling of vehicles, unsupported payments, and cash transactions without receipts.

Asked how he responded to such findings, Sonko said, “I cannot remember doing anything.”

He attempted to blame political instability, citing a year-long boycott by Councillors after his 2020 expulsion from the United Democratic Party (UDP). The Councillors, who challenged the legitimacy of his position, only resumed meetings after a 2021 court ruling in his favor.

But Counsel Gomez dismissed the excuse, stating that the procurement irregularities predated and extended beyond the period of the boycott.

“You are using the conflict as a cover for your oversight failures,” he said, accusing Sonko of negligence. Sonko repeated that he was “distracted,” to which Gomez responded, “Millions of dalasis were mismanaged under your watch.”

On staff salary increases, Sonko said they were sanctioned by the Ministry of Lands and Regional Government and aligned with a 30% national pay raise. The Commission has asked for documentation verifying these approvals.

Sonko further admitted that the BAC took interest-free loans from Jah Oil—D2 million in 2019 and D2.5 million in 2022—without the knowledge or approval of the full council. He signed the 2019 agreement, while the CEO signed the 2022 one. He defended the move on the grounds that the loans carried no interest.

He also confirmed the council took a D7 million loan from Eco Bank, claiming it had ministry approval and was discussed at the council level. However, he could not explain its purpose beyond stating that the CEO said it was for a fixed deposit.

On the use of geology funds—royalties totalling D33,713,176.01 received between May 2020 and June 2023 for mining activities—Sonko said a finance committee was formed to oversee their use for community development. But under questioning, he admitted the funds were used instead to cover negative bank balances.

“I should have asked, but I did not ask,” he conceded. When asked whether funds meant for communities had been diverted, Sonko responded, “Yes, yes.”

The Commission revealed that only about D3 million of the funds reached communities: D2 million to Gunjur Ward, D1.6 million to Kartong Ward, and D767,300 to Pirang Ward—leaving more than D29 million unaccounted for.

Sonko said he had no knowledge of how the funds were spent and only became aware of the issue during the commission hearings.

Chairperson Jainaba Bah pressed Sonko on why he failed to take an active interest in the council’s finances, including loans and overdrafts.

“You should have been interested in trying to understand why the loans and overdrafts and where the council funds go,” she said.

Sonko responded, “The system that I met at the BAC was very difficult to deal with,” claiming persistent poor planning and systemic dysfunction.

The Commission has directed Sonko to submit documentary evidence, including the Contracts Committee minutes, loan agreements, and salary approval letters.