A News Release from the Office of The President noted that ministers of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Energy, Transportation, Works and Infrastructure, have been relieved of their positions with immediate effect without explanation.
The release further stated that the minister of Health, Social Welfare and National Assembly Matters, Bala Garba Jahumpa has been redeployed to the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Infrastructure. The cabinet reshuffle came barely three days after the President was angrily seen lashing at the European Union, the United States and Western governments uttering unorthodox insults towards Gambia’s strongest partners (see Video link). It was shocking to see and hear the President use the F-word towards international partners he needs the most. He was visibly agitated and restless leaving many people speculating that he will divert his anger towards some of his associates as he does every time he is confronted with real issues that needs to be addressed maturely. The victims therefore are none other than his cabinet ministers who have sacrificed so much to cover his tracks even in the most difficult of circumstances. Below is the too familiar press release from the State House without further explanation..
It Reads….
The general public is hereby informed that His Excellency the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J Jammeh, acting under the Provisions of Sections 71 (4 ) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has decided to relieve Mrs. Teneng Mba Jaiteh, minister of Energy, Mr. Francis Liti Mboge, minister of Transportation, Works and Infrastructure and Dr. Mamadou Tangara, minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology of their Cabinet appointments as ministers with immediate effect. Dr. Mamadou Tangara will be redeployed to the Foreign Service.
In the same vein, His Excellency the president acting under the provisions of Sections 71 (1) and 71 (3) respectively, of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia has redeployed Hon Bala Garba Jahumpa to the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Infrastructure as minister, and appointed Mr. Omar Sey as Minister of Health, Social Welfare and National Assembly Matters with immediate effect from 12th August 2013.
The portfolio of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Ministry of Energy are now under the purview of the Office of the President the release ends.
This paper have maintained that something serious is wrong with President Jammeh as every time he confronted with serious governing issues he will divert attention by unleashing his anger towards others. He has getting rid of all his closest allies with the same irrational behavior. Evidence of his irrational decision can be seen in the recycling of the capable Momodou Tangara who naturally fits the foreign affairs portfolio but Jammeh keep appointing him and removing from this portfolio without explanation. This paper believes that it is only a matter of time before President Jammeh completes loses his mind and do something dangerous to the country or people near him. It is a genuine concern how he behaves day in and day out.