Former Information Minister and human rights activist, Dr Scattred Janneh, has been invited for questioning by Gambian police, according to reliable sources.
Photo: Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh
Revealing this to Gunjur News Online, a source who witnessed Scattred Janneh’s invitation for questioning said:
“Are you aware Dr has been called for questioning by the police regarding the removal of the waste pipe used to dispose waste into the sea in Gunjur? He has been asked to attend Gunjur Police Station tomorrow morning at 8:00am”.
The development follows an interview by the MP of Kombo South Kebba K Barrow who accused the environmental activists of trying to “sabotage the government”.
In a Facebook post, Amadou Scattred Janneh wouldn’t address the issue, but cryptically wrote:
“ Perfect time to retire and shift focus. Unhealthy climate”.
In an interview published on Tuesday, Kombo South MP Kebba K Barrow launched a scathing criticism of the removal of a waste pipe into the sea by environmentalists from Gunjur. He said of them:
“That Golden lead thing is a story that I told you they are not environmentalists because if you are professionals you cannot be damaging people’s property and you call yourself an environmentalist. That’s a closed chapter and I don’t want to discuss about it please. And I told you in my first interview which is very clear and it’s coming out. These are not environmentalists, they are just there to sabotage the government and that’s all so let them go ahead with that”.
Youth activists digging out the waste disposal pipe into the sea
In a scalding retort, Amadou Scattred Janneh questioned the performance of the MP in representing the dreams and aspirations of his people, postulating:
“What does KKB know about activism and being anti-government? Where was KKB when we cultivated mutual respect with those in government today? He needs to do a better job of representing Kombo South rather than constantly antagonising the very constituents who helped put him in office”.
Amadou Scattred Janneh is not new to activism and controversy. He was arrested in 2011 and sentenced to life in jail for printing T-shirts declaring “no to dictatorship”. He was freed following intervention by human rights activist Jesse Jackson.
While exiled in the US, he continued to organize and lead protests against former President Yaya Jammeh until his unprecedented political demise at the ballot in 2016 when he returned home.
Saudi Arabia based Gunjurian and environmental activist, Ahmed Manjang called on youths to come out in large numbers to show solidarity with Dr Janneh.
“I hereby call on entire youth population of Gunjur to turn up at Gunjur police station tomorrow morning at 8 am. Dr. Amadou Janneh is invitited to shed light on removal of illegal waste pipe GL were using to pump their toxic environmental waste into our sea. I do not have to remind you to be civil at all times because I am confident you will. Dr. Amadou Janneh demonstrated exceptional leadership last week when he joined large group of youth to removed that illegal waste pipe. We are confident Dr. Janneh will be fine but this is good opportunity for the people of Gunjur to show their appreciation for Dr. Jammeh’s remarkable community efforts.”
Dr Janneh could not be reached for comments at the time of going to press