By Staff Writer Ousman Sarr, Banjul.
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Graphic details are emerging regarding the Gam-Petroleum deal, which was recently uncovered by the Freedom Newspaper. Spectrum Group Gambia, under the leadership of Muhammed Bashi and President Yahya Jammeh had received millions of dollars worth of oil gift from Iran. Like other African Nations, benefiting from Iranian oil gift, The Gambian Government too had been receiving oil gift from Iran. Democratic nations like Senegal, usually report financial or material assistance they received from Iran and other Arab countries. But in the case of the Gambia, the authorities are not transparent, when it comes to matters relating to big projects like this one. The Gambian authorities hired foreign Nationals to run dirty errands for them. Companies like Spectrum Group, which have ties with former blood diamond dealers, had volunteered to be used for such money laundering schemes. Funds derived from the said oil gifts run into the pockets of corrupt Government officials, most importantly the President. These funds could have been used to advance the nation’s ailing economy, but these shameless souls are only concerned about their wellbeing and nothing else.
Gam-petroleum is operating in the name of The Gambian Government, but in reality is owned by Bashi and Jammeh. Crude oil gifts extended to the impoverished tiny West African country, is usually hijacked by the said oil firm. Very few Gambians are privy to the said oil firm situated in Mandinering, a local village, very close to Kombo Lamin. A lot of underhand shady business activities had been taking place at Gam-petroleum.
When the deal was first reached back in 2006, President Jammeh had in mind to award the contract to Amadou Samba, a leading entrepreneur, cum Lawyer. Samba’s troubles with the President started when Muhammed Bashi of Spectrum Group wanted to take the Gam-Petroleum Construction contract from him. It took Bashi less than 24 hours to get Samba fired. Samba was replaced by a Lebanese construction contractor.
Amadou Samba’s attempt to mobilize some Banjul elders to apologize on his behalf to the President felt into deaf ears. The Gambian leader who is easily corruptible had already given his word to Bashi that Samba’s contract would be terminated. Each time a contract is singed, Jammeh receives kickbacks. Bashi uses the dirty money he derived from war ravaged Sierra Leone to corrupt Yahya Jammeh. It is on record that Bashi was deported from Sierra Leone due to some political reasons. Bashi has been banned from entering Sierra Leone. Bashi is yet to clear himself from allegations of circulating conflict diamonds. He was not on the United Nations list of indicted officials and private citizens, but what is clear is that Muhammed Bashi’s image has been tainted in Sierra Leone. Neither the Government nor the Civil Society want to associate themselves with Bashi.
Just about two weeks ago, Bashi lodged a complaint with the police that his life was threatened. He felt out with one of his foremen at the Mandinering Gam-Petroleum site. This contractor was an ex army officer in Lebanon. Bashi told the police that the said contractor was poised to take his life. As such, the police launched a man hunt for the said contractor. Out of fear for his life and personal safety, the contractor absconded leaving his local workers behind. Some of these workers are still not paid.
The absconded contractor was at some point interviewed by the police regarding his past military career. He was also asked if he was in possession of guns. He was also asked if he had any beef with Bashi. The said contractor replaces Amadou Samba when he was fired by the President. Bashi had lied that the contractor wanted to kill him. The state responded by providing him with 24 hours security. Members of the Police Intervention Unit are guarding him at this hour. Mr.Bashi and President Jammeh might be wondering how we were able to gather all these information. Our sources are right before your eyes.
Remember that there are patriotic citizens serving you. They hate every aspect of Jammeh and the APRC. They are serving you for a purpose. Don’t make the mistake to arrest Amadou Samba. Samba have nothing to do with this story. He will explain his side of the story to The Gambian public later. Samba felt betrayed, rejected and disowned by the very government he helped to milk our resources.
Mr.Samba is a legal mind. He has documented a lot of information about the Gam-Petroleum deal. His lawyer has even advised him to file breach of contract action against the Government. The proposed suit, would sought for relief on the possible compensation for the loss of earnings he suffered during the period in questions. Samba’s contract was prematurely terminated without cause.
The international Community must closely watch the business activities of Spectrum Group and its Chief Executive officer Muhammed Bashi. Bashi is using the said company, as a front to bring Hezbollah fighters into the Gambia. They are given key positions. Hezbollah has been known for its wild terror activities in the middle east. They are capable of re-grouping in The Gambia and wage an attack against Western countries. Western countries must tighten the security of their Missions in The Gambia. To avoid what had happened in Kenya few years ago, no chances should be taken in The Gambia. Terrorist supporters are currently in The Gambia. The President is giving them red carpet reception. He receives few couple of dollars from these groups. His anti Western statements clearly tells it all. Jammeh hates the West.
These terror network groups used countries like Iran, Iraq and other Arab countries to secure funds. They engaged in the sale of crude oil, blood diamonds and marijuana. Funds derived from such sales are usually used to fan terror activities overseas. This is why the West should closely monitor President Jammeh and Hezbollah’s recent move to use the Gambia as a save heaven. They walk freely in the streets of Banjul. The President calls them “Our Muslim brothers in the struggle.” They run errands for him.
What President Jammeh fails to realize is that Muhammed Bashi is too smart for him. Bashi can sell him over night and leave. Jammeh is endangering the lives of Gambians and non Gambians alike by welcoming Hezbollah into the Gambia. These former fighters can strike at any time.
Imagine Bashi trying to get his own comrade arrested. This contractor spent days running for his life. There was a wild goose chase launched by the Gambian security forces to get the contractor arrested. This contractor is being urged to speak out and expose the dictatorship. He should tell us about Hezbollah’s presence in The Gambia and Bashi/Jammeh Gam-petroleum deal. The world is patiently awaiting to hear from you.
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