The opposition National Democratic Party NDP over the weekend issued a public statement expressing dismay over the alleged demotion of four fire officers who were seen on video spreading a garment in front of the car of its leader Kebba Madi Bojang and chanting his name as he drove past Kotu Fire Station in a caravan from registering his party at the IEC.
The gesture, a praise singing act common in many traditions is often responded with the handing out of a token to the chanters by the person being greeted.
Following the incident, a presidential adviser of youth affairs Lamin K Saidy condemned the officers over what he called` “misconduct” and vowed that the government will not “tolerate” such acts from serving officers.
Well, according to the NDP, that threat has been carried out and the following officers involved in the incident have been demoted and transferred: “Omar Sajo was demoted from Leading Firefighter to Third Class and transferred to Jarra Soma: Binta Jatta , from Leading Firefighter and transferred to Farafenni Fire Station; Fatou Camara demoted from Leading Firefighter to Third Class and transferred to Kanilai Fire Station and Modou Lamin Jammeh is also transferred to Bansang Fire Station”.
The Standard contacted the public relations officer of the Fire Ambulance and Rescue Services for clarification but even after a long waiting, he said he could not get comments from any his superiors who may know about the matter.
The NDP alleged that these officers are being victimised after being associated with chanting the name of Kebba Madi Bojang while he was on a caravan tour.
“The NDP does not prejudge any administrative or disciplinary process. We nevertheless insist that each of these cases be independently examined, that the affected personnel be given a fair opportunity to be heard, and that the reasons, procedures and legal authority for any demotion or transfer be made clear to the appropriate oversight institutions,” the party said.
It further charged that the principle of neutrality by public servants is being compromised and partially executed against those perceived to be siding with the opposition.
“If public servants are disciplined for alleged political expression or association, are the same standards applied consistently to all political actors and supporters?” the party asked. “Gambians have seen public officials and other personnel publicly associated with political parties, political colours, T-shirts, logos and slogans. The issue is therefore not whether the security services should remain professional and politically neutral. They must. The issue is whether neutrality is being enforced impartially and according to law,” the NDP stated.