Honourable Ousainu Darboe, the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) Secretary-General and leader, has urged President Adama Barrow to make clear who owns a piece of land on South Atlantic Road in Fajara.

The Chief Justice’s official mansion is currently being built on, according to Mr. Darboe, who made this announcement during a press conference at the UDP Manjai bureau. The building is ostensibly for private use. He stressed that this land ought to be reserved for the Chief Justice and not be distributed by the commercial sector.

President Barrow should verify that the land is owned by the government, Mr. Darboe pleaded. He was worried that the President might have gotten the property, which would be improper considering its official usage.
“However, Mr. President, I am aware that, The Chief Justice does, in fact, have an official residence on a property on South Atlantic Road. Yes, Mr. President, I am aware that I paid Chief Justice Ayala a visit during his time here. However, we would like to know the current owner of that property. Since that is federal property and not a layout, we ask that you disclose everything completely and honestly. Additionally, such land ought to be set aside for the Chief Justice’s official dwelling. It belongs to the government. It has been communicated to us, Mr. President, that the property has been assigned to you. Please clarify. That is not proper, since that cannot be,” Darbo said.

Mr. Darboe also issued a warning against the President’s friends or allies becoming involved in any construction on the land. He said he had no proof, but he asked President Barrow to handle these issues in an honest and open manner.
“That is government property intended for the Chief Justice’s official house. However, you now have the responsibility to clear the air since, in order to combat corruption, you yourself must refrain from engaging in dubious activities. Mr. President, I begged that you please clear the air. Furthermore, I’ve been informed that the house being built on that land is actually being built by one of your pals, a businessman, albeit I have no proof of this. These are items that you must clear for us, Mr. President,” he continued.
Mr. Darboe emphasised the significance of openness around the Chief Justice’s official dwelling while clarifying that he is not accusing the President of ordering the Ministry of Lands to assign the property to himself.