Western Region Governor Warns Villagers

In what could be viewed as his strongest address since assuming office, Mr. Lamin Sanneh, the Governor of Western Region, has warned that no person, group or whatever will be allowed to jeopardise the peace within his region by not accepting decisions taken by the authorities.

Governor Sanneh’s comments came in the wake of a long-standing perplexity as to who is the current Alkalo of Gunjur in Kombo South, Western Region. This follows the removal of Alkalo Sabaki Touray on reported health grounds and the subsequent appointment of Alkalo Sulayman Touray.

Addressing thousands of people at the official inauguration of the new Alkalo of Gunjur Sulayman on Friday, Governor Sanneh said anyone who do not recognise the appointment of the new Alkalo will face the full force of the law.

“The community needs peace, understanding and unity in order to develop. No person, group or whatever will be allowed to jeopardise the peace that we continue to enjoy,” he warned.

According to Governor Sanneh, the Village Development Committee must put their house in order or else it will be destroyed as stated in the Local Government Act. He called on the youths to join hands together for the development rather than to oppose each other, which he added, will bring them nothing but hatred and backwardness.

Governor Sanneh’s variegated address did not spare the seemingly numerous and unending land disputes in his region, saying that anybody caught in what he described as an unscrupulous act will be dealt with accordingly.

He further went on to caution tax evaders to pay their taxes, sighting as an example, the new settlers within the Western Region.

Also speaking on the occasion, Hon. Ismaila Sambou, Secretary of State for Local Government, lands and Religious affairs, called on the youths to rally behind the elders for the development of not only the village but also the village.

According to Secy. Sambou, without the blessings of the elders, everything that one, especially youths, achieves in his life is meaningless. “I was aware that there was some bitter arguments between the youths and the elders of this village, but enough is enough now,” he said. In conclusion he stated that for the village to progress, they should all rally behind the new Alkalo and the current Village Development Committee.