Tension as APRC man rejects Essa Faal’s food aid, alleges insult

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By OUSMAN A. MARONG

Landing Badjie, a native of Lamin, Kombo North district of West Coast Region, has rejected foodstuff distributed by Essa Faal, the Lead Counsel, at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC).

He also accused Faal who was distributing foodstuff to needy families of insulting and quoted as telling him: “Who the hell are you?”

Speaking to The Monitor at his Lamin residence, Mr Badjie said Essa Faal together with a delegation came to his compound on Saturday, April 18 at around 4:00pm to 5:00pm.

He said the delegation found him sleeping when they came to distribute the foodstuff.

He added that they spoke to his wife about their food distribution to the needy families amid COVID-19.

“When I overheard Essa Faaal’s voice talking to my wife then I quickly woke up to intercept him. I told him that we do not need any support from him. He (Essa Faal) responded by telling me, “who the hell are you.” He has disrespected us and that is the least expected of him as the lead Counsel of the TRRC,” he said.

“What is the problem in telling someone that you did not need his food charity? Why should it be a problem to tell someone to leave my compound, that I do not need your food supply?” he retorted.

He said he responded to Essa Faal in the same manner, adding that they are diehard APRC supporters and are not in for anything that has nothing to do with APRC.

He denied insulting, but quickly alleged that the insult emanated from Essa Faal and delegation.

He further alleged that Faal’s entourage went straight into their vehicles and brought machetes, that he (Badjie) also rushed into his house to bring a machete suddenly a friend intervened by locking him inside the house to diffuse the tension,” he said.

He explained that he was informed that one Superintendent Suso said to be from the Interpol unit in Banjul came to his house with some police officers when he was out.

He explained that the police officers promised to come back when his brother, a military officer called them but they never returned.

“I was surprised why the police would be looking for me because I haven’t committed any crime,” he complained.

When contacted to shed light on the issue, Essa Faal has this to say: “My brother with all due respect, I don’t think this whole issue worth my comment. The man is with grief and hates everything that has nothing to do with APRC and Yahya Jammeh. Every right-thinking person knows where he is coming from.”

On his part, the Police PRO, ASP Lamin Njie said it would be difficult for him to comment at the time, saying his office is yet to receive any file regarding the matter.