Late Sambou Dibba’s Family Clarify

By Fabakary B. Ceesay

The family of late Alhagie Sambou Dibba, who met his untimely death during the presidents’ unexpected visit to the hotel industry, on Tuesday, 4 March, has described the late man as a staunch supporter of President Jammeh and a devout Muslim who would never harm any body.

In an interview with this reporter on Friday, 7 March, Alhagie Sidi Dibba, a brother to the deceased, said they got the information of Sambou’s death through his co-workers. Mr. Dibba explained that they were told by his co-workers that on that unfortunate day, it was the deceased who led the prayers at the Mosque and continued to read the Holy Quran before the arrival of the President. Mr. Dibba indicated that they were also told that it was the deceased who mobilized people to clean and prepare the environment before the arrival of the president. Mr. Dibba added that they were made to understand that it was Sambou who requested for soft drinks to be provided as a gesture of goodwill to the president; that it was Sambou who also mobilized people to provide tree branches as flags to welcome the president. Mr. Dibba stated that they were told that Sambou died on the spot where he collapsed. He added that Sambou could be spotted in the television jubilating the arrival of the president.

On whether Sambou was afflicted with any illness that might cause his sudden death, Mr. Dibba said Sambou used to complain of chest pain and chest congestion; but that he was never hospitalized for the complaints. Mr. Dibba indicated that no post-mortem was conducted on the body to confirm the cause of the death; that the doctors attempted to do so but was objected to by the family. He noted that they believe that it is the will of God that Sambou must die in that way and on the day which coincides with the president’s visits to his work place.

Mr. Dibba noted that his brother was not an enemy of President Jammeh but a supporter. He said that their entire family supports Jammeh and the APRC. He added that Sambou is known for defending Jammehs’ deeds. He also said that Sambou was fond of adjusting himself any time he stands up, noting that it is very common of him. Mr. Dibba explained that their father, the later Alkalo of Farafenni, was the first person to name a son after President Jammeh. He added that their mother always believes that President Jammeh is her son, as she is also from the Jammeh family clan. He asserted that at one point, their mother insisted on visiting President Jammeh at Kanilai; that it was him (Sidi) who escorted her to meet Jammeh with the assistance of Major Kalipha Bajinka, the former ADC to Jammeh.

Mr. Sidi Dibba further explained that it was the intention of the family to take the body to Farafenni for burial but that the Bundung Mosque Committee insisted that he should be laid to rest at Bundung, which, he said, was due to the respect he commands within the committee. Mr. Dibba said that an obituary was extended to the president but up to Friday 7 March they are yet to receive any condolence from him.

The late Sambou Dibba was 60 years of age and a native of Farafenni. He was a professional driver at Bungalow Beach Hotel Tourist Car Park garage. He is survived by two wives and more than 15 children.