Dr. Sarja Taal & William John Joof Sacked

By Kissy Kissy Mansa State House
 
I was informed moments ago that both Dr. Saja Taal, Managing Director of the Daily Observer and William John Joof, Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Foreign Affairs are to be dismissed from their posts effective immediately.  Saja Taal is being relieved of his functions at the Daily Observer because of the re-designing of the Observer's web page 'without authorization' from the owner Yahya Jammeh who is furious about the comments page attached to the 'Cyber terrorist' editorial which has invited numerous negative and insulting comments from Gambians at home and abroad illustrating the unpopularity of Yahya Jammeh.  The newly revamped web site will be modified as soon as feasible to eliminate the comments section.  Saja's matching orders are in the process of being finalized according to State House sources. 
 
As regards William John Joof, Yahya Jammeh has been left with no option but to dismiss Willy after reports reaching Jammeh of serious criminal activities on the part of the Permanent Secretary including monies he collected from APRC supporters in Paris when he was Ambassador for the renewal of their passports, which The Gambia Echo has already reported on. These supporters have reported the matter to the Office of the President claiming that Willy Joof neither delivered their passports nor refunded their monies.  Willy has also been implicated in the Diplomatic Passport and visa scam currently involving Bala Jahumpa, Bai Ousman Secka, Batata Juwara and Tejan Bah.  Reports reaching Banjul suggest that Willy Joof, while serving as Ambassador to France had caused the French Government to refuse issuing visas to Gambia Embassy staff except immediate family members; all bona fide relative and friends are routinely denied visa because of wide spread abuse by William John Joof.  Visitors visa were issued to family members of senior Government officials and those who can shell out thousands of euros based on official applications from Willy Joof and those lucky to be issued with visa would then enter the UK or other European cities without a trace.
 
Who is Next? It is also widely rumored that our own Dr. Ajaratou Her Excellency Isatou Njie Saidy and Aja Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay will soon go..  The latter is just a matter of time because Jammeh for most of the recent surge is blaming the Jahumpas i.e. Bala and Fatoumata for Jammeh's unpopularity.   More information will be forthcoming in the days ahead.