M Sumareh breaks silence
By DO
May 24, 2004, 12:11

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M SumarehIn his first statement since declaring his intention to run for president, business tycoon, M Sumareh has reacted to statements by Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay of the APRC claiming that he was offended by an order to vacate his Sting Corner base, hence his interest to join politics.

In a statement he handed over to this media house, Sumareh reminded FJC that the order for him to quit the place was given in December 2002, while his interview with the Daily Observer about the presidency was published in December 2003. “It has taken a full year between the two.

So this shows that FJC’s statement is poorly researched and not corroborated. Sting Corner has absolutely nothing to do with my interest to contest for president,’’ he said. Sumareh further clarified that the issue of his eviction order from Sting Corner has never been an issue. “The authorities were acting within their jurisdiction by asking me to vacate from Sting Corner. I have been a landowner for a very long period and I am fully aware of the law governing it. I have never disputed that,’’ he said. He however said that according to the law, the state has to compensate him before he could vacate the premises. “Now I am waiting for the government. I believe that the eviction undermines president Jammeh’s policies of promoting and encouraging investment and the promotion of national development especially by Gambians. And this is exactly what I have done in Sting Corner and will continue to be doing in the future,’’ Sumareh said.

Sumareh said he did not think at all that government was fighting him as he had acquired the land legally. The new politician said FJC’s assertion that he made his money under the APRC is another poorly researched statement. “If she can recall my first interview with Daily Observer, she would have realised how I got to where I am today. That credit goes to my parents. M Sumareh did not get his wealth through the support of any regime or government. I earned it the old fashioned way-through 32 years of hard work and determination,’’ he said.

Sumareh described FJC as one of those trying to cause tension between the APRC regime and him. “This shows that some people will do almost anything just to survive with a ruling party. That’s very sad.

“What she should understand is that politics should not be taken personally. Sometimes they get under your skin but it does not mean that you have to fabricate a story or respond angrily.

“All political parties in The Gambia are fighting for the same cause, which is to improve the living standard of The Gambian people,’’ he said.

Sumareh said FJC should realise that the presidency is a job, which is a five year contract. “When the contract is about to expire, every Gambian who believes he or she is qualified, has the right to seek that job and that is not a crime. So it is up to Gambians to give that job to whoever they choose. Secondly I don’t believe people should be judged by their level of education, I think they should be judged by their achievement in life. I think after all, that’s what counts,’’ he said.

When contacted last evening for her reaction, Mrs Jahumpa-Ceesay said, “I have closed my chapter with M Sumareh. I am now concentrating on the progress of the APRC.”

© Copyright 2003 by Observer Company

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