Siffoe Alkalo Refuses To Bless Opposition-member VDC Executive

The Alkalo of Siffoe village flatly refused to recognise the unanimously endorsed interim executive of the Village Development Committee (VDC) that he alleged to have some opposition elements, The Daily News reveals. 
The Interim executive chaired is by Mr Kawsu Darboe who temporarily took over the leadership of Village Development Committee after the sacking of the former executive for allegedly embezzling village funds.
Other executive members include: Mba-Dibba Bojang, vice chairperson, Margret Gomez, secretary, Ebrima Tabally, assistant secretary, Samuel Sambou, treasurer, Seyfoo Demba, assistant treasurer, Bakary Jassey, auditor and Victor Sambou, assistant auditor.
But Alhagie Malanding Demba, the Alkalo, said he could not work with the interim executive because it comprises some opposition supporters, our sources said.   
The controversy began when the interim executive requested the former executive to handover all VDC files under their control.
“We shall be pleased if you will kindly and sincerely do so without hesitation,” the interim executive demanded in a letter sent to the former executive.
Alkalo Demba, in response to the VDC interim executive committee’s request said, as the sole representative of the president in the village, he finds it unconstitutional and outside his mandate to work with the committee that has opposition supporters.
“I want to bring to your notice that the Local Government Act 2002 has established the VDCs as entry points for all development activities at village level and it is aimed at decentralizing power within the Local Government structures.”
In this regard, he said, the interim Committee has some opposition members who are known to oppose every aspect of the ruling APRC Regime.
“Key among these is you, the chairman and some four other people who are definitely opposition members,” Alkalo Demba said.
“This is also the view of both the District Chief and the National Assembly Member for Kombo South. I would therefore urge you to review the set up which should at least consist of the people who support and contribute to the aspirations and development efforts put in place by the current regime,” he advised.