Advocates Petition Parliament on Allocation of Land from 2017 to 2023

Advocates at Press Conference (c) Askanwi

Three petitioners, namely Baboucarr Nyang, Omar Camara and Madi Jobarteh submitted a petition to the National Assembly on 11th September 2024 which is reproduced below.

PETITION ON ALLOCATION OF STATE LANDS TO STATE AND NON-STATE OFFICIALS, INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND BUSINESSES BETWEEN 19 JANUARY 2017 TO 31 DECEMBER 2023

1.      Pursuant to sections 123 to 126 of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly (as revised), we, Mr. Madi Jobarteh, Omar Camara and Baboucarr Nyang submit this petition.

TITLE, PURPOSE, and SCOPE OF THE PETITION

2.      The title of the petition is, ‘Allocation of State lands to State and Non-State Officials, Individuals, Organizations and Businesses between 19 January 2017 to 31 December 2023.’

3.      The purpose of the petition is to enquire into the allocation of State lands to public officials, individuals, state and non-state institutions, organizations, and businesses to ensure that these allocations were done in line with the 1997 Constitution, the State Lands Act,1991, Land Acquisition and Compensation Act, 1991 and all relevant laws and free from undue influence, bribery, exploitation of official privilege, or any inappropriate means. The petition equally seeks to ensure that due process and the rule of law were strictly followed and that the allocations were legal and legitimate. The petition seeks to ensure accountability in the allocation of all State lands.

4.      This petition arises out of public concerns on allegations of impropriety, unfairness, and inappropriate and illegal allocation of State land by the Executive. The Petitioners believe the petition relates to a matter of public concern and interest and is within the National Assembly’s supervisory powers to ensure accountability in all State institutions, particularly in the functioning of the Executive.

5.      This petition specifically refers to the following officials:

1.      The President

2.      The Vice President

3.      Cabinet Ministers

4.      National Assembly Members

5.      Senior officials in ministries, departments and agencies

6.      Judicial officers

7.      Private companies and Businesspersons

8.      Private citizens/individuals

9.      State institutions

10.  Non-state institutions or organizations

PRAYERS

6.      This petition seeks the following prayers:

(a)   For the identification of all beneficiaries of State lands allocations as per the terms of this petition by indicating:

i.        The names of the respective beneficiaries,

ii.      The size of the piece of land allocated to each beneficiary,

iii.    The physical state of the piece of land allocated,

iv.    The location of the piece of land allocated,

v.      The dates of both the application and allocation of the piece of land.

(b)   Determine whether the allocations met the due process without any element of undue influence, bribery, or any inappropriate official conduct.

(c)   Determine whether the beneficiaries met the full eligibility requirements as set out in the State Lands Act, 1991, and other relevant legislations.

(d)   Determine whether allocations to non-state individuals, organizations, and businesses followed due process and met the legal requirements in full without any undue influence, or inappropriate official conduct.

(e)   Determine cases of misapplication of the law or incidence of undue influence and bribery leading to the allocation of State lands to a beneficiary. 

(f)    Determine whether legal and ethical standards and justifications were met or not in the allocation of State lands to beneficiaries.

 Respectfully submitted for your kind consideration, in the Service of the Nation,

Submitted:                             11th September 2024  

Advocates at Press Conference (c) Askanwi