Madobe dismisses Gedo opposition, says seeking personal interests

GOOBJOOG NEWS|KISMAYO: Jubaland government has dismissed claims by opposition groups in Gedo region that it was underrepresented while rejecting recent appointments by President Ahmed Madobe.

Interior Minister Mohamed Oogle told journalists following a cabinet meeting that Gedo region was adequately represented at the state and federal level.

“The people who spoke lied about the situation in Gedo region. Jubbaland is represented by 26 parliamentarians, 17 ministers and the first deputy governor, while at the federal government, it is represented by 16 parliamentarians and two senators,” Oogle said.

He said that those who were opposing the state government were allies of former President Mohamed Farmaajo and are pursuing personal interests.

The minister’s remarks follow an incident this past week in which an aircraft carrying the newly appointed governor was barred from landing in Gerbaharey.

Madobe appointed Abdullahi Abdi Jama as the governor of Gedo region last month. He also picked Osman Noor Haji Moalimou as deputy in charge of politics and security while Nasteh Ahmed was assigned to serve as the deputy governor of finance.

Gedo region has witnessed tensions in the last three years leading to a deadly clash between Jubaland forces and federal troops in Bulo Hawo.