In the interest of national direction and moral integrity, independent politician Marie Sock has urged President Adama Barrow to step down.
Sock, during a press conference in Bijilo organised by the Alliance of Social Democrats, emphasised the importance of the president’s dignified departure. He emphasised that this action would not only provide clarity to the country’s political future but also win him and his family the respect they deserve.
“On behalf of the Gambian people, I am urging His Excellency, President Barrow, to contemplate a peaceful transition in order to preserve moral integrity.” She stated that this will enable Gambians to comprehend the country’s trajectory while simultaneously guaranteeing that you and your family are treated with the dignity they deserve.
Sock underscored the Gambians’ capacity to forgive, citing the nation’s ability to transcend grievances by advocating for the return of former President Yahya Jammeh. Nevertheless, she advised Barrow to avoid interpreting this goodwill as a chance to maintain his authority.
“However, it is imperative that you refrain from exploiting the benevolence and forbearance of the Gambian people by deciding to remain in power solely because your party members urge you to do so.” Mr. President, I am profoundly disheartened. “Today, it seems that your party members are only supporting you because you are in power; they would not support you if you were not the president,” she stated.
Sock urged President Barrow to conduct a thorough examination of the communications from his party members, implying that their support is contingent upon his position in power. She contended that they would not support him after he ceased to be president.
She also asserted that the individuals who were in close proximity to the president were primarily concerned with bolstering the party rather than advancing the nation’s interests.
She contended that numerous individuals in Barrow’s inner circle were deceiving him for their own gain, comparing their conduct to vultures preying on their host.
“And they are not there for you or the people of the Gambia. At the end of the day, they will turn around and claim that Mr. President was the one who desired to remain in power for an extended period. This is a recurrence of the blaming of Sir Dawda Jawara for stealing during Jawara’s tenure, only for Gambians to realise that Jawara did not take anything.” In spite of the atrocities that he committed, the same fate befell former president Jammeh. However, today, if he were to come to justice, she encouraged us to hear his confession.
Sock emphasised that Gambians frequently refrain from accepting accountability for their actions. She cautioned that if President Barrow elects to remain in office and ultimately fails, he may come to regret his decision to heed to his party members rather than making an independent one.
She also noted that a significant number of those in the president’s vicinity were not effectively fulfilling their responsibilities, which is why they were advocating for him to remain in office. She believed that their primary concern was self-preservation, rather than national advancement. She warned that the repercussions of their inaction would ultimately be felt by Barrow and his family.
Sock reminded the president that two of his predecessors, Sir Dawda Jawara and Yahya Jammeh, were compelled into exile, citing historical precedent. She then posed a critical question: “Does President Barrow wish to endure the same fate at the conclusion of his term?”
