President Adama Barrow has expressed strong disapproval of opposition mayors, chairpersons, National Assembly members, and councillors, labelling them as ineffective and accusing them of hindering The Gambia’s advancement. He asserted that their primary goal is to witness the nation falter under his guidance, which they would exploit for their own political advantage.
“Consider the opposition leaders you chose as National Assembly Members, Mayors, Chairpersons, and Councillors—what role do they fulfil for you? None. They offer no meaningful contributions. As we strive to move forward together, they seem to be heading in a different direction. Their only goal is to witness The Gambia’s downfall so they can assert that President Barrow has not succeeded. That is their approach to securing votes. President Barrow remarked.
Barrow linked the electoral defeats of his National People’s Party (NPP) to internal conflicts among party members, especially in regions such as Banjul. He observed that even though they secured most of the councillor positions in Banjul, internal conflicts within the party resulted in losing the mayoral election.
“However, the core of this problem stems from our internal conflicts. For example, we secured seven out of nine councillor seats in Banjul, so how did we end up losing the mayoral election? All of this stems from the divisions that exist within us. President Barrow remarked.
President Barrow assured the new members of the National People’s Party (NPP) that they would find their decision to join rewarding, while also calling on party supporters to come together and resolve internal disputes regarding leadership roles.
“If we cease our struggles for positions, our party will achieve unity.” When that occurs, even after my tenure as President, the party will persist in flourishing. The individuals who follow me in the party will continue the work, and in time, their grandchildren will assume leadership roles. That is the method by which South Africa’s ANC has maintained its existence, and we can accomplish a similar outcome. The essence of this success lies in unity—putting an end to conflicts and discord. Each political group requires a leader. Currently, Ousman Wadda holds the position of leader in Banjul. Everyone ought to come together and offer their support to him.
“Should you choose to support him, Banjul will obtain everything it requires.” However, without action, the progress you seek will remain out of reach. The outcome of the National Assembly election served as a definitive illustration. Internal conflicts within the party influenced the result. As a candidate, I achieved victory in every polling station across Banjul. What caused that momentum to stop? The reason lies in internal conflicts. The momentum should not end with President Barrow. He emphasised, “To achieve success, I require the support of National Assembly members, mayors, and councillors.”
President Barrow encouraged supporters of the National People’s Party (NPP) to graciously welcome those who have recently become members of the party. Among the new members, Isatou Njie stands out, having previously been part of Team Rohey Malick Lowe and serving as RAFELA’s National Coordinator in The Gambia. She declared her support for the NPP at the inauguration of the party’s bureau in Banjul.
“If they are not greeted warmly, they might go back to where they were before, and I want to ensure that no one feels out of place,” President Barrow stressed. “I have known Isatou Njie for a considerable time, dating back to 1985 or 1986. “Our relationship transcended politics; even when she stood on the opposing side, it was always flawless,” he added.
President Adama Barrow addressed Essa Faal’s remarks regarding his “big belly” and accusations of pursuing politics for personal benefit, rejecting the comments and challenging Faal’s assertions about his wealth.
“I recently heard a politician suggest that we have big bellies, implying that we entered politics for positions and money.” But aren’t we all citizens of The Gambia? When did it become so dark that we can no longer recognise one another? What contributions has that politician made in this context? What does he possess? If someone asserts that they are wealthy yet relies on employment and compensation from others, can they genuinely be considered rich?
“In the past, it was widely acknowledged that Basiru Jawara was wealthy, yet did you ever witness him bragging about it or taking orders from anyone?” It’s time to be honest with others. That’s the game some wish to engage in, but they cannot deceive us. I have established my business and dedicated my efforts in this location. “If they claim we’re pursuing positions or food, I’ll let the people decide,” President Barrow remarked.
