Ahmad Gitteh, a prominent member of the National People’s Party
By Fatou Sillah
Ahmad Gitteh, a prominent member of the National People’s Party (NPP), has come to the defense of President Adama Barrow following his recent remarks about the conduct of civil servants. Gitteh described the President’s comments as both politically and religiously significant, urging the public to view them in a positive light, regardless of political affiliation.
In an audio message, Gitteh emphasized that civil servants are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the Gambian people and all residents of the country. According to him, President Barrow’s call for accountability and diligence should be applauded.
“When you are given a position in government you sign a TOR and in Islam, when it comes to work you should fulfill your promise, failing to fulfill a promise is not good so when President Barrow advises civil servants on this, is something that should be applauded whether you support Barrow or not,” He Said:
He criticized civil servants who report to work late, describing such behavior as dishonest and un-Islamic. He added that those who consistently fulfill their responsibilities should not feel targeted by the President’s remarks.
“There are some government workers that don’t do their job right, in the aspect of Islam we should all be happy with President Barrow’s speech. Because if you are supposed to go to work at 8 am but refuse to go until 10 am, you are cheating. When the president says that, you that is going on time should not be upset with that because if you are not doing it there are others that are doing it. If you are not guilty why would it be a problem? People refuse to work so that the president’s name will be tarnished,” He Said.
Gitteh further argued that civil servants who deliberately underperform in an attempt to discredit President Barrow are sabotaging not only the government but also the country.
“Just to make people angry with President Barrow and NPP so that we will not win. They accuse us of corruption yes we are the ruling party and I’m not trying to absolve ourselves from responsibility, corruption is everybody’s responsibility that is true but we have seen them mentioning people some of them are not NPP,” He Said.
Addressing the issue of corruption, Gitteh admitted that it is a national concern and not exclusive to any single party.
“Gambians are doing corruption and their families are helping them. If they say someone is corrupt, when President Barrow touched that person even if that person is NPP his family will say he is UDP, or GDC that is why they fire him, they will accuse him of politically motivated action,” He Said.
Gitteh called on NPP members and all civil servants to set a good example by reporting to work on time and avoiding corruption, nepotism, and actions that could tarnish the image of President Barrow and his administration.
He also praised President Barrow’s decision to allocate salaries to the Imam Ratib of Banjul and leaders of the Christian Council, describing it as a step towards national unity and religious harmony.