Bala Garba Jahumpa, Former Minister of Works
By Fatou Sillah
In a recent address to the people of The Gambia, Bala Garba Jahumpa has expressed serious concerns regarding remarks made by President Adama Barrow during a meeting in Brikama. Jahumpa’s statements underscore the gravity of the comments made by the President, who declared he would not step down until opposition leader Ousainou Darboe has passed away.
Jahumpa called for a public apology from President Barrow if these remarks were made by mistake. He emphasized that such statements are not only alarming but inappropriate for a national leader.
“People of The Gambia, where is our country heading? The recent comments made by President Barrow at a meeting in Brikama are deeply troubling. If his statement about not stepping down until Lawyer Darboe is dead was made in error, he should offer a public apology to the nation. Such remarks are not only terrifying but also inappropriate for a leader.
“In his speech, President Barrow declared that he would not leave office until Darboe was deceased, and even mentioned confirming Darboe’s death himself. Life and death are in the hands of God, and no one can predict when it will happen. It is unacceptable for the President to make such statements about waiting for someone to die before leaving power,” he said.
Jahumpa calls on everyone who is close to the president to condemn the statement made by the President.
“Friends and supporters of President Barrow, including those from the NPP, most acknowledge that these comments are profoundly inappropriate. It is unacceptable for a sitting president to say he will only step down after a specific individual’s death. Such statements are harmful and disgraceful.
“We must reflect on the state of our politics if we have reached a point where we are wishing death upon fellow citizens. This is a shameful situation for The Gambia. Politics should be about unity and bringing people together, not creating conflict or division,” he said.
Jahumpa further argued that the president should focus on unifying the country rather than creating further division, He also pointed out that it is important for the president to address pressing issues such as the high cost of living rather than making statements that could create divisions.
“It is time for everyone close to President Barrow, including ministers and advisers, to speak out and uphold the truth. The current political space should focus on respect and discipline, not on such damaging statements. Criminals are everywhere, killing people day and night. You have to be careful when you are walking; it gets to a point where they are killing our officers.
“Before the president uttered such statements, he should address the high cost of living in the Gambia. He should be focused on addressing these issues rather than saying things that will divide the country,” He Said.
Jahumpa urged President Barrow’s supporters, including members of the ruling party, to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and advocate for a more respectful and constructive political dialogue. The current political climate, he asserted, should be one of respect and discipline, avoiding harmful rhetoric and focusing on the nation’s wellbeing.