Seedy Njie, Deputy Spokesperson of NPP
By Buba Gagigo
The National People’s Party (NPP) has clarified that President Adama Barrow’s recent comments in Brikama were misconstrued, asserting that the President did not intend any harm towards UDP leader ANM Darboe.
The NPP asserts that President Barrow has never wished for Mr. Darboe’s death, contrary to the numerous interpretations of his statements made during the meeting in Brikama.
“First, it is important to understand the context in which the comments were made. At the event in Brikama, President Barrow addressed Mr. Darboe’s statements from a previous political rally in Brikama. Mr. Darboe claimed that the land allocated to President Barrow in Fajara by the government belongs to the judiciary and the official residence of the Chief Justice. He also mentioned plans to set up a commission of inquiry to forfeit President Barrow’s retirement home,” NPP said in a statement signed by Seedy S.K. Njie, Deputy Spokesman of NPP.
The NPP stated that in his reply to the UDP leader, President Barrow challenged Mr. Darboe to produce legal documents that would confirm the land in question belongs to the Chief Justice.
“The President stated he would return the land if such proof is provided. He also pointed out that Mr. Darboe, his wife, and child were all given land by the government, highlighting that Mr. Darboe’s wife and child received their land around the time he was dismissed from the government.” NPP said.
The NPP further clarified that President Barrow’s comments were made to address Mr. Darboe’s threat to reclaim the land legally allocated to the President.
“The President expressed his determination to prevent Mr. Darboe from becoming president to avoid such an adverse event. The NPP Secretary-General and Party Leader used a common adage to emphasize this point, stating in Wolof, “dinga dey nyu sull la wai do giss lolu,” and in Mandinka, “Ebaay faala baari etaay wo jayla.” These phrases are commonly used across tribes in The Gambia and do not signify harm or threat, but rather a challenge to a negative intention,” they said.
The NPP condemned the interpretation of the President’s remarks as a wish for Mr. Darboe’s death as a gross misrepresentation of the President’s intentions.
“Therefore, the interpretation of the President’s comments to mean a death wish for the UDP Leader is extremely outrageous, outlandish, and a deliberate misrepresentation of the spirit in which the comments were made. We understand that politics can lead to the creation of fiction to advance interests and causes. The UDP seeks power and would employ every tactic to achieve it, but we trust that Gambians are wise enough to see through such gimmicks,” they said.
The NPP affirmed that President Barrow values the contributions of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, including Mr. ANM Darboe.
“His Excellency wishes Mr. Darboe and all Gambians good health, long life, and happiness, so everyone can witness the realization of his government’s massive development agenda for democracy, human rights, rule of law, justice, and development. The NPP Leader desires the best for every Gambian, regardless of political or religious differences. President Adama Barrow reassures all Gambians and residents of The Gambia of their safety and protection at all times,” they concluded.