By Buba Gagigo
President Adama Barrow has sharply criticized opposition mayors, chairpersons, National Assembly members, and councillors, calling them ineffective and accusing them of undermining The Gambia’s progress. He claimed their main objective is to see the country fail under his leadership, which they would use to further their own political gain.
“Take a look at the opposition leaders you elected as National Assembly Members, Mayors, Chairpersons, and Councillors—what purpose do they serve for you? None. They contribute nothing of value. While we are working to pull in one direction, they are pulling in another. Their sole intention is to see The Gambia fail so they can claim that President Barrow has failed. That’s their strategy for winning votes.” President Barrow stated.
Barrow attributed the electoral losses of his National People’s Party (NPP) to internal divisions among party members, particularly in areas like Banjul. He noted that despite winning the majority of councillor positions in Banjul, disagreements within the party led to the loss of the mayoral election.
“But the root of this issue lies in our internal disagreements. For instance, we won seven out of nine councillor seats in Banjul, so how did we lose the mayoral election? It’s all due to the divisions within us.” President Barrow stated.
President Barrow reassured new members of the National People’s Party (NPP) that they would not regret their decision to join but urged party supporters to unite and put an end to internal conflicts over leadership positions.
“If we stop fighting over positions, our party will become united. When that happens, even after my time as President, the party will continue to thrive. My successors in the party will carry on, and their grandchildren will take over in the future. That’s how South Africa’s ANC has sustained itself, and we can achieve the same. But the key to this success is unity—ending the fights and disagreements. Every political group must have a leader. Right now, Ousman Wadda is the leader in Banjul. Everyone should rally behind him and support him.
“If you support him, Banjul will receive all it needs. But if you don’t, the progress you desire will not come. The results of the National Assembly election were a clear example. Disagreements within the party affected the outcome. When I stood as a candidate, I won in all the polling stations in Banjul. Why didn’t that momentum continue? It’s because of internal conflicts. It shouldn’t stop with President Barrow. For me to succeed, I need National Assembly members, mayors, and councillors,” he emphasized.
President Barrow urged supporters of the National People’s Party (NPP) to warmly embrace those who have recently joined the party. Notable among the new members is Isatou Njie, formerly of Team Rohey Malick Lowe and RAFELA’s National Coordinator in The Gambia. She announced her allegiance to the NPP during the opening of the party’s bureau in Banjul.
“If you don’t welcome them with open arms, they may return to their previous positions, and I don’t want anyone to feel unwelcome,” President Barrow emphasized. “I have known Isatou Njie for a long time, since as far back as 1985 or 1986. Our relationship was never about politics; even when she was on the other side, it was always perfect,” he added.
President Adama Barrow, responding to remarks by Essa Faal about his “big belly” and allegations of entering politics for personal gain, dismissed the comments and questioned Faal’s claims of wealth.
“I recently heard a politician say we have big bellies, implying we joined politics for positions and money. But aren’t we all Gambians? When did it get so dark that we can’t recognize each other anymore? What has that politician contributed here? What does he own? If he claims to be wealthy but is employed and paid by others, is he truly rich?
“Back in the day, we all agreed Basiru Jawara was rich, but did you ever hear him boast about it or see him working under anyone? Let’s stop misleading people. That’s the game some want to play, but they can’t fool us. I’ve been here, started my business here, and worked here. If they say we’re after positions or food, I’ll leave that for the people to judge,” President Barrow stated.