Ismaila Fadera, President of the UDP Student Wing.
By Fatou Sillah
The president of the United Democratic Party’s Student Wing, Ismaila Fadera, has condemned Dr. Ismaila Ceesay’s attempt to justify the President’s recent speech as merely “political remarks.”
“It is deeply concerning to witness Dr. Ceesay, our Information Minister, dismiss every vulgar utterance of the President as mere “political remarks.” This defence not only undermines the severity of the President’s inappropriate language but also reflects a troubling inconsistency in our leadership. It is the same Dr. Ceesay who once criticised President Barrow, calling him “clueless,” provoking such agitation in Barrow that he reacted irrationally, referring to Dr. Ceesay dismissively.
“To brush off the President’s insults as “political remarks” is to tacitly endorse a dangerous precedent. When the highest office in the land is allowed to operate chaotically and with impunity, it sets a precedent for all to follow. Dr. Ceesay’s defence of the President only makes the work of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) more challenging. While the IGP strives to maintain civil discourse and order, his efforts are thwarted by a President whose behaviour is anything but civil. The IGP’s strong appeals for respectful communication are rendered ineffective in the face of such a poor example from our leader,” he said.
Ismaila Fadera went on to say that when the state leaders fail to uphold the standards of respect and dignity, it becomes impossible to expect the same from the citizens.
“Leadership begins at the top. A chaotic and foolish president leads to a chaotic and foolish nation. When our leaders fail to uphold the standards of respect and dignity, it becomes impossible to expect the same from the citizenry. For the good of our nation, we must demand better from those who hold power. We must hold them accountable and insist on a leadership that is both respectable and respectful.
“Only then can we hope to create a society where decency and integrity prevail.May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold these values and may His infinite blessings be upon Ba Ousainu Darboe and all who work tirelessly for the betterment of our beloved country,” he said.