Shun attempts of distracting government - Barrow tells Gambians
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - President Adama Barrow of the Gambia has advised his compatriots to shun any attempt geared towards distracting his government saying: ‘‘My focus is on the ongoing reforms agenda,’’ the presidency revealed Monday.
A statement from Barrow’s office at the State House in Banjul, obtained by PANA, disclosed that the Gambian leader made the advice while meeting a delegation from Lower Badibou rural district which visited the presidency.
The visit came as Gambians are divided on the issue of whether President Barrow should serve three years in office, which comes to an end in December 2019 as he had promised during his election campaign in 2016.
A non-partisan group calling itself “Three years ‘jot na’’ meaning "Three years is up" has advised President Barrow to keep his election promise and leave office in December or face protests, or some sort of civilian disobedience from the group’s members.
Another section of Gambians want Barrow to continue till December 2021 when Gambia’s constitutional mandate of five years comes to an end.
Meanwhile, during the meeting held at the weekend, Barrow reiterated his call for Gambians to remain steadfast on the task of nation-building and shun any attempts to distract the country from the ongoing reform programmes.
‘’There is so much more we can achieve as a country than get distracted by petty politics’’, President Barrow said, stressing that the time for politics is not now.
‘’We are at work. The five-year mandate that Gambians have tasked my government is incomplete: the Constitutional Review Commission is still underway and the drafting shall be followed by a referendum’’.
He also cited the all-important truth-seeking work of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, among other transitional programmes.
President Barrow expressed gratitude to the people of Lower Badibou for standing by his side from day one. ‘‘Your visit here confirms my belief that you have always been unwavering in your support for my government’’, he stated.
The delegation was there to renew support for the Government’s development agenda.
The National Assembly Member for Lower Badibou, Alagie Jawara, who led the delegation to the presidency, reiterated the position of the President that the country should focus on the work at hand.
He said Gambians are thankful for having a president who upholds the dignity of everyone and respects and guarantees freedom of speech and the humanity of all.
He described the people of Lower Badibou as “a community that has undying love and loyalty to your government.’’
-0- PANA MLJ/AR 14Oct2019
