Presidential aspirant promises to rule Gambia fairly

By Ousman A. Marong

Leader of the opposition People’s Alliance Party, who seeks to unseat President Adama Barrow in December poll, has promised to rule The Gambia honestly and fairly.

Speaking to Niumi FM exclusively, Ebrima T. Manneh said: “I don’t want to be the president just for the sake of being it. I want to be the best president. The fairest and the most honest president ever had been in this country and within my generation.”

Mr Manneh also a UK trained economist said among his ambition to rule the country is to end disparity between the so-called elites and the ordinary citizens and ensure everyone sees and benefits from the national development.

“I am willing to bring refreshing creativity, inclusiveness, and objectivity to how politics is done, and as well as the political willpower to challenge and change the faulty status quo devoid of blind party allegiance,” he added.

The 50-year-old politician continued: “I want to have the biggest impact on the lives of the people that will transform this country from a poor backward country to a middle-income country within a short period. It is doable and people have done it.”

“If you know about John Magafulu, of Tanzania, the things that he has done within a short standing power were just unimaginable. People like Nelson Mandela are exemplary leaders. I am not trying to get into the presidency just to enrich myself.

This is not about I have the biggest mansion or bank account. I am never a front to any political party and greed is not part of my personality,” he said.

Mr Manneh is a son to late popular chief of Lower Niumi Alagie Tabora Manneh.