By Yunus S. Saliu
President Adama Barrow has called on opposition leaders and their supporters to set aside political differences and work together for national development, arguing that resources spent on elections could instead be directed towards development projects.
President Barrow made the call on Saturday while inaugurating the EPC Lot 8 Gunjur Beach Side Road in the West Coast Region.
He appealed to opposition leaders, including United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe and former presidential candidate Essa Faal, to join what he described as a collective effort to develop the country.
“The election is over in The Gambia. The money that we would spend on elections, let us take that money and develop the country,” he said.
The President also invited other political leaders whom he said he had not yet contacted to come forward and work with his government.
“And to the people I have not called, people like Essa Faal, come and join me. Let us work together. To the others, come and join me and let us work. We are looking for only peace and to work for this country,” he said.
President Barrow also urged members of his National People’s Party (NPP) and its political alliance to remain united, citing development projects undertaken by his administration.
“And to my party and my alliance, let us come together and hold each other because we are more than them. We have done a lot of development for this country, and we love this country,” he said.
He referred to Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader Mama Kandeh’s decision to join his political camp as an example of political cooperation.
President Barrow also recalled his relationship with Mr Darboe, whom he described as his political “father”, saying he had encouraged him to join the political cooperation after Mr Kandeh’s move.
The President further highlighted what he described as his administration’s development record, saying the work undertaken over the past decade would be followed by an expanded development programme.
He also urged Gambians to consider the records of political leaders when choosing their leaders rather than being influenced solely by financial inducements or increased political visibility.
“But when you are choosing a leader, you should check his record and see what he has done,” he said.
President Barrow criticised politicians who, he said, become more visible at social events when seeking political support.
“You don’t go to naming ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and other social events, and then today you want people to give you their country,” he said.
The President also reflected on the political environment before the 2016 change of government, saying some Gambians had then been afraid to openly express themselves.
He said the political environment had since changed and urged citizens to protect their freedoms and participate in national affairs.