By Binta Jaiteh
Hon. Sulayman Saho, National Assembly Member for Central Badibou has challenged Gambian politicians to uphold the truth and be responsible during public discourse.
Hon. Saho who is also the National Organizing Secretary of the United Democratic Party (UDP) was speaking in reaction to recent statements made by Hon. Sankung Dampha, the National Assembly Member for Illiasa.
He said Hon. Dampha’s statements were “misleading and disappointing.”
According to Hon. Saho Badibou has never been a monolithic political constituency, noting that its sons and daughters have played significant roles in shaping The Gambia’s political history since independence.
Saho recalled that Sheriff Mustapha, whom he described as a son of Badibou, participated in the 1963 Constitutional Conference in London and later served in the first cabinet of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
Although Sheriff Mustapha later formed the National Convention Party (NCP), Saho said his contribution remained part of Badibou’s political legacy.
He also cited Kalilu Singhateh, Kebba Singhateh, Lamin Nafa Saho, Kebba Jammeh and former Vice-President Saikou Sabally as among prominent Badibukas who supported President Dawda Jawara and the PPP.
“This history clearly shows that Badibukas have embraced both government and opposition at different times, exercising their democratic right to political choice,” Saho said.
He recalled that former President Yahya Jammeh seized power on July 22, 1994, through a military coup, leading political parties and citizens across the country to form alliances in opposition to his rule.
Saho argued that supporting opposition parties was not a crime, noting that many Gambians opposed Jammeh for years until the coalition that brought President Adama Barrow to power in 2017.
“At that time, no one labelled us as bad opposition. Why should opposition suddenly be painted as betrayal today? To be in opposition is a right that every citizen must exercise,” he said.
Saho also challenged Dampha’s claims concerning the availability of fertilizer, arguing that farmers in other parts of Badibou continue to call for greater support.
He accused the Illiasa NAM of mocking the people who elected him to the National Assembly and urged politicians to exercise caution when making public statements.
“Political utterances carry weight, and when made on public platforms, they must reflect honesty and responsibility. Never use your left hand to point at your father’s home. Let us not start a war against our own people. Instead, let us honour Badibou’s legacy with truth, respect and unity,” he remarked.
Saho concluded by calling on Dampha to apologize to the people of Badibou, describing his remarks as misleading and tantamount to mockery.