(JollofNews)- It is two months now since Adama Barrow was sworn in as our Chief Servant. He has almost constituted his entire Cabinet with the exception of the key position of Vice President. He is filling various positions in state enterprises and parastatals.
Actions have also been taken to address some of the atrocities of the APRC Tyranny. He already made his first international travel to Senegal and now just returned from another trip to Europe. In essence Adama Barrow is in charge. But where and what is the state of the nation?
What the Barrow Administration continues to fail to do is to engage the Gambian people directly to lay out his vision and agenda for the Gambia. In a democracy, the common practice is that when a president is elected, one of your first actions is to speak to the nation either directly or through their parliament. The aim of this address is to explain your defining policy agenda and mission to the people so they know what you intend to do during your tenure. It is to speak to the people to lay out before them in practical terms how you intend to deliver on your campaign promises and manifesto. It is about telling citizens where you found the nation and how you intend to carry it forward.
Hence Adama Barrow’s advisers must tell him that he needs to speak to Gambians. It is already long overdue. We want to hear what is his vision for the Gambia. What kind of Gambia does he intend to create and how does he want the people of the Gambia to help him? What is his position regarding the APRC Tyranny in terms of addressing the injustices and atrocities that were committed? Should he, or will he ban or let the APRC continue to exist? We need to hear from him about his mission about the way and manner his government will operate. Will it be an open government or a closed government?
The Gambia is at a crossroads. We came out of a 22-year brutal dictatorship. Before that we had a semblance of democracy without empowerment of the people under the First Republic. Now that we have arrived at the doorsteps of the Third Republic, what kind of Gambia does Adama Barrow envisage? At the moment, one can sense some unprecedented animosity in our country based on personality, party and tribe, and it is the responsibility of Barrow to unify and reconcile the country by putting off this sectarian flame. How does he intend to do that? In any case he must realize that this is not a task for only himself and his Cabinet. But all Gambians have a stake in that objective. But how does he intend to get everyone involved to achieve this objective?
Barrow must realize that when he speaks to the nation that is in his best interest as it facilitates his governing of this country. This is because when he speaks and shares what is in his heart and mind for the Gambia, then the people begin to know which direction he is heading towards. By knowing that, either people join him in that journey, or we raise issues and concerns to improve his journey. This means he would have created a platform for transparency, accountability and cooperation. History has shown that leaders, who are transparent and accountable, find their tenure more durable, participatory and stable.
Barrow’s advisers must tell him that this is the dawn of his tenure and it is good for him to start with best practices. Let him not only learn from our experiences as a country, but let him also learn from the experiences and practices of the rest of the world. Let the advisers tell him that the heart of governance and development is communication with the stakeholders and there is no greater stakeholder than the citizen. Hence let him talk to the citizens to share his vision with them.
We must add our voice to tell Barrow that he needs to reflect immensely on his own personal leadership. What kind of leadership is it? At what historic epoch did his leadership emerge? What does he wish to achieve with his leadership? What legacy does he want to leave behind? How does he intend to usher in a New Gambia? What is the meaning of the New Gambia? Is he going to be a transformational leader who inspires, gives hope and mobilizes the people towards the common good? Or is he going to be transactional leader like Yaya Jammeh who used the carrot and stick just to get what he wanted? These are fundamental questions that Barrow needs to think about personally in order to carve out his vision and mission for the Gambia.
One thing I can share with him is that his leadership is a bridge. It is a bridge that has taken us from dictatorship and expected to deliver us to democracy. Over the past 50 years of our nationhood, we did not either build the right institutions or the institutions were there but weak because government was centered around personalities. Under Jawara and worse off under Yaya Jammeh. Hence Barrow must realize that his role and legacy is to use his three-year tenure to construct a democratic foundation that will make the Gambia a modern democratic state based on clear and predictable laws and processes and efficient institutions.
A modern democratic state is a country in which the laws of the country are human rights-based to ensure freedom, social justice and equality. A modern democratic state is based on institutions and processes that are efficient, accountable and responsive. A modern democratic state is a country where free enterprise and an enabling environment are the foundations for economic wellbeing and wealth creation. A modern democratic state is where public institutions are managed by competent and efficient public officers who deliver efficient and affordable services. A modern democratic state is where citizens have the administrative and legal space to exercise their rights and freedoms in actively participating in the governance and development process of the country.
Therefore what kind of Gambia does Adama Barrow intend to build? Let him tell us. Let us not just see and hear decisions and actions being taken. But we need to know on what basis are those decisions and actions taken. Within what framework and for what goal are those decisions and actions being taken? When he tells us this, then we understand him better to support and guide him because governance is a collective duty for all citizens. Government or the presidency is one institution and one person in the governance of a country. Each and every citizen has an equal role to play in different ways.
We want to from you, Adama Barrow about the state of the nation.
God Bless the Gambia.
By Madi Jobarteh
I agree.
Madi, I wholeheartedly agree!
Madi, this is indeed a good one i must confess. We need such objective analysis. By the way a cabinet meeting would be a good starting point. Has there been any cabinet meeting since then? The risk is this may lead to ministers building their own inner empire knowing full well that the center cannot hold
Ggapm, UDP, Ousainou Darbo and Mai Fatty and their Supporters and Party Militants should be Informed of these facts that Gambia is an Independent country and that it should not be Sold to the French via Senegal and Macky Sall. Diplomacy is one thing, Wholesale Subservience of an Independent Country to another Countries’ National and International Diplomacy and Interest is Irresponsible and Dereliction of Duty. It is imperative that we, as Gambians be aware of the Naivete and Dangerous Insidious Amateurish “Diplomatic” adventures the Adama Barrow, Ousainou Darbo and Mai Fatty Regime are embarking on. According to reports, Adama Barrow said that “France is the biggest Financial Donor to the Gambia”. Why would France all of a Sudden be the biggest Donor to the Gambia? If the French are the biggest Financial Donor to the Gambia now as Claimed by President Adama Barrow, and are “Soaking” the Gambia with Financial Aid at a time that the French economy is Not performing well and the French have reduced their Aid to the Francophone Sphere African countries, why this New Supposed Interest and Financial Support of the Gambia? Who are the Beneficiary of these Financial Support? What is the Nature of the Financial Support? Is it Military in Nature or Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation Financial Support. The first kind Does not Directly benefit the Public and Gambia in any Tangible way and even contribute to the Instability of the Country by infusing it with Arms and Armed Individuals and Groups., The last two, the Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation Financial Support goes a long ways to Directly Benefit the Public and the Gambia as a Country. That is, if the Funds are Directed to the Purpose they were Intended for, instead of ending in the Pockets of the Corrupt and Greedy “Horse-trader” Politicians. Purely Direct French-Gambia Bi-lateral Relationship is One thing, but the fact is, the Current Regime has Contracted and “Subleted” The Gambian Independence and Souvereignity to the Senegalese and Macky Sall and by extension the French Government. It is Dangerous and Irresponsible for a Supposedly Coalition Government to engage in the kind and type of Unilateralist and Despotic Policies and Agendas the Adama Barrow, Ousainou Darbo and Mai Fatty Regime have engaged and or embarked on so far. This is made more important, relevant and Significant because of the Current Regime’s Junior Partnership and Subservient relationship with Senegal and Macky Sall because of the Silence and Unwarranted and Unprecedented Compliance with which Adama Barrow Ousainou Darbo and Mai Fatty Regime have engaged in with Senegal’s Macky Sall even when such Subservience and Unprecedented Compliance with Macky Sall and Senegal are Detrimental and Domestically Disstabilizing to the Gambia. It is evident that UDP, under Ousainou Darbo and President Adama Barrow, with the aid and abetting of Mai Fatty have for the Interest of One Party, the UDP and for the Interest of One Ethnic Group Based Party Hegemony, Sold the Interest of the Gambia to Macky Sall and the Senegalese and by Extension to France. Gambia is a Member of the Commonwealth and though that does not in anyway negate it from being friendly with the French, however, the Unequal and Junior Partner Status that the Current UDP LEADERSHIP of Adama Barrow, Ousainou Darbo and Mai Fatty have Forced on the Gambia by Tilting Gambia’s Long term Foreign Policy toward France and away from the Commonwealth and Britain without Parliamentary Debate and Input Should be of Worry and be of Concern to all Gambians regardless of Ethnic Group Affiliation or Political Party One Supports. Such Unilateralist and Despotic Policies are the kind of Actions that are more in the Domain of Dictators and Dictatorship. President Adama Barrow and his Court Jesters namely, Ousainou Darbo and Mai Fatty have Not Conducted themselves in a Manner Consistent with the Democratic System fought and Won. Instead, in a quest for “Mansaya”, of Centuries past, they have been acting in a manner Consistent with Monarchial, Authoritarian All Powerful and Only Answerable to No One but to Themselves. This is Medieval Despotism Revisited. No Press Conference to Brief the Public of the State of the State even after the Break up of the Coalition Alliance. No Appearance before the Natiinal Assembly or Parliament either from President Adama Barrow or through his Hand picked Cabinet Ministers depending on the Subject matter. Following Macky Sall’s Foot Steps Blindly and helping Advance the Interest of Senegal without Due Diligence and an Informed and Transparent Debate, is of Great Harm and is Detrimental to the Gambian Independence and beyond. Several Communiques, Bi-lateral and Multi-lateral have been Signed on Behalf of the Gambian People without Due Diligence and the People’s Representatives Having the Opportunity to Perform their Public Oversight Responsibilities. Since comming to the Presidency, Adama Barrow, Ousainou Darbo and Mai Fatty’s Regime have Engaged in and Promulgated One Policy after another without Parliamentary Oversight Responsibilities. For example, the Regime is reported to have Requested for an additional 1000 more Soldiers from Senegal. For what? No response and Howling and Toothing from the Domestic and Diaspora?? Coming as this News did following Adama Barrow’s Many to and fro to Dakar, Senegal to Consult with his “Godfather”, Macky Sall before engaging in anything of his Regime’s. National Security is Not the President’s and the Cabinet’s Sole Custody or responsibility. The Gambian People and Parliament or National Assembly Members Representing the Various PARTS AND WHOLE OF THE GAMBIA have an Oversight Role in MATTERS OF STATE. WHY ARE THE GAMBIAN PEOPLE’S REPRESENTATIVES BEEN SIDELINED? WHY ARE THE GAMBIAN PEOPLE’S REPRESENTATIVES SILENT ON SUCH DEEDS BY THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT? ARE THEY COLLUDING AND SUPPORTING SUCH UNDEMOCRATIC AND POTENTIALLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL ACTS? If Yes, it is All the more important and relevant to have an Independent Oversight Media, and NAMs who will Check Mate the Executive Branch and Each other for and in the Interest of the Gambian People. In Politics, Silence is Not Golden. In fact, it is Downright, Dangerous, Irresponsible and a Dereliction of Duty to the People and the Gambia. It breeds Contempt and Suspicion of the Government and its Leadership. Such Contempt and Suspicion does Not bode well with a Government of the People, by the People and for the People. No Unilateralist Militarization of the Gambia for the Interest of Senegal or the Interest of One Ethnic Group Based Party Hegemony such as the UDP. Gambia is More than the Sum Total of One Ethnic Group, One Region. Gambia, One People, One Destiny.
If the truth be told, no man can serve two masters at the same time. According to Adama Barrow, “Ousainou Darboe is like a dad to me”. Now we are all Gambians (nothing against Ousainou Darboe per se – I personally think him a great man), and we know that serving one’s father is a sure way to prosperity/heaven via his blessing. So, given this scenario, am afraid the Gambian nation must necessarily come second best, since it is foolish to even begin to think that one person’s interest necessarily coincide with that of the nation as a whole.
For example, come the rainy season, upwards to 75% of the population’s immediate interest is to sleep under a mosquito net (mostly hungry, and even if full, still undernourished) that does not have holes in it so big a blind man can see throw. But for the other 25%, of which, the President’s “father” is only one (again nothing against Mr Darboe), this immediate interest for a mosquito net must seem ‘primitive – even far fetched, for surely the immediate concern must be having to drive through humps, bumps, and pot-holes caused by the rain, or changing the Constitution so the his/her highness can be VP, or indeed locking up people for daring to say, “we don’t like that …, Adama Barrow as President? It has to be staggering to all right thinking people, that there are more people in [arbitrary] detention in the Gambia in the two months since the Barrow government came to power than there were in the first two months of the notorious Jammeh regimes! Again nothing against Barrow per se, but he must live by his words. The name of the game, surely must be “my words are my bound, but all indications are that given the $s and Euros promised, Mr Barrow plans to renege on his promise to serve for only 3 years – having hinted at this twice now in his speech – but I still think him an honorable man, even if one who looks to be on a very short lease by vested interests?
Watch this space!
Yet the the big question remains “whose side are you on Mr President”? The unglamorous, or the catwalk – the titillating – crowd, remembering always that “one can never serve two masters at the same time, for one will end up hating one and despising the other”!
Kara, can you please tell us who were arbitrarily arrested? I agree with you that Barrow should get his priorities right but accusing the government of arbitrary arrests is a bit unfair. Lets not muddle facts with opinions.
The Gambia must have an open and transparent governance. But exactly what is this administration going to tell us that is substantive not already revealed during Barrow inauguration address. It does not take a genius to figure out that cleaning up Yahya’s mess will take up the first year of this administration. I personally prefer that the President action speak for itself. First he Barrow must engage in personal growth and development by taking control of his health. We need to see our president looking fit and loosing weight, not fat and unhealthy. We don’t need him to have a coronary in office. He should engage in lifestyle modification, drink water, eat vegetables, fruits and nuts and limit rice and fufu. He should exercise daily and get a good night rest. Finally he should not marry a third wife, as the stress will surely kill him. As a woman I know what we are capable of. Ask my husband, he is half dead but happy. I think. Gambians will see all these signs of a health vibrant man in control. That is all the reassurance I need. If he fail, I can always exercise my fundamental rights and vote him out.
Dr Sarr, who told you that the president eats fufu?:-) I am the same age and weight as he is and I don’t eat fufu. I got my belly from supekanja, domoda, benechin and plasass:-)
LOL is this the discussion—-Superkanja, Domoda etc,. Well we better take care of our Agriculture before we lose all those food.
Then you should join him at the GYM and eat more veggies.
Dr Sarr, I do eat a lot of veggies. Being in a higher position in the food chain, I just wait for the cows and sheep to eat the veggies, then I eat the cows and sheep thereby killing two birds with one stone so to speak:-).
ok o. I will see you in the cath lab.
Dr Sarr, can i observe if you are doing angiogram/angioplasty or CABG? Sounds interesting.
Juldeh is so far gone, he is transferred to OR for transplant . I can’t do it, but I am sure the cardiothoracic guys won’t mind you observing.
Dr Sarr, all jokes aside, I agree with your advice and I think the president should take heed as well. I have recently stopped eating meat and only rely on fish and veggies. I am working on the Gym part though but I do take stairs instead of elevator… Thank you for trying to help us improve our health!