The Secretary-General and leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued an audio message, appealing for road safety as thousands of Gambians prepare to descend on the Banjul International Airport on Saturday to welcome him from his European tour.
“Party officials back home responsible for running the affairs of the party have informed me that the entire Gambia has joined together to welcome me at the airport, accompany me to my house, display their excitement and recognise my role in the party,” stated Hon. Darboe.
According to the respected opposition leader, those that will come to the airport will be travelling from various nooks and crannies of the country.
“These people will come from various parts of the country such as the upper reaches of The Gambia, the other side of the river [River Gambia], which is the North Bank. And people from further north such as Saloum, Sami, Niani, Sandu and Wuli will all be coming over[to the airport] and when they are coming, they will not walk on foot or mount horse-backs,” said Hon. Darboe.
He added: “They will use motor vehicles as a means of transport. Some will come with their own vehicles while others will travel in rented passenger vehicles and others will pay fares to come to the rally. I am appealing to the drivers of those vehicles and advising them to drive properly so that no one would be harmed as the English say,” Drive carefully for the life you save may be your own life”. Drive carefully and adhere to the speed-limit regulation. Be cautious of road bends, do not try to drive dangerously at road curves when you may not see an approaching vehicle and our roads are not wide.”
The long-standing opposition leader said the UDP looks forward to a harm-free welcoming parade.
“We don’t want either drivers or passengers to get harmed in the whole thing,” he emphasised, adding, “Our youths will be excited and others will be perched on vehicle tops, but what I would like to appeal to you is that do not dance on vehicle tops no matter the pace of the vehicle because if the vehicle halts abruptly and you’re shaken, you may trip off and that can result in harm to you.
“Therefore, we would like to usher into this rally in the name of God and emerge out of it with praises to Him. And drivers will help us a lot in achieving this goal.”
