(JollofNews) – The newly elected president of the Gambia has used his first interview with an online Gambian newspaper to appeal to Gambians to put aside their differences and work towards the progress and development of their country.
Adama Barrow, 51, who defeated President Yahya Jammeh and his APRC party in Thursday’s election, said he is very grateful for all the hard work and sacrifices Gambians both at home and in the Diaspora have made to free the Gambia from 22 years of Mr Jammeh’s rule.
“I would like to congratulate the Gambian people including women, men, students, teachers, Gambians in the Diaspora and the online media and I dedicate this victory to you,” Mr Barrow tells JollofNew’s Radio anchor, Pa Modou Bojang.
“You have all worked tirelessly for this victory and I want to thank you all for the wonderful job . Your hard work is really appreciated for this victory would not have been possible without your collective efforts and sacrifices.
“I am also very grateful to you Gambians in the Diaspora. It would have been difficult to get where we are today without you guys. Your efforts and sacrifices have changed so many things and your political and online activism including donations has helped to influence the minds of many people in the Gambia.”
Mr Barrow said the task of rebuilding the Gambia is not going to be an easy one and it would require the collective effort of all Gambians and friends of the Gambia.
He added: ” I know Gambians are in hurry but not everything is going to be achieved in one day. I would therefore appeal to all Gambians and friends of the Gambia to join us and help move this great country forward.
“I don’t want this change of regime to be a mere change. I want it to be felt and seen in the wellbeing of the country and all Gambians. So we are calling on all Gambians and friends of the Gambia to help us make the Gambia great again.”
Mr Barrow said the new Gambia they are trying to build will not leave anyone behind.
“It would be an inclusive country where tribalism will not have a place,” he said.
“I am the least tribalists person you will ever see. I have mixed ethnic blood in me. I am a Sarahule, Mandinka and Fula. Two of my sisters from the same mum and dad are married to Jolas. So tribe is not important. What is important is that we are all Gambians and should unite and work for the progress of our country.”
I’M SO HAPPY FOR THE GAMBIA IV BEEN THERE ON OFF HELPING TWO FAMILIES FOR 27 YEARS .AND KNOW HOW HARD IT HAS BEEN FOR THEM ALL
GOOD LUCK GAMBIA
I greet you all Gambians for the conduct of a peaceful transitional election as an example for other African Leaders.
You will surely get the real taste of true democracy.
Sierra Leoneans lets learn from the Gambia come 2018
Good country good people! You indeed deserve a good leader. Gambia is coming great soon.
Was in Gambia 7 years ago and the good memories of each day spent still lives in me. Best wishes to all Gambian!
Congratulations! And please, tear down the walls and gates on Batokunku beach.