(JollofNews) – A former Gambian civil society and human rights activist has announced his intentions to run for the position of Major of Kanifing Municipal Council in April’s local government elections.
Bakary Badjie said his interest to vie for the position of mayor came after series of encouragement and consultations from different groups of young people and stakeholders who are interested in establishing in KMC, a person who understands the Council’s functions as well as the challenges impeding its efficiency.
The former nominated youth councilor of KMC said under a new democratic dispensation, KMC today, more than ever, needs a dynamic person who has an unimpeachable character, is passionate about the plight of Gambians and has demonstrated concern in championing a cause for a just, equitable and prosperous society.
Mr Badjie is known to be a person of integrity and foresight who stood for the Gambia at its dire time of need and would therefore always defend the interest of the people of Kanifing Municipality.
Born in the Kanifing Municipality, Mr Badjie is widely known for his youth work, his participation in local government administration across the country.
Over the past 15 years, Mr Badjie has dedicated his life to community development and has served in different networks and capacities at home and abroad during his career as a youth/child rights/social worker, broadcaster and local councilor.
As a justice activist, he had engaged in both online and on the ground campaign to raise civic awareness, fight injustices, expose the ills of the former regime and help restore the democracy enjoyed in the Gambia today.
Prior to his declaration, Mr Badjie worked with his support team to develop a concrete development oriented and people-centred manifesto that outlines some of the key initiatives he would institute when elected into office. These include to:-
•Reorganize the Council Administration and ensure that it is inline with the provisions of the Local Government Act and create effectiveness in delivering its mandate.
•Head a Council that is transparent and accountable to the people of the Municipality as well as involve the populace in determining best strategies in their governance.
•Reform the taxation, duties and other revenue collection processes and ensure that they don’t harm businesses but also ensure revenue collected benefits the payers.
•Develop and refurbish infrastructure such as markets, car parks, playgrounds, and community centers and extend electricity and water supply to subserviced areas.
•Promote youth and women entrepreneurship, culture and other artistic activities of people.
•Support education, skill acquisition and protect the rights of the vulnerable groups.
•Establish systems, processes and standards which would ensure the Council is accountable, transparent and responsible to the tax payers and communities of the Kanifing Municipality.
With his impressive background in both civil society and other non-state actors, community work, youth and women’s empowerment and local governance, Mr Badjie said he is the best person to occupy the driving seat as a mayor who would provide the strategic leadership needed to propel the council into a professional institution – one that has sustainable initiatives to generate revenue and prudently use those to provide services to the municipality and her people, and is accountable and transparent.
I would prefer Mr Samba Faal; The former Mayor, and Town Clerk and Progressive Minister for Youth and Sports, is the most experienced and pro active man for the Job.
We are talking of KMC not Banjul,and who the hell are you to tell us your preferred candidate?
Papa Njie is the right person and best candidate for KMC
I am da man who know’s da man.
“Look to your heart and soul first, rather than looking to your head first, when choosing. Rather than what you think, consider instead how you feel. Look to the nature of things. Feel your choices and decisions. It just might change everything.”
Looking at the political landscape and the effectiveness of the mayoral position, a party sponsored candidate is the most viable option.
Yes indeed, the best man in the right job. Their is no credit in swapping a one party state for another. The people must be represented regardless of party, or political persuasion. Different views only makes democracy stronger.
Well London chosed to be led by a candidate with party backing – both current and former position holder were party sponsored candidates. Hence we wish the same for KMC.
And by the way, Mr. Badgie is not even currently residing in the country.
Mike scales you seems to be a confused somebody on the issue, try to understand that this is not Banjul thing BUT KMC. Mr Badjie is the right man for that job
No my friend this is not a Banjul thing or a Kanifing thing, its a Mayoral thing. Yes of course such a candidate may have a political persuasion.Yes of course London had political candidates for Mayoral Office, but Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson and Siddiq Khan, were elected on personality, experience and popularism over and above their respective political preference.Recent London Mayors, have pushed their own agenda’s and not party political ones. I think the position of a Mayor, is not one that is entirely a political one, but a community service one. It is different. Not too different to a Police Commissioner where politics and impartiality don’t mix well.
Candidates should debate so that public can get to know them and their plans for running the municipality.