(JollofNews) – The leader of Gambia’s former ruling party has slammed the Government of Adama Barrow for refusing to grant his party a permit to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution.
Fabakary Tombong Jatta, interim leader of the APRC, said his party had planned to commemorate the day, which brought former President Yahya Jammeh to power in 1994 in honour of his significant achievements for the country.
However, he said their application for a permit was rejected by the government.
Mr Jatta said Mr Jammeh had brought about so many developments in the Gambia and President Barrow and his government are fearful of the strength and popularity of the APRC among Gambians.
He added: “The APRC government brought about unprecedented development to the doorsteps of all Gambian irrespective of party or ethnic identities.
“Our government has transformed the country from a stone-age to a rapid developing nation and as such, it is only fitting for any well-meaning Gambian to solemnly reflect on its achievement.
The former majority leader said under the leadership of former President Jammeh, the APRC has accomplished various development projects in infrastructure, social services, health, education, housing, agriculture, protection of life and properties, youth and women empowerment.
He said Mr Jammeh’s has improve the livelihood of Gambians and his achievements are there for everyone one to see. He added that the Barrow government may try but it can never damage the positive legacy of the APRC government.
Barrow govt need not try disbanding aprc. Aprc had killed itself longtime ago. Basically what was left was a Babili Mansa party. To rejuvenate aprc is a near impossibility. The party is dead. Remnants should conceive another entity or join friendly parties like GDC or O.J’s new-ppp.
The inconvenient truth is that we are too emotionally invested in how we suffered under Yahya Jammeh, that we are now allowing ourselves to be agent of human rights abuse. Supporting and celebrating a despicable human being like Yahya baffles the mind, but people have the rights to be misinformed, and if they chose a monopoly on ignorance. As sad as it is, they are Gambians and should be protected by the same rights as all Gambians, those rights are guaranteed by our binding document. Denying APRC supporters a permit to show the world how ignorant they are, make us question the essence of our new Gambia. Someone in this administration needs to start thinking clearly.
God Bless The Gambia.
I think “on balance” of the issues raised by this petition. The Police made the right call. Of course there will be those who think, it should have gone ahead. Africans will be aware of the consequences of marginalising any section of the populace. It would also be a mistake for those calling for any Political party to be banned. Mr Jatta is making reasonable statements that are democratically sound. The danger is that any section of political leadership “playing political chess” with these issues, will engender an “us and them” situation. Whereas reconciliation leading to a cohesive political dispensation, would be the preferred objective.