Works and infrastructure minister Ebrima Sillah has strongly defended the NPP-led government amid renewed allegations of corruption against the administration.
Minister Sillah challenged critics to acknowledge what he called the “undeniable” development strides made under President Adama Barrow.
Addressing NPP supporters during a political rally over the weekend, Hon. Sillah dismissed theft or mismanagement allegations against the NPP dispensation. Instead, he deflected the spotlight on the ongoing investigation of local governments by a Commission of inquiry, questioning the silence of activists and opposition figures over the revelations made at the commission’s hearings.
“These matters are public knowledge,” Sillah said. “Yet the so-called activists are acting like nothing is happening. We know what’s going on.”
The Minister, who previously served in exile and claimed to have been arrested a dozen times during the Jammeh era, contrasted the current government’s record with the past. He said Gambians are today enjoying peace, improved infrastructure, and better access to social services.
“If you didn’t use the new road, you must have benefitted from the electricity projects or the clean water interventions, or at least the peace and stability President Barrow has ensured,” he said.
Sillah also responded to criticism over the government’s active presence on social media. While acknowledging the concerns, he insisted that ministers have a responsibility to counter misinformation and promote the administration’s development agenda online.
“We will continue with our official duties, but we’ll also be present on social media,” he said. “People must be informed about the President’s work and what’s coming next. That’s part of politics too.”
The works and infrastructure minister expressed confidence in NPP’s standing ahead of the next vote. He favourably predicted that the NPP would enhance its 52 per cent share of the vote it polled in the 2021 presidential election. “By the grace of Allah, 2026 will be an even more emphatic result,” he added.
He cited road infrastructure projects in areas like Farafenni, Banni, and Kabada as evidence that the government’s development programme was reaching rural communities.
Sillah also downplayed criticisms from people he called online detractors, describing the situation as a sign of the party’s increasing growth in influence.
“We know politics better than them,” he bragged. “We’re stronger and more patriotic and they know it.”
Minister Sillah confirmed that the NPP had already started laying the groundwork for its 2026 campaign. According to him, party officials will visit politically-challenging areas every weekend to mobilize support and interface with voters.
He finally warned the opposition groups against what he condemned as “reckless rhetoric”, surrounding the next election, particularly references to a “do or die” approach. He urged all parties to uphold the constitution and respect the rule of law at all times.
“Anyone who takes the law into their own hands will face the consequences,” he warned. “We are committed to peace, and the law will take its course where necessary.”
