By Lamin Njie
UDP leader Ousainu Darboe has called on all members of his party to abide by the law at all times.
UDP leader unloaded on the Inspector General of Police on Friday after the police chief denied his party a permit to hold a rally in Brikama on Saturday.
A furious Mr Darboe said he was ready to return to Mile 2 as he will be in Brikama for the rally with or without the permit, comments that have emboldened his supporters to come out in their large numbers for Saturday’s rally, even if it means breaking the law.
Mr Darboe however in a statement late Friday said: “The history of the United Democratic Party, for almost a quarter of a century has been characterized by strict adherence to the laws of the Gambia, even during the darkest days of the dictatorship the Party always operated within the ambit of law.
“As a Party we are proud of our reputation as ‘’the rule of law Party’ and as the Secretary General and Party Leader I do not wish, after fighting for so long to bring democracy and the rule of law back to the Gambia only to now besmirch this image of the UDP.
“In respect of the IGP’s refusal to grant a Permit for the UDP rally scheduled for tomorrow Saturday 25th January 2020, in Brikama, I may have said some things in the heat of the moment a few hours ago that may be construed by some as advocating for the UDP to act outside the ambit of law.
“This was not my intention. I therefore wish to urge all UDP members and Party militants to at all times be law abiding be dignified and measured in their manifestations of support for the Party. I can reassure you that the Gambia will never again be governed in a dictatorial way.”
