Just few days after a leaked letter requesting government vehicles for Coalition politicians to campaign with during the upcoming April 6 parliamentary elections surfaced in the media, The Office of The President has withdrawn two vehicles that were already out to drive tour parties to their campaigns.
The leaked letter was first posted on The Facebook page of activist Coach Pa Samba Jow who condemned the act saying:
“For almost 22 years. The Gambian opposition, which now constitutes the government, has complained about Jammeh and his administration using government vehicles and resources for APRC campaign. To my chagrin, the Government Vehicles’ Control Unit Office of the President of The Gambian is writing to various government agencies asking for “very good vehicles for His Excellency’s coalition members for the election period….” This is unacceptable and must be denounced by all. The Barrow government must not use government resources to finance a political campaign. This practice was wrong under Jammeh and must not be tolerated or repeated.”
Madi Jobarteh, a human rights defender also condemned the act. He posted this on his Facebook:
“There is a letter circulating on social media on an official letterhead carrying the alleged request. Despite some missing information on the letter and it’s poor language yet it is on what looks like an authentic Gambia Government letterhead. Hence for the integrity of the government and to stabilize public concern it is necessary that the government clears the air.
For the purpose of clarity, let me repeat…
Is this letter true or false that the Barrow Administration and his Coalition intend to use government vehicles for their electioneering purposes?
We are waiting for answers. Silence means consent.”
President Barrow is said to have told the Vehicles’ Control Office that his administration is different from the Jammeh regime, adding that no political party will be allowed to use Government vehicles for campaigns.
The politicians are now expected to rent their own vehicles to transport their supporters for the April polls. A new dawn it seems; is upon us in The Gambia.
