Lamin Darboe has insisted those that sacked had not put country and the interest of the youth first.
Darboe was removed as head of National Youth Council last month having been in the role for six years. Scores of youths have railed against his removal.
Friday marked one month since the development and Mr Darboe used the moment to break his silence on the issue.
He said: “Today marks one month since my services were unlawfully terminated as the Executive Director of the National Youth Council (NYC). It’s as well been one month since I wrote a petition to the Secretary General and Head of Civil Service and I’ve not yet received any reply.
“I must admit that the circumstances of my leaving office as Executive Director are not pleasant. But I am not sad or bitter. I am of course disappointed that those who by the stroke of their pen terminated my services had not put country – the interest of the youth – first before self.
“Nonetheless, I thank Allah the Almighty for my life, strenght and wisdom to serve my country – and the youth against all odds.
“I loved my job. I respected my job. I valued my work. I had left better paying job for it. I sacrificed my career for it. For me, serving my country when its most needed – and at the apex of youth matters in particular- wasn’t just to earn my keep. It was an honour. It was fulfilling. The staff have been phenomenally committed, hardworking and professional. I enjoyed your company. I learnt a lot from you and i will remain grateful. And if I have offended anyone of you during course of our work, please accept my apologies and you’re forgiven. I didn’t intend to hurt anyone.
“To the youth, I am overwhelmed by your show of support and solidarity. You’re worth serving. I don’t have the right words to express the deep feelings of gratefulness. Not that I am surprised. We are one. We’ve always been one. And we will always be one regardless of the God we worship, the language we speak, our backgrounds or our individual differences.
“We’ve come far in our reforms for the freedom and development of youth. Let us continue to march forward. Rest assured that I will be by your side. After seeing what I have seen from you, my conviction is greater today than it has ever been. This is not the time to give up on our aspirations for our country – and the youth.
“Deep down, in my heart, lies the young people of The Gambia. This love i shall never forfeit! Whether I am the Executive Director of The Gambia National Youth Council (NYC) or not, I shall remain resolute and committed to the course of young people. This is a duty on my part, a duty that I must continue to discharge with passion and diligence.”
