By Lamin Njie
Madi Jobarteh on Tuesday ripped into UDP No 2 Aji Yam Secka over comments she made in CRR, calling on the UDP to come out strongly against them.
UDP deputy leader Aji Yam Secka had told the people of Niani that Mandinkas were the majority; that they should stand by their brother (Ousainou Darboe) because he was one of them. The comments have quickly led to a backlash.
Straight-talking Madi Jobarteh said: “The appeal to tribal sentiments on a political platform by Aji Yam Secka is not only dangerously irresponsible but also utterly unnecessary, counter productive and makes no sense in anyway. One wonders how she could feel so compelled to say something that is obviously outdated! We need leaders who are measured in words and conduct and will not be mesmerized by any crowd or situation to the point of going off track!
“As a leader in one of the biggest parties in the country she should rather be setting national agendas and high leadership values and standards beyond and above tribalism! She should be challenging other parties and leaders on critical national issues in order to move the country further! She should be seen and heard inspiring the young especially our young women to become true patriots and leaders!
“I hope UDP will demonstrate leadership and responsibility to dissociate the party from her remarks and urge her to withdraw them herself and apologize! ASAP! Her remarks cannot in anyway be justified, rationalized or ignored. They must be confronted and rejected. Serious political parties waste no time in holding their leaders and members accountable. The ball is in the court of the UDP leadership and members right now to demonstrate that duty!
“If UDP fails to do so then it is not a party that should be considered, more so given the privilege to lead this country! What is not right for Yaya Jammeh cannot be right for any other political leader! Our political parties and their leaders must be assets and not liabilities to the unity, peace and progress of our nation!
“Citizens must demand the best and highest standards of leadership with a high sense of responsibility from our leaders and political parties!
“I hereby call on the UDP party leader Ousainou Darboe and his National Executive to hold Aji Yam Secka accountable by dissociating the party from her remarks and demanding her to retract and apologize!”
