By Omar Wally
Nearly a week after the National Assembly Member for Banjul South Fatoumata Touma Njie said mosques should be removed from government institutions, a comment that didn’t go down well with many Gambians, the former leader of her PPP party Omar Jallow has shared his opinion.
Touma’s comment was condemned by many, OJ however said he as a Muslim believe mosque should not be torn down instead the new constitution should provide for the construction of religious edifices, be it a mosque or church, in government or public institution.
OJ said: “When I was a minister in the first republic there was not mosque in quadrangle. When I went with first President of The Gambia Sir Dawda Jawara to Saudi Arabia and he was looking for funds to build mosque in Banjul.
“When the funds were given to Sir Dawda he didn’t build at state house the mosque was built at King Fahad mosque and every Friday Sir Dawda will drive and go and pray at King Fahad.
“Why didn’t Sir Dawda build it at state house? Therefore there should be no mosque at state house, it’s unfortunate it’s there.”
OJ said before building mosques in government institutions, villages that need them should get them.
“We are a secular state Muslims, Christians and non-believers all have the same right,” he said.
