By Madi Jobarteh
Not long ago Pres. Barrow outraged the nation when he said he prefers death to losing the elections. Before that it was Minister Hamat Bah who described political opponents as rats. Then we heard the Defense Minister Sheikh Omar Faye insult the whole nation with his despicable ‘suck it up’ comment. The list continues…
Today Hon. Alagie S Darboe also has the audacity to release very inappropriate words on his campaign trail by saying that when UDP wins, it will be enjoyment time! According to the Fatu Network, he said this in Salikeni.
“This is the time to come [to join UDP]. Those struggling now for change will be the ones who would enjoy when enjoyment time comes. You do me, I do you is what is going to happen.
“You can sit there saying you will only come [join UDP] when enjoyment times comes. If you do not come now and you want to come during enjoyment time, we will close the door,” Mr Darboe said.
What enjoyment time? To enjoy what? Hon. Darboe needs to clarify this scary statement about I do you and you do me. That’s quid pro quo – the formula for corruption, nepotism, favoritism and maslaha.
Politics is not about enjoyment. ‘Quid pro quo’ should not find its way into our political parties and Government. Politicians and political parties should not speak about assuming state power in terms of enjoyment. When political parties win elections and assume office, they are expected to work very hard to salvage the country and change lives and improve livelihoods.
A ruling party has no business ‘enjoying’ other than working. Hence the comments by Hon. Darboe are indeed concerning. Let Hon. Darboe and UDP canvass for votes in any lawful way they could but they should not be spreading messages that give the impression that they will be sharing the national cake among those who support the party.
The national cake belongs to all Gambians regardless of party affiliation. No citizen is expected to support a party on the basis of enjoyment after winning the election. A party that wins presidential elections becomes the ruling Government and exerts control over public resources and public institutions. But public resources and institutions are not booty to be shared among some people on the basis of political support.
Hon. Alagie S Darboe, as the UDP Administrative Secretary should create appropriate language and messages to use in their campaign. Such messages as the one he used in Salikeni is inappropriate as it points to corruption and exclusion.
I call him to retract these unfortunate comments and henceforth commit himself and his party to using appropriate language. No amount of fanfare and exuberance can justify such comments.
Our political parties must set and uphold the highest values and standards of we are going to salvage this country of ours!
Fact-check and cross check politicians.
For The Gambia Our Homeland
