Gambia’s religious leaders meet President Adama Barrow as part of the events celebrating the Muslim Feast of Eid Al-Fitr at the Office of the President in Fajara.
The Gambian leader in his opening remarks urged the Gambians and friends of the country to praise Allah for the blessings of the holy month. He greeted the Supreme Islamic Council and Banjul Muslim Elders and the religious leaders in the country. He also commended the security services for maintaining peace and security in the country.
President Barrow told the country’s religious leaders and cabinet ministers that governments come and go as it happened in the past so shall it be when his time comes to leave for another person to lead the country.
“Former President Jawara used to say that in Gambia if you haven’t done any wrong nothing will happen to you. I said the same thing to you. If you haven’t done anything wrong know that nothing will happen to you,” President Adama Barrow said.
Barrow said the position of religious leaders is so important, saying they should continued to pray for the wellbeing of the country. He said almost 90 percent of the country’s population are Muslims which he said is a significant number but called on them to unite because they lead many people in prayers and many also listen to their advises. He told them to practice what they preach so as to help government to running the country.
Barrow promised the religious leaders that his government will make subvention for the country’s religious council, saying he will discuss with his Finance Minister to bail them out. He said he will never forget how they stood by him at a time when things were hard during the political impasse.
“When things were tough you told the truth to the former president, you supported the truth and you supported democracy. You supported me. That has really empowered me,” he asserted.
He said one cannot be a driver, apprentice and passenger at the same time, saying everyone has a role to play in society. He referred to his election to office as a miracle to himself and many others.
President Barrow then talked how security officers stopped them at the gates during the trial of his former party leader and now Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ousainou Darboe in the Banjul High Court. He said the security officers were pushing them out of the premises. He said when he visited Ousainou Darboe, the security guards were standing right behind them listening to their conversations but they were not afraid to talk.
“I told Mr. Darboe that things were getting hard. I asked what should we do? He told me something I never forget. He said when someone gave you a bowl of rice you have to eat it before you would know what was hidden at the bottom of the bowl,” he interjected.
Barrow went further to say that the first two rallies organised by the United Democratic Party UDP after their leadership were jailed were held at Brikama and Bundung respectively. He said that was his first time to address political rally. That was what has brought about the change in the country’s politics, he added.
“Whenever people are united on purpose they can overcome any obstacle,” he pointed out.
President Barrow reiterated his called on the country’s religious leaders to settle their little differences to work with his religious adviser, Dembo Bojang known as ‘Dembo By Force’. He expressed his wish for the country to fast and pray on the same day but said nobody will be forced to observe Eid.
Meanwhile, the President of the Supreme Islamic Council Alhagie Momodou Lamin Touray spoke on behalf of the council. He said the council was formed in 1992. He mentioned Alhagie Soriba Jabbi, Mamading Kanteh and Abdou Gitteh among others as the founders. He explained to the President, the role played by the council to resolve disputes.
Imam Touray prayed for the new government and advised that they give more recognition to the council, saying there are no salaries for any council member since its formation. He called on all Gambians to accept the will of God, adding that all things are in the powers of the Almighty who chooses whoever He want to place to the position of Authority.
The meeting was chaired by Alhagie Alieu Mboge of the Banjul Muslim Elders. He said the capital’s Muslim Elders were formed in the 1900. He prayed for the new government and for unity among the people.
