Gambians
welcome the surprise news from President Yahya Jammeh Babili Mansa, who decided
to pardon all coup plotters in The Gambia, from 1994 to 2013.
This great gesture and olive branch, extended on the occasion marking the 21st anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution, would be registered in the annals of Gambia’s history; much as it will go a long way in consoling the souls, hearts and minds of families and friends of those pardoned.
President Jammeh, a Muslim and believer, said yesterday that both the Q’uran and Bible preach forgiveness; hence he must respect such precepts of the holy books and forgive others who have wronged him.
To all those pardoned, we congratulate and pray for them not to repeat such mistakes.
President Jammeh, as a father of the nation, has reacted with magnanimity and maturity. He must, therefore, be applauded and prayed for to continue to demonstrate wisdom and show kindness and forgiveness.
It is said that to err is human and to forgive is divine; so President Jammeh has shown his forgiving spirit.
In life, people are bound to make mistakes, and since the President knows the realities of life, he has decided to act positively by responding to appeals made by Gambians and non-Gambians to use such an occasion to forgive others.
We would also like to appeal to Gambians that we should always be patriotic, love and serve our country and wish it well as we strive to maintain peace and prosperity. People should always be law-abiding, respect the authorities and accept God’s will.
The release of all political prisoners is, indeed, a step in the right direction, as well as for giving amnesty to all those in exile.
It will bring national reconciliation and increase the popularity of President Jammeh. It will also boost the image of the country and prove critics wrong.
All Gambians should, therefore, work for unity rather than engaging in framing one another by telling lies about people.
We should endeavour to always work for the development of the nation.
We further appeal to the President to also extend his generosity to those who have been in detention for several months without trial, among them are former Cabinet Minister Mambury Njie, and Kebba Touray, a clearing agent.
The hand of mercy and forgiveness should also be extended to such detainees as UDP members, including Amadou Sanneh, treasurer of the party.
It must, however, be said that President Jammeh has brought smiles on the faces of many Gambians and non-Gambians, as well as ensured happiness for many people in this country and abroad, as we markedthe 21st anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution with a landmark show of mercy and forgiveness.
''To err is human, to forgive divine''
Anonymous
