A pertinent call!

President Yahya Jammeh's renewed call for Gambians to put aside tribal, religious and political differences, and unite to build a better Gambia is most pertinent.

We totally agree with this call, and on our country men and women to heed the call of the head of state.

However, we are also of the belief that the country's political leaders should make sure that they are never found wanting when it comes to handling the issues of tribe, politics and religion.

Political leaders must all be social advocates for peaceful co-existence and understanding, thus shunning tribalism or political segregation of any kind.

Our leaders must also realize that their followers monitor their actions, when it comes to issues relating to tribes, religion and political affiliation.

Indeed, as social leaders, our politicians must endeavour to treat all persons equally, irrespective of the tribe, origins, faith or political affiliation.

Yet that is easier said than put into practice.

However, it is obvious that no divided nation can ever be a great and prosperous nation.

Therefore, as Gambians, we must continue to respect each other's tribe, religion and political leanings.

We must also accept the fact that people must be free to support or belong to any political party of their choice.

That cannot be the case in an environment where leaders are lacking in tolerance and political maturity

The Gambia belongs to all of us, irrespective of one’s tribe, religion and political affiliation!

"All the citizens of a state cannot be equally powerful, but they may be equally free."

Voltaire