A
former vice president in the first Republic, who also served briefly as finance
minister under Yahya Jammeh’s regime, has finally returned home from exile in
the United Kingdom.
Speaking
to journalists shortly after landing at Banjul International Airport, Bakary
Bunja Dabo said he is more than happy to reunite with family, friends and
associates after being in exile for years.
“This
is a very unique experience and a lot of feelings all over me, as I am very
happy to be back to my own country which I have not been able to visit for
quite a long time now. I am also looking forward to seeing friends, family and
associates.”
BB
Dabo also said he has come with a lot of expectations and happiness, and was
very much touched by the unexpected rousing welcome he got.
Commenting
on the change in The Gambia, the former vice president said: “What I feel about
the change is that it is something that is historic and of great importance to
our country. But what makes me more proud is particularly the efforts of
Gambians coming together to make this happen, and they sacrificed tremendously
as they did everything possible to see that it happened.”
Mr
Dabo urged Gambians to support the efforts of the new government in enhancing
the country’s social-economic development.
Having
served as ambassador to Senegal, minister at the ministries of education,
tourism and Information under the PPP regime, Mr Dabo currently works as a
national management consultant.