The
former Sports minister and currently one of President Adama Barrow’s advisers
has said anyone that anyone who wish to take over the government should come
through the front way and not the ‘backway’.
Henry
Gomez, who was speaking in an interview with journalists during the Barrow For
5 Years and Peace Building solidarity march on Sunday, added: “There is no
backway for anyone who wants to be president of The Gambia, but rather the
front way.”
The
solidarity march was staged barely a month after a rival pressure group –
Operation 3 Years Jotna petitioned President Barrow to step down in honour of
his campaign promise of three years
mandate and also the agreement of the Coalition 2016.
Protesters
were carrying different banners inscriptions: “We give our support to Barrow
for 5 years.” “Barrow for 5 years, peace and stability.” “Actors for Peace.”
“We stand by the constitution.” “GPDP in defence of the constitution.” “North
Bank Region Barrow for 5 Years.”
Mr.
Gomez, who is also the secretary general of the GPDP further argued that
everyone knew what had happened in the country 22 years ago, saying oppositions
were treated like ‘animals’ and were being called all sort of names.
According
to him, it’s very important to see Gambian people come out in their large
numbers to defend their constitution.
“The
constitution is not only about you and me but all citizens and Gambians have
come out in all numbers to defend this constitution. It’s my right also to be
here because I’m a leader and the secretary of GPDP. So I am also not here as
politician but as a Gambian who has to defend his right,” Gomez said.
For
his part, Kajali Jagana, a strong Barrow supporter, said the solidarity march
was meant to call for unity and speak in one voice for the development, peace
and stability of the country, adding that The Gambia’s constitution states a
five-year mandate for presidency and not three years.
“We
all voted President Adama Barrow for five years and not three years because
there is nothing stated in our constitution that a president should rule for
three years,” he said.
He
thus hailed Barrow, saying he is the person who pulled the country from a
22-year dictatorship rule.
He
calls on Gambian people to speak in one voice and assist the government so that
peace can continue to reign in the country.
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