As
President of the Republic of The Gambia
Fellow
Gambians and Friends of The Gambia,
I
am humbled to stand before you to address the whole world on this historic
occasion. This is a day no Gambian will ever forget in one’s lifetime.
This
is the first time since The Gambia became independent in 1965 that Gambians
have changed their government through the ballot box.
I
must take this opportunity to thank the entire electorate of The Gambia and
Gambians in the Diaspora for making this day possible.
I
thank the entire campaign team of Coalition 2016 and the stakeholders for
putting aside their political differences to unite us for the national
interest.
Distinguished
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow
me to register special appreciation to Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,
President of Liberia, and the Chairperson of Authority of Heads of States of
ECOWAS, for her personal commitment and tireless efforts towards resolving the
political crises in The Gambia.
The
same sentiment goes to H. E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of
Sierra Leone and H.E. John Dramani Mahama, former president of Ghana.
I
must also express profound gratitude to ECOWAS, AU, the Security Council of the
United Nations and all friendly nations who stood by us during our time of
greatest need.
I
wish to thank His Excellency Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal,
and his government for their hosting and hospitality accorded me and my
delegation at the request of the ECOWAS Chair.
This
is what it means to be part of a Community of Democratic Nations.
Exceptional
circumstance has compelled me to be sworn here today, and does not permit all
those who made this day possible to be present.
It
was later realised that the loser of the Election may not fulfill the mandate
of a caretaker government, and facilitate a proper Inauguration with the full
support of all state Agencies.
In
fact, two days before the term of office of the incumbent expires a State of
Emergency was declared.
However,
the Constitution of the Gambia does not permit any lawmaker to deprive a
citizen of a right that is already acquired. My right as a winner to be sworn
in and assume the Office of President is constitutionally guaranteed and
irreversible.
I
hereby make a special appeal to ECOWAS, AU and the U.N. particularly the
Security Council to support the Government and people of The Gambia in
enforcing their will, restore their sovereignty and constitutional legitimacy.
I
therefore call on all civilian and military Personnel of the state to support
my Presidency since it is built on a Constitutional foundation.
They
are assured that they will not be subjected to any injustice and
discrimination, but would be provided with better working conditions and terms
of service.
This
is a victory of the Gambian Nation. Our National flag will now fly high among
those of the most Democratic Nations of the world. The capacity to effect
change through the ballot box has proven that power belongs to the people in
The Gambia.
Violent
change is banished forever from the political life of our country. All Gambians
are therefore winners. There is no loser in the Gambian Election.
It
is a fact that we contest Elections on the basis of political diversity but we
build Nations on the basis of National Unity. We are here assembled as One
Gambia, One Nation and One People.
Throughout
our campaign we promised to unify our diverse people so that each would take
ownership of the country, irrespective of ethnic origin, religion, gender or
any other differences. Today, most Gambians are united in order to give Gambia
a new start.
Hence,
as of today, I am the President of all Gambians, regardless of whether you
voted for me or not.
We
could now become the architects of a Democratic Republic that is built on the pillars
of Good Governance, Rule of Law and Respect for Fundamental Rights and
Freedoms.
My
government will implement comprehensive reforms. These include constitutional, institutional
and legal reforms to expand the democratic gains we have made.
Your
Excellencies, Honourable Guests, Fellow Gambians,
I
belong to the generation of children who were born in 1965 when The Gambia
became independent. I believe in the wise saying that “to whom much is given,
much is expected”.
I
established a Think Tank, The Agency for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development
(ASSED). This will bring experts on board to share their knowledge and skills
in order to put in place an inclusive development agenda.
Your
Excellencies, Honourable Guests and Fellow Gambians,
I
would like to conclude by saying that men and women of this nation joined hands
to effect a change that was in the making for many decades.
This
is a change that should bring liberty and prosperity to everyone, and not to be
discriminated on the basis of gender, religion or ethnic origin.
We
are now determined to build a Gambia where merit and what you know counts more
than who you know.
As
the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I call on all personnel of the
Armed Forces and other security agencies to remain loyal to the Constitution
and to the Republic.
I
command the Chief of Defence Staff, and other officers of the High Command to
demonstrate their loyalty to me as their Commander-in-Chief, without any delay.
I
command all members of the Armed Forces to remain in their barracks. Those
found wanting or in possession of firearms without my order, shall be
considered rebels.
Gambia
is our homeland! It demands our love and loyalty. Let us all pledge our affirm
allegiance to be ever true to our motherland The Gambia.
Long
Live The Republic
Long
Live the United People of The Gambia.
Forward
Ever! Backward Never!
Source:
(JollofNews)