Thousands
of Gambians on Sunday took to the streets from Sting Corner to Denton Bridge to
demand President Barrow to serve a full five-year mandate as stipulated in the
constitution of The Gambia.
The
solidarity march, organised by The Gambia for 5 Years and Peace Building came
in less a month after a similar protest march staged by a rival group dubbed
-Operation 3 Years Jotna, a pressure group calling for Barrow’s resignation at
the end of his promised three year-term, as per coalition agreement.
However,
multitude, who turned up at the solidarity match held various banners and
flyers with powerful inscriptions namely - “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” and “We stand by the constitution” amongst others.
In
an interview with The Point Newspaper, Lamin Jammeh, vice chairperson of The
Gambia for 5 Years and Peace Building, said they are holding this solidarity
march to defend the constitution of The Gambia.
“We
came to show Gambians and the whole world that we are supporting what is stated
in the constitution of The Gambia, which states that anybody elected as the
president of the Gambia should govern the country for a 5-year term,” he said.
Jammeh
described President Barrow as a loyal and someone who has great respect for the
constitution, adding that the constitution of The Gambia is the supreme law
which supersedes all verbal agreement in the country.
He
thus called on all Gambians to respect the constitution and support President
Barrow in his quest to further develop the country.
Also
speaking, Ebrima Sorrie Bah, secretary general of Gambia For 5 Years and Peace
Building, said they organised this solidary march to show their support for the
country’s constitution, especially where it is highly tasted by 3 Years Jotna,
a pressure group calling for Barrow’s resignation at the end of three
year-term.
“We
came out in our thousands to petition the president that Gambian constitution
supersedes any agreement of a Coalition,” he said.
According
to him, Operation 3 Years Jotna members are using the verbal agreement stated
by the Coalition, as a way to cause problem in the country.
He
went further to ask why Gambians voted for him, if he (Barrow) lacks the
competence to lead the Gambians as stated by Operation 3 Years Jotna?. He also
joined others in calling on all to remain law-abiding and respect the will of
the constitution
Seedy Njie, a strong Barrow supporter,
described the solidarity march as very important because it shows the political
maturity of Gambians in exercising their rights and to respect democracy, rule
of law and good government
“What
we need to understand is that no country in the world can’t be run through
morality,” he said, adding that: “We have our supreme law which is the guiding
principle and once a president, National Assembly member and any other official
on the service of the Gambian government, it is prescribed to take oath of
office to serve for 5 years,” he said.
President
Barrow, he explained, has swore to defend, protect and uphold the dignity of
the constitution of The Gambia, adding that when Barrow was swearing-in, he
affirmed he would rule the country in accordance of the constitution of The
Gambia.
Haddy
Faal, a Barrow fan, explained that they joined in the solidarity march to show
their support to Barrow for 5 Years’ mandate, adding that Gambians have to
respect the dictates of the constitution so that peace and stability can remain
in the country.
“We
are all here to give support to President Adama Barrow and his 5-year term as
mandated in the constitution. We shouldn’t allow anybody to come and divide us
by their influence and money because The Gambia is known for its peace and
stability,” she said.
Nyima
Saidykhan, another Barrow fan, acknowledged that they are not only supporting
Barrow for 5 Years, but now for 15 years. This, she added, is because Barrow is
a leader who is helping The Gambia after undergoing through a 22-year brutal
dictatorship.
“I
don’t know about others, but for me and my people will always give our support
to President Barrow and whosoever is standing on our way will fight till our
last breath,” she said.
