Ebrima
Sorrie Bah, the secretary general of ‘Gambia For Five Years and Peace Building
has accused the United Democratic Party (UDP), for being behind the 3 Years
Jotna – a group that are calling on President Adama Barrow to step down at the
end of three years.
“The
statement from the UDP Party leader in a recent press conference has clearly
indicated that the party is behind the 3 Years Jotna movement,” he said over
the weekend at a press conference held at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium.
“This is a clear manifestation of the UDP’s position in forcing Barrow to step
down in December.”
The
UDP last week held a press conference at the party’s headquarter in Manjai and
made its position clear with regard to the 2016 Coalition agreement. The party
has also called on President Barrow to be faithful and respect the agreement of
the Coalition 2016.
He
added: “Forcing President Barrow to step down in December is violating the
provisions of the constitution. The President has constitutional mandate to
stay until 2021,” Mr. Bah said.
Commenting
on the significance of peace and stability in the country, Bah called on the
UDP party to reverse its earlier decision to enable the country continue to
enjoy the peace and stability that it is known for.
The
peace and stability of the country, he maintained, should not be compromised,
saying: “Gambians should be calm and say no to any protest in December, while
urging Gambians in the Diaspora to partake in the maintenance of peace and
stability in the country.”
He
expressed optimism that they will neutralise the activities of 3 Years Jotna
before December. He claimed that 80% of the Gambian people are behind Barrow’s
five years mandate, while assuring that nothing will happen in December.
Naffie
Sonko, the president of Gambia For Five Years Group, described the recent
statement from the UDP leader as a ‘threat to the people.’
“There
is an individual interest in the statement of Darboe. However, the peace of the
country is of paramount importance, thus it should not be compromised for
anything.”
The
activities of 3 Years Jotna, she went on, should not be entertained. “This is why we stood up firm to encourage
peace and stability in the country.”