Mr President, The Gambia has recently experienced unfortunate scenes where political leaders attacked and responded to each other on social media platforms. As leaders many young Gambians look up to, political leaders should cease attacking each other and debate on ideas and concepts that would contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. Political leaders should set aside their political differences, bury the hatchet and work for the development of the nation instead of using aggressive words to create instability.
Many young people are also involved in such vitriolic attacks. Thus, action should be taken against anyone who uses faulty or foul words against another, or tries to threaten the peace and tranquility of the country.
Mr President, it's time that the government develop regulations and guidelines to monitor social media platforms and charge anybody who wants to undermine our society's peaceful coexistence.
Mr President, it is also wise to involve the Supreme Islamic Council and the Christian Council in issues of the country’s polity to break the ice and consolidate the ever-existing relationship between you and political leaders. Our religious leaders play a significant role in our society. Thus getting them in the dialogue for reconciliation between you and other political leaders, especially Lawyer Ousainu Darboe of the United Democratic Party, is timely to let peace reign in this great nation.
The Gambia has many important issues to talk about; rather than attacking individual characters. It is time your government held a dialogue with political leaders to continue to promote the peace we are known for as a country. Political leaders should work with the government to bring ideas that would have a greater impact on the lives and livelihood of our people.
Mr President, we should put politics aside and concentrate on bigger issues such as development, as we need good roads and ways to reduce cost of living. These are serious issues that grip the country at the moment and we need your government's intervention in dealing with all these matters. Your leading a reconciliation and unity drive should be a priority by exchanging words of development. Your government has been credited for championing democracy - a move that is recognised around the globe. Therefore, it's important to consolidate that gain rather than concentrating on political bickering and intervening in judicial affairs. We need an independent Judiciary and that must be guaranteed by you and your government.
Mr President, using social media wisely is something one would always be proud of, although social media can have positive and negative effects, such as making one rich or poor, damaging one’s image or character, and even leading to depression and the like.
Using social media wisely is one of the best decisions one can make. Thus Gambians, especially young people, should avoid insulting or attacking individuals by calling them names or threatening their lives or activities. Social media can be a double-edged sword; it can make or break someone or a people, but it all comes down to how our society uses it.
Mr President, to some, social media is the key to success while others believe it's a time-suck. However, it's an inescapable path of modern life, and being mindful of our social media habits is noble and humane. It can help one to navigate the good, the bad and the ugly of the digital world.
For the recent past weeks and month, many Gambians, especially young people, were seen on social media platforms harassing people's character and personality as well as insulting and even threatening attacks on individuals who they think have different beliefs or political affiliations.
Since the social media has really not been created for such attacks or vices, the government should stand firm in addressing such a security threat in our motherland.
Mr President, social media is a powerful tool that is designed to allow individuals to connect and share important information and not to peddle hatred among individuals and society.
The excessive use of social media can also have negative effects on mental health, as it can lead to feelings of loneliness, envy, and low self-esteem. It is important to use social media in moderation and with caution.
Mr President, young people should know that social media enables the widespread of fake news, false rumours, and unreliable information. This may also be a disadvantage for our endeavours and development as a country.
In conclusion, Mr President, Gambians, especially young people, should learn to become media literate so that we can make proper use of the information found in social media and set boundaries between virtual life and social life.
It is highly essential to be responsible in using any social media platforms and to always think before clicking as one’s action may influence the society positively or negatively.
Good Day!