Announcing his decision at a meeting with President Barrow on holiday in his native Mankamang Kunda, Omar Beyai said joining the ruling party was the conclusion of his reflection dating back months, and that is borne out of the fact that every politician follows the interest of their constituency and people.
He said his people want him to join the NPP, and that’s the reason he joined.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, because I must appreciate that when I needed help, especially politically, GAP came to my rescue, and I owe it to them. But now I think it’s time to join the NPP so that I can help the president bring about much-needed development,” he told The Point yesterday.
Beyai, who spent the last six years on an international appointment in Sierra Leone, said he has the feeling that President Adama Barrow needs to be supported to be able to achieve his developmental aspirations.
“I think the president and his government are doing everything humanly possible to get The Gambia where it needs to be. I know some people will think I am stupid for saying this, especially at a time when living conditions are very expensive. But I want Gambians to understand that Gambia is among the cheapest West African countries to live in. There is no iota of doubt about that. I lived in Sierra Leone for six years, and I know how expensive things are in that country compared to The Gambia,” he said.
He said all genuine Gambians, including the opposition, should support the president with more ideas to be able to accomplish his developments because if he succeeds, the whole country succeeds.
“We should stop wishing our leaders badly because if they fail, it is the country that suffers. I want to encourage all those working in the civil service and cabinet to do more to support the president. We should all put aside our political differences and focus on the goal of building a better and more prosperous Gambia that we will all be proud of,” he added.
Beyai added that Gambians, especially critics of the government, should be honest in their criticisms.
“You may dislike him, but definitely I think he is doing well compared to all the challenges he had to confront, especially his first five years after splitting with the UDP,” he added.
He said his coming to the NPP will without a doubt add value to the party.
