The duo’s comments came on the heels of recent barbs made by President Barrow in which he expressed his desire to see UPD’s leader Ousainu Darboe die before he (Barrow) leaves the presidency – a comment that gathered widespread condemnation.
Responding to Barrow, Njie said: “The words from President Barrow against the opposition leader Lawyer Ousainu Darboe are a threat to Gambia’s democracy.”
“There are a lot of things that need urgent attention and the government of Adama Barrow is mute over those issues in the country.”
"Things like drug abuse, high price of the basic food commodities, crime rate, lack of job opportunities for young people, corruption across all the government sectors and others are the things the president should be talking about and trying to find a solution rather than attacking the UDP leaders.”
“Barrow will not develop this country because that is not his focus. He is focusing only on Ousainu Darboe and UDP. He even said that whatever development he tries to do for the Gambia; and if UPD interferes he will stop that development in the country.”
“Since President Adama Barrow came to power, he has not fulfil any of his campaign promises regarding the country’s development.”
“President Barrow’s close associates are trying to make his statement a good one but that is too late for them because everyone in this country or outside the country knows what exactly what the President said.”
“Such a statement should not have come from a leader who has the country at heart."
NPP communication secretary defends Barrow’s rhetoric
“I would like to address the recent comments made by the President at the inauguration of the NPP regional bureau at Brikama.
The President's remark, "the opposition leader up to his grave shall never be a president of this country," has sparked considerable discussion and concern. Some have interpreted this statement as a threat towards the opposition leader. I want to categorically state that this interpretation is not only incorrect but also misleading.
In the realm of politics, strong language and rhetorical flourishes are commonplace. The President's comment was meant to underscore his confidence in the current administration's policies and the belief in continued public support. Such expressions are often used to convey determination and conviction in political discourse, rather than literal intentions or threats. A typical example was before the 2021 general election, the opposition leader said: whether one likes it or not, he is destined to be the next president. There are also an instance where the opposition leader said he will make the country ungovernable.
These are all a very strong statements. Political debates and exchanges are inherently charged with passion and intensity. It is crucial to recognize that these utterances are part of the robust democratic process where leaders express their firm beliefs and standpoints. The President's statement should be seen in this light, as a vigorous assertion of his commitment to his leadership and vision for the country.
Let us not divert our focus from the real issues at hand by misconstruing political rhetoric.
Our democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, debate, and, yes, strong statements. It is essential that we all engage with these utterances in the spirit of political discourse and not as literal threats.”
