Political opponents are increasingly using the social media and the public space to spread all sorts of allegations against each other thus confusing people who cannot differentiate the truth from lies regarding various National issues.
In a situation where those who know are keeping quiet and those who don’t know are talking, political fabrications become the order of the day. The danger in this is that whenever people are unable to critically perceive the themes of their lives, they will be carried along in the wake of change. In today’s Gambia, there are too many preachers of the day of accountability and probity, too many political experts, too many social activists, too many so-called power influencers, too many investment dealers and so forth. In this era of misinformation, access to information is crucially of importance to one’s consciousness on national issues.
The current wahala about the Maccarthy Square, about the 2020 vs 2024 draft constitutions, Diaspora Voting, IEC Chairmanship, emergence of new Political Parties, possible coalition talks, etc have all contributed to the current convoluted political atmosphere in the country. One wonders who is speaking the truth in the public discourse; the ruling government, its supporters or the opposition. For now, it is difficult for one to gauge the political trend and to know where all these Wahala will lead to in the end. One thing that is clear is that the jangling discords of the Nation are under scrutiny and the people’s verdict will ensue in the fullness of time. Our best bet in such a convoluted political atmosphere, is not to be warned by the gossips but to be alerted to political reality and to the truth upon access to credible information.
The Chinese proverb says, No investigation, No right to speak. It is said, when the Prophet of Islam ( PBUH ) was asked who is the best Muslim, he replied that the best Muslim is one whose mouth and tongue save other Muslims. What is of wise counseling in the midst of political fabrications, is for the government to speak louder and accurately on issues in the national discourse based on facts and the truth and for the opposition and citizens to engage in constructive debates and telling the truth on National issues. The scriptures have said, ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set them free.
The holy Quran says, when truth comes, falsehood vanishes and falsehood becomes a vanishing thing forever. The current lack of access to correct information will break society instead of the consolidation of democracy and good governance.The country is at crossroads, politically difficult times ahead.
