By Lamin Sanyang
The Secretary General of PDOIS and National Assembly Member for Serrekunda, Honourable Halifa Sallah has said that presidency shouldn’t be treated like a national cake but as a sacred duty to one’s country.
The veteran politician made these remarks last night at the FMB, Brikama Community Radio Station where he was invited as a special guest.
Talking to Mr Lamin Jange, the radio presenter, Hon Sallah argued that State House shouldn’t change anyone, no matter how sweet it might be, it should be seen as a place of work to elevate the general welfare of the people and not for personal enrichment.
“The seat of the President shouldn’t be treated like a national cake,” Honourable Halifa Sallah said.
The PDOIS Secretary General said that Gambians should not allow anyone to fool them again. He urged the necessity to propagate the true teachings of citizenship. He added that the new Gambia requests for discipline, hard work and informed citizens.
“There is need for mutual relation between political leaders to stop envying each other and develop this country,” he remarks.
The former Coalition Spokesperson said it’s not the responsibility of his party to explain the reason why President Barrow refuse to honour the 3 years Coalition Agreement but the burden lies on the President to do so.
“We are not going to be his mouthpiece,” he said.
He adduced that his party has decided to restructure and strategise things in preparations for the next elections after the Vice President has officially told the parliament that the President would be serving a 5 year constitutional term.
The PDOIS leader speaking on the ‘3 years jotna and 5 years mandate’ calls on Gambians to nurture peace and stability in the country to avert possible problems.
“There is two ways to remove a sitting president that is ballot box or overthrow but the former is the only legitimate thing to do,” he said.
Hon Sallah pointed out that procession is a constitutional right to raise legitimate concerns or petition the President. The intention of the procession should be peaceful and not to overthrow a sitting president. The people engage in procession must apply for a permit from the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
“It is necessary to have security escorts to prevent traffic jam, public disturbances and vandalism in the streets,” Hon Sallah asserted.
It’s his argument that the demonstrators have constitutional rights but should respect the rights of others when exercising their rights to avoid chaos and violence in the country.
Meanwhile, the outspoken leader calls on Gambians to learn lessons from the 1981 abortive coup which he said should not be allowed to repeat itself again.
