By: Sandally Sawo
President Adama Barrow, has said Alkalolu should be aware that they’re part of the governance architecture and must work collaboratively with the government.
“Alkalolu should know that they are part of the government and working for the government. And if you are working for the government, for God’s sake, people should feel it. You must work for your village and country. The reason you should work for your village is because they chose you and trusted you to lead. If you are a leader of a village, people expect a lot from you. But if you are an Alkalo and not with the government and you are preoccupied with other things, can your village have the required development? So, I want the Alkalolu to work with the government hand in hand,” President Barrow stated on Monday at Pakau Njogu as he began his countrywide tour.
According to the Gambian leader, it’s unprecedented in the history of The Gambia for Alkalolu to be salaried despite the Alkaloship role being a long-standing tradition.
He continued: “Alkalolu has long remained here but Alkalo with a salary here started with the Barrow government and the reason is when we took over, we realized that the Alkalolu work for the government and whatever government has, Alkalo will be part of it. So, I said that [Alkalolu without salary] must change. Some thought it may not be feasible because we have lots of Alkaloluhere. Some said we were politicking but I want everyone to get what you deserved. This is why I said Alkalolu must be paid a salary. I think it’s now clear. The pockets of Alkalolu are now heavy but he who is paid must work for his country. Work with the government hand in hand. This is what I task you to do. Alkalolu are leaders and partners to the government. Please Alkalolu, if you work with the government, people should feel it. But you cannot be an Alkalo yet you are preoccupied with something else.”