By: Sandally Sawo
The Alkalo of Farafenni, Bakary Dibba, has told President Adama Barrow to not worry about the loyalty of North Bank Region’s Alkalolu to his government.
He gave this assurance as he spoke at President Barrow’s community meeting at Farafenni on Tuesday.
Last Monday, President Barrow admonished Alkalolu to be loyal to his government, emphasizing that there are more reasons than one why Alkalolu should embrace his government.
Speaking at a meeting at Pakau Njogu in Lower Nuimi, the Gambian leader stressed the need for Alkalolu to show unadulterated loyalty to the government, saying village heads form an integral part of the governance process. He also hinted that the Alkalolu owe him gratitude for putting them on a payroll.
But the Alkalo of Farafenni assured Mr. Barrow that all the Alkalolu in the North Bank Region are rallying behind him and his government. He hinted that the President should not lose sleep over the fidelity of the region’s Alkalolu.
“All the Alkalolu in the North Bank Region are behind you. Do not have any misgivings about the loyalty of the Alkalolu in this region,” the Farafenni Alkalo said.
Meanwhile, also speaking at the Farafenni meeting, the Upper Baddibu Chief Alhaji Mustapha Dibba thanked President Barrow for the provision of community ambulances, electricity, water, medical supplies and subsidized fertilizer.
He said the North Bank Region was appreciative of the President’s efforts in building roads and bridges in the region.
“Lack of electricity had forced many skilled workers out of Farafenni over the years but President Barrow’s intervention in the power sector has stabilized electricity supply. You [President Barrow] also ended our water woes. Barrow is the deal,” he stated.
Women’s representative Bintou Ceesay in her speech appealed to President Barrow to assist in the provision of livelihood support to Farafenni women.
The NAM for Upper Baddibu, Sankung Dampha, expressed appreciation to President Barrow for the construction of classroom blocks at Nookunda and Yalal Tankonjal. He said construction of classrooms was underway in Illiasa, adding that the people of Maka Farafenni were also appreciative of the President’s water intervention in the community.
The Chairman of Kerewan Area Council, Papa Tunkara, appealed to the President to help construct roads that the council cannot build.
The North Bank governor Lamin Saidykhan said: “Barrow is a medical doctor in national development. Anywhere that had a problem, he fixed it. Sabach Road is finished and Hakalang is ongoing.”