By Nicholas Bass
The Deputy Spokesperson of APRC-no-to coalition, Mr. HalifaE. Jarju, in an interview with this medium frowned on members of the National Assembly (NA) saying they are selfish by not prioritizing the nation’s interest.
Mr Jarju spoke with this medium in the aftermath of Mr. Morro Gaye, an International Gambia Consultant, review of the 2024 budget where he projected that the Gambia may likely go into taking more loans from the commercial banks to finance its budget deficit.
The Deputy Spokesperson expressed concern saying the NAMs can participate in international meetings and conferences through digital platforms if they are willing to save the country from spending a projected sum of D400 million in 2024.
He argued that NAMs preferred going for international travel to receive huge allowances to the detriment of the Gambian citizens.
Mr. Jarju accused of the Finance Minister of the Barrow-led Government of not prioritizing the basic needs of Gambians before NAMs approved the Presidential nationwide tour budget from D10 million to D30 million.
In his suggestion, he said President Barrow-led Government should have cut down the budget of the Presidential nationwide tour from the initial D10 million to D6 million, and diverted the rest to health, agriculture, and education sectors.
“This is what the Barrow administration is accusing Jammeh of but today they are coming with a higher budget, Jammeh is better than them’’, Jarju claimed.
According to him, the Barrow Government has failed the Gambian people and his (Barrow) administration has failed to honor their promises of creating jobs for the youths.
Mr Jarju however challenged every Gambia to re-decide on the faith of a new Gambia in the 2026 Presidential election, noting that if a wise decision is not made come 2026 the country will face the consequences, again.