By: Kemo Kanyi
Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and leader of the opposition United Democratic Party has issued a stern warning against violent attacks on the UDP, indicating that the use of violence against the party would galvanize members into self-defense mode.
President Barrow recently encouraged NPP supporters to stand firm and fiercely fight against any person that insults them and he would be there for them as, according to him, NPP is the ruling party and its members should not harbor any fear against.
However, addressing a press conference at the UDP bureau at Manjai on Monday, Lawyer Darboe said UDP would resort to similar means to defend itself whenever members are attacked.
“If you attack us with violence, we will use violent means to defend ourselves from aggression. If you think you can use the security to attack us with violence, we will be prepared to defend ourselves against any faction of security,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the veteran politician stated that the arrest of the UDP’s deputy organizing secretary Ebrima Dibba would only strengthen the country’s largest opposition party’s resolve put in check the powers that be.
“Who started the insults? The President once said, “If you said you owned a political party, that’s true but if you said you own people, that’s a lie.” When does calling someone ignorant become insult? This country belongs to everyone, and we all have rights to utter our dismay. The arrest of Ebrima Dibbawill not intimidate us but will rather make us stronger,” he affirmed.
Hon. Darboe advised the chief justice against any manipulation as he also advised the security forces not to allow themselves to be used as tool of oppression.
The veteran politician challenged President Barrow to reveal the source(s) of funding for the construction of NPP bureaus across the country.
“I heard that your bureaus are funded by businessmen. Tell us the names of businessmen, who are building your bureaus. Mr. President, come out and clear the air for Gambians,” Darboe challenged.
The UDP leader called on President Barrow to prioritize fight against corruption for better institutional development.
