By: Haddy Touray
The National People’s Party Media and Communication Secretary, Mr. Sulayman Camara, has asserted that President Barrow’s comments at the inauguration of the NPP regional bureau in Brikama last Saturday was meant to underscore his confidence in the current administration’s policies and the belief in continued public support.
“The opposition leader up to his grave shall never be a president of this country” has sparked considerable discussion and concern,” said the NPP media boss in a statement made available to this medium on Monday.
He said some have interpreted this statement as a threat to Lawyer Ousainou Darboe.
” I want to categorically state that this interpretation is not onlyincorrect but also misleading. In the realm of politics, strong language and rhetorical flourishes are commonplace. Such expressions are often used to convey determination and conviction in political discourse, rather than literal intentions or threats. A typical example was before the 2021 general election, the opposition leader said that whether one likes it or not, he is destined to be the next president. There is also an instance where the opposition leader said he would make the country ungovernable. These are all very strong statements,” stated Mr. Camara.
“Political debates and exchanges are inherently charged with passion and intensity. It is crucial to recognize that these utterances are part of the robust democratic process where leaders express their firm beliefs and standpoints. The President’s statement should be seen in this light, as a vigorous assertion of his commitment to his leadership and vision for the country,” he added.
He advised against diverting the national focus from the real issues at hand “by misconstruing political rhetoric”.
“Our democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, debate, and, yes, strong statements. It is essential that we all engage with these utterances in the spirit of political discourse and not as literal threats,” he stated.
