By: The Voice Snr Reporter
Presidential adviser and former militant of the UDP Dou Sano has issued a challenge to Lawyer Ousainou Darboe to give Gambians the reason(s) for not considering the late Solo Sandeng’s family in his requests for State lands.
Sano has been struggling to understand why Lawyer Darboe could send five applications for allocation of land to himself and his family when the family of his fallen comrade was struggling to have a place they could call their home.
“Solo was my twin-brother or at least that’s how we were considered to be. Solo had sacrificed a lot for the UDP. I could remember, he’d once informed me of his intention to sell part of his plot of land at Brufut Gamtel. I advised him against it but he nonetheless went ahead and sold it,” Sano recounted in an interview with The Voice.
He added: “When he disposed of the land by way of sale, he bought a van which he dedicated to the service of the UDP. He would also deploy the vehicle in the traffic to make some money to support his family and the party. So, I couldn’t understand, no matter how hard I tried, how Darboe could leave Solo’s family in the cold when they needed him the most. He [Darboe] requested for five plots. I think he could have included Solo’s family on his list if he’s indeed appreciative of his contribution to Gambia’s liberation.”
Apparently speaking with a heavy heart, presidential adviser Sano said the late Solo Sandeng haddedicated time, energy and resources to the UDP in a way that many UDP members didn’t.
“But Darboe is an ingrate. When President Barrow newly took over, he requested the names of all those who suffered during the electoral reforms protest so that the list could be sent to the ECOWAS Court for redress and compensation. But guess what, Darboe wrote the names of people in his close circle and they were compensated, leaving Solo’s family behind. Is this how you honour a fallen comrade?” stated Sano.
He said “Darboe is indeed an ingrate. Imagine, despite all the wonderful things that I have done for Darboe, he notwithstanding went to court so that I can be dismissed from my position. Is this how you pay a former comrade in struggle? Darboe is a very interesting and perplexing character.”
Asked about President Barrow’s electoral prospects in 2026, Sano said the NPP does not lose sleep over the presidential election.
“We are already seated comfortably. I think those that should be paranoid of the 2026 election should be those who are yet to settle down,” he explained.
“President Barrow’s accomplishments in development are our passport to the Presidency come 2026. His democratic credentials and infrastructure projects will be the reasons why Gambians will return him to office. The President never tormented any Gambian in the form of torture, arbitrary arrests and detention,” he added.
When put to him that Gambians are going through tough economic and financial times, presidential adviser Sano responded: “Look at my hands. They have hardened due to the intense farming I’m currently involved in. You see, the President cannot provide jobs for everyone or put food on everyone’s table. Gambians have to learn that nations are developed through the industry and patriotism of their citizens. The President has created an enabling environment for everyone to realize his or her dream in The Gambia. What more do we expect? Let Gambians till the land to ensure food security.”
More on the interview in our subsequent editions.
