By: Kemo Kanyi
The National Organising Secretary of the UDP cum the Mayor of the Kanifing Municipality, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has hinted that he had received offers to leave the UDP, but was never interested in such offers because he believes in the party.
Responding to allegations that he wanted to join the ruling National People’s Party, Bensouda debunked the accusation.
‘’If I wanted to join the National People’s Party, it would not be today after fighting the commissions of enquiry, fighting against the PIU officers and so many other fights, and I am still in the United Democratic Party. This shows my belief in the UDP,’’ mayor Bensouda told Membekering on Saturday.
He stated that if he wanted to be minister or one of the bigwigs of the NPP at the same time serving as mayor without going to commissions, and be enjoying millions of Dalasi.
‘’I do not lack offers from the other side. If I wanted to become minister, I would have had it. If I wanted money, I would have gone and collected it. I did not lack all these offers. Staying with UDP opposing and fighting for good governance, there is a reason. So, it’s funny to say such against me. There was chance for me to join NPP and make tens of millions of Dalasi. If I had wanted it, I would be mayor and at the same time, be a bigwig of NPP,’’ Bensouda revealed.
Addressing another allegation of having intention to establish a political party, he stated that if he has that intention, he would have done that long since, adding that the rumor has been going on since his first term in office but it’s unfounded.
‘’This rumor has been going on since my first term in office. If I have the belief that I can establish my own party, I would not hide that from anyone. I don’t fool people. I mean my words. It’s never my intention to set up a political party,’’ Bensouda clarified.
He advised UDP supporters to maintain unity as it is a key pillar for any successful party.
“Let’s stop the petty talks. Our political adversary is not ourselves, but the National People’s Party, who are mismanaging our national funds. The United Democratic Party has a very big task to rescue The Gambia,’’ he cautioned.