The administrative secretary of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) Ebriama Nyang becomes the latest politician to fire a shot of criticism  at the president’s style of leadership. He stressed that Gambians voted massively in 2016 for change but hopes for better livelihood which influenced the change for leadership has been short to its premature death by the current leadership as the poor are getting poorer whilst few continue to  enjoy state resources.

“When one reflects on” the missed opportunity which came about the 2016 change of government, one’s mind wonders in many directions. The enthusiasm and hope have been dashed by a toothless leadership whose only accomplishment has been allowing looters to go unpunished. The competition of who gets the highest numbers of buildings, cars or better life is worrying while the average Gambian continues to struggle. 

The question is – is this torture on our citizenry premeditated by the Barrow led government? I would submit that while it’s hard to prove that, the reality is that whether at GPA, GRA, Gamtel, GAMCEL, NAWEC, GCAA or even the ministries – its daylight looting. We have seen the situation of whistle blowers on a couple of occasions, but we are yet to see anyone prosecuted for corruption. The anti corruption commission is as good as dead – transparency seems to be as good as nonexistence.

As Micheal Godden said in his famous book – Man’s total action gives him his own definition – Mr President – your actions, utterances and cool looking defines you. Your actions have brought us to a point of slow death. It’s not surprising to see the surge in crimes, petty thieves and begging syndrome in this country. I can foresee that if change is not done quickly, by the end of 2026 – this country will be into a full blown crisis.

Have you ever thought of the following ?

1- How does it feel for the state to mortgage our future?

2- How does it feel for students to graduate yet cannot find jobs due to corruption and the running down of our enterprises?

3- How does it feel to renege on promises made?

I do know as he who feels it knows it with the help of our fearless leaders, we have managed to 

1- Regain self-rule from the colonial masters

2- How to sleep with an empty stomach as the breadwinner doesn’t have a job

3- That one’s wife is on a gamble of life and death during child labour

4- That one’s salary is only half of one’s monthly needs and lives on overdraft

5- That one’s next door neighbour is an economic junglers and living a dream live

6- That the thieves in suits are celebrated while the petty thieves are paraded on TV

7- That the basic amenities are lacking but the powers that one has excessed of it.

I can go on and on but what is the point? The point is we are with a leadership which doesn’t care about us as a people. The only time they care and have been seen this year is when our votes count for their continuity or lack of it in their flamboyant lifestyle at our expenses.

While we are in agony for the sad realities, is it enough reason to give up on this country of ours? The answers are definitely NO. We have played our part for this change and by no chance shall we take a step back to surrender our goals for this country. It is hard for everyone, but we are known for our resilience – when the going gets tough, the tough gets going; our country needs us now more than ever.

We shall stand for what we believe, and nothing will stop us – history and prosperity will judge our patriotism as Thomas A Edison quote ” our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time”. We owe this to our nation to do the right things – a responsibility we cannot shy away from.

This country will be ruined by not the speakers against oppression but the silence of the many and I have decided to speak up – would you listen and do the same? As we know, our commander in chief does not have the temperament, capacity and capability to run this country. He is far too emotional and lacks the basics for a better Gambia we want. Everything he touches turns into a failure – from commissions of enquiries to OIC to bid for ECOWAS chair to vibrant economy – he is simply not apt. Lest I forget, its not that he doesn’t love the country – it’s simply as Barack says – he doesn’t get it!

December 4th, 2021 is the unique opportunity to right the wrongs of 2016. I am ready – are you?

 

Ebrima Nyang

(GDC Admin 1).