Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In response to accusations made by Ousainou Darboe, the head of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), about President Adama Barrow receiving government land, the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has issued a statement. The NPP says Darboe’s challenge suggesting President Barrow was complicit in a land grab is ‘conjecture’, in the statement signed by deputy spokesperson Seedy Njie.
During a press conference last Monday, Darboe questioned President Barrow’s acquisition of a government property at South Atlantic, suggesting improper conduct. However, the NPP’s statement emphasized that Darboe’s comments were based on conjecture and lacked sufficient factual support.
“For the benefit and future reference of all Gambians, all citizens may apply to the Minister responsible for Lands for the grant of state land under Section 11A of the State Lands Act. The President, as a citizen, is entitled to land allocation just like any other citizen,” Njie stated.
The NPP highlighted that the allocation of land by the government to citizens, including former President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara and many others, has been a longstanding practice. Njie pointed out that numerous Gambians, from various walks of life, have benefited from this process, including Ousainou Darboe himself.
He further noted that land allocations have been made equitably across political divides, citing the recent allocation of land to National Assembly Members at Old Yundum as an example. Njie listed several areas where Gambians have received land through the same process, including Pipeline, Fajara, Kotu, Bakoteh, Salaji, Brufut, Bijilo, Brusubi, and Kanifing.
“It will therefore be erroneous or misguided for one to call for denial of the same privileges to our sitting president on the basis of opposition,” Njie remarked.
President Barrow, according to the NPP statement, welcomes political pluralism and the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable. However, he encourages constructive checks that contribute positively to national development, rather than those driven by sentiments and emotions.
The statement also emphasized the need to provide incentives and privileges for sitting heads of state to promote good governance, rule of law, and human rights principles. Njie argued that Darboe, as a statesman, should support the idea of providing a residence for the sitting president as a means of ensuring a dignified life after the presidency.
The NPP reassured Gambians of President Barrow’s commitment to democracy, due process, and the equitable use of the country’s limited land resources. The government, Njie affirmed, adheres to the principle that each person is entitled to one land allocation.
“President Barrow is committed to democracy and due process. He is incorruptible and will always respect procedures and abide by them,” the statement concluded.
