GDC leader Seemingly Rejects President Barrow’s Offer; Expresses Gratitude to Him
The leader of an opposition party Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Hon Mama Kandeh has rejected the President’s initial offer, arguing that he is not the kind of person the Gambian leader thinks he is.
During a meeting with the elders of Jimara, President Barrow called for unity among the people and further told them to take ownership of his government.
The President further urged the GDC leader to join him arguing that his Agricultural Minister was with Kandeh in the opposition but if the former could become a Minister in his government then, Kandeh is likely to achieve a position higher than a minister if he joins him.
Knowing his love for proverbs, the President said, you can take a horse to the river but you cannot force it to drink.
In a political rally at Jimara yesterday, the GDC leader told President Barrow that he is not a horse and not the type of person the President thinks he is.
“I am not a horse and not the kind of person you think I am too. Thanks for the gesture, that’s all I can say about your recent remarks about me. President Barrow is my neighbour, age mate and friend and I am thankful for the gesture” Kandeh told a cheering crowd.
Kandeh argued that his party is enjoying unprecedented support in the history of the party insisting that they are stronger today than ever before.
“Those that are peddling misleading information that GDC is dead, they are the very ones who are dead. It’s far from the truth that GDC is dead as we still command strong support in the country. The support GDC is commanding currently, it has never had such support in 2016 and 2021. So, tell those claiming that GDC is dead, it’s they (themselves) who are dead not GDC” Kandeh stated.
On issues of his unbecoming silence on the current state of affairs in the country, Kandeh said it’s too early to talk but he has a lot to say but will only speak when the right time comes.
“I was the first Gambian to register a political party at a cost of one million. Considering the amount I spent on registration, I have only talked about two dalasi from the one million. I spent one Dalasi talking in 2016 and another one Dalasi in 2021. So, I have a whole lot to say but time is still young. Let’s wait for the most appropriate time” Kandeh reiterated.
The GDC leader takes on President Barrow’s infamous proposal to increase government services arguing that poverty in the country has reached the climax and such decisions will affect the livelihood of the masses.
“You cannot impose a tax increment on vulnerable citizens who are struggling with their daily meals. Nobody will tell me about development through resource mobilizations but the timing of this one is wrong. If the government wants to embark on the much needed infrastructural developments, let the President and his Ministers reduce their salaries and spend it on the capital projects. They cannot continue to be earning lofty salaries and still want poor taxpayers to finance the country’s development without considering their plights” Hon Kandeh.
Rumor has it that Kandeh may join the ruling party and likely secure a cabinet position by next year. However, his remarks at the rally in Jimara regarding joining President Barrow have suggested otherwise as he sounds not keen on joining the Gambian leader in his crusade to co-opt major opposition figures in the country.