Written by Abdoulie John
President Adama Barrow has outlined in a four-word slogan what would top the priorities of his government, saying without infrastructures there can be no development.
The Gambian leader made this remark during a press conference that was held immediately after he filed his nomination papers at Election House.
Accompanied by thousands of National People’s Party (NPP) supporters and their allies, wearing white t-shirt emblazoned with the effigy of their flagbearer, Barrow launched his 2021 reelection campaign in mega style.
He told reporters that he will stick to his infrastructural development agenda.
Over these past years, his government has unveiled major projects in the area of health, energy and environment. A good number of roads and bridges have also been built in the country’s hinterland.
On asssets declaration, Barrow said it is part of the requirements put up by the Independent Electoral Election (IEC), which cannot be bypassed by any Presidential aspirant.
“I already declared my asset with the IEC,” he told a group of reporters firing questions from various angles.
Asked by journalists whether he will make public his assets declaration, he said it is left to the country’s electoral body to decide what to do.
“We play by rules and regulations,” he added.
Civil society groups in the West African subregion have been calling for governments to bring forward legislation that would allow our countries to move towards an open society.
As the alliance with the former governing party sparked controversy, President Barrow reminded journalists that the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) is a legally registered political organisation.
That is why, he said, they decided to enter into alliance with them.
“It is in the best interest of national security and reconciliation,” he added.
Barrow assured he will acknowledge defeat if his alliance fails to emerge victorious in the next Presidential elections.
“I am a democrat,” he voiced out. “Whatever the Gambian people decide, I will respect that.”