Mr. President, Its seems that you did not get my last memo or we are crawling into dictatorship because your recent utterance is quite disturbing. Quoting you
” A politician told me that the Public Servants who are sobbotating my work, opposing me should be dismissed, and some are also insulting, he said i should stand up against that. I am telling him that in my government, if i suspect anyone who is sabotage my work, i will dismiss you, You go and be a beggar. “ President Adama Barrow
Mr President, May I remind you that you are not the appointing authority for the Civil Service. You cannot take the law into your own hands and in your own words, “ sack anyone you suspect of sabotage ‘. Since when was suspecting someone the same as finding someone guilty of the act? For those who have experience in functional institutions, this is not how things work. We have been through 22 difficult years under dictatorship . You are fast evolving into a dictator and this is something we will not sit and watch without denouncing.
Mr President again, Public servants are meant to be apolitical, serving the public interest impartially regardless of the political landscape. It is concerning to see that rather than focusing on urgent reforms, there have been continued threats against the public servants. I urge you to stop threatening public servants and instead work towards meaningful reforms that can improve the functions of the public service and ensure it remains a neutral and efficient body.
Mr President, may I remind you again that Civil servants are guided by a General order Service Code of Conduct, not by any political directive. The Gambian people have called for civil service reform, not a witch hunt against political opponents. This is not the mandate on which you were elected. We expect you to focus on genuine reforms that improve our civil service and uphold the principles of democracy and impartial governance.
Mr President, when Gambians asked for civil service reform it was to dismantle the remnants of Dictator Jammeh’s model of governance, where public servants were often engaged in illegal and partial executive tasks. The continuation of this system of governance is the breeding ground for corruption, poverty, and the failing economic system we are seeing. The purpose of civil servant reform is to eliminate these corrupt practices and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of those managing public affairs. It is essential that we focus on creating a transparent, accountable, and efficient civil service that serves the best interests of all Gambians.
Mr President, we have seen how Dictator Jammeh used ministers as stooges and tools of repression, and unfortunately, these statements reminds us of that dark period. At a time when our youths are facing immense challenges and dying in their thousands, it is disheartening to hear you and your ministers focus on threatening civil servants rather than addressing these critical issues. We find ourselves once again living in such an era, and if history is any guide, these attacks on the civil service will only become uglier and eventually backfire .
Mr President, It is important to remind you and the Ministers that the removal of Dictator Jammeh was a clear mandate from the Gambian people to transition from a country ruled by executive orders to one governed by the rule of law. Your attempts to politicize the civil service, as Dictator Jammeh did, will be met with resistance from those who believe in a just and impartial public service. We urge you to focus on genuine civil service reform aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability, rather than resorting to tactics of intimidation and politicization.
Mr President, The Gambian people are in desperate need of leadership that prioritizes their well-being, provides opportunities for the youth, and fosters a fair and just society.
We need better , we deserve better and we demand better!