Africa-Press – Gambia. The Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has argued that Gambia’s political opposition has become significantly weaker since the Citizens’ Alliance (CA) joined President Barrow’s administration. Speaking in an interview with The Fatu Network, Dr. Ceesay said the opposition landscape was more dynamic and accountable when CA operated as an independent opposition party.
“What has changed now is that we are no longer in opposition. The time we were there, it was a vibrant opposition; we held the government accountable, we came up with our manifesto, which is very progressive, so when we left, we left a big gap in the opposition. The time we were there was a vibrant opposition because we made it vibrant as a party, the Citizens Alliance. When we left, it became bankrupt,” he said.
Dr. Ceesay stressed that the central role of an opposition party is to offer credible policy alternatives and provide proper oversight of the government.
“They are not holding the government accountable; by giving alternatives, the opposition should be an alternative to the government,” he noted.
He further explained his support for the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), saying President Barrow remains the most suitable leader to ensure stability, democratic progress, and youth empowerment.
“I choose to support the NPP because I made an assessment that the right person for the continuity of this country, for the stability, the promotion of democracy, and for youth empowerment, my assessment was that President Barrow was the best among the lot,” he said.
Dr. Ceesay also used a metaphor to defend his endorsement of the president: “Now let’s assume the president is a driver and the country is the passenger. The president has a driver’s license, the president is driving perfectly, the car is moving, and the passengers are happy. Why should we give the car to the people who are chasing the car outside without a driver’s license?” he asked rhetorically.
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