Africa-Press – Gambia. Sidia Jatta, a senior figure in the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), has dismissed recent criticisms from Information Minister Ismaila Ceesay and other detractors, describing their remarks as rooted in “frustration” rather than substance.
In an interview with Gambian Talents TV, Jatta said he has no interest in trading insults, noting that personal attacks reveal more about the speaker than their target. “Only frustrated people insult,” he said. “Their words make me laugh, not angry. I am not a frustrated person.”
Jatta also addressed Ceesay’s past connection to PDOIS, pointing out that the minister was once a member before forming the Citizens’ Alliance.
“Ismaila Ceesay was a member of PDOIS before the formulation of CA, and he knows, we know, and Allah knows why he left,” Jatta said. “If you join PDOIS, you have to be ready to work and love Gambia. If you come to this party looking for a position, then you will end up leaving because we don’t have that here.”
Jatta emphasized his commitment to his party’s slogan, “My party says no to hate speech,” describing it as his guiding principle in responding to Minister Ceesay’s comments.
He dismissed his critics as “tired individuals” with little substance to offer. A national leader, he argued, should focus on initiatives that advance the welfare of citizens rather than indulging in petty criticisms and personal attacks.
Jatta added that the very citizens his critics claim to speak for understand that he is not the source of their problems.
Calling for greater political maturity, Mr. Jatta urged Gambians to reject divisive rhetoric and respect the freedom of association guaranteed by law. “It is the law that says that anyone can belong to a party of their choice, but you are PDOIS and I am UDP, and you are insulting me for being a UDP member, and you are PDOIS—what purpose does that serve?” he asked.
He encouraged citizens to focus on unity and constructive dialogue, saying “petty talks” have no place in building the country’s future.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
