By: Alieu Ceesay
Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, Secretary-General and Party Leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP), delivered an urgent message, issuing a stern warning to the Gambia government’s parastatals, institutions, and department heads. He underscored the widespread corruption, tyranny, and self-interest afflicting the incumbent administration and pledged zero tolerance for these malpractices under GAP’s governance.
Batchilly, who surrendered his political party to President Adama Barrow during the 2021 Presidential election, has taken a dramatic turn by pointing fingers at Barrow’s government. This includes Corruption, Nepotism, and appointing incompetent individuals into public office.
“Your actions of corruption, despotism, and selfishness are not only immoral but also detrimental to the very people you are meant to serve,” he declared, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. He highlighted the misuse of public funds for personal gain and extravagant travels undertaken solely to collect per diems as blatant examples of this misconduct.
Batchilly assured the public that GAP would implement stringent measures to combat these issues. “Under the administration of the Gambia Action Party, there will be no room for impunity or favoritism,” he vowed. “Every action will be scrutinized with the utmost transparency and accountability.” He stressed that all government officials, from ministers to parliamentarians, must understand their accountability to the people and that they are not above the law.
Reflecting on the broader implications of such unethical behavior, Batchilly stated, “It is an affront to the principles of democracy and justice when those in power enrich themselves while the majority of citizens languish in poverty.” He condemned the ostentatious lifestyles of government officials and their families, funded by taxpayers’ hard-earned money, as a betrayal of public trust.
Batchilly also underscored the role of the National Human Rights Commission, calling for rigorous investigations into any reports of misconduct or abuse of power. “The National Human Rights Commission has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the rights of every citizen are protected, including the right to a government that serves their interests faithfully and ethically,” he said.
Batchilly declared, “Let this message serve as a stern warning: the days of unchecked corruption and abuse of power are numbered. The people of The Gambia demand and deserve a government that works tirelessly for their welfare, not exploits their resources for personal gain.” He emphasized that those who resist change will be held accountable before the law and the court of public opinion.
