By Alagie Manneh
Supporters of the opposition APRC are keeping their fingers crossed and praying for former leader Yahya Jammeh’s return to The Gambia one day, interim leader Fabakary Tombong Jatta told The Standard.
He made these comments last Thursday as dozens of APRC supporters met at the residence of Mayor Yankuba Colley to mark the 52nd birthday of their exiled leader.
“We still believe in [Jammeh’s] ideology, and in the programmes of the APRC. That is why we came together today to show our appreciation to the former President of the Republic of The Gambia and to wish him long life,” Mr Jatta said.
He added: “We pray also, that as a citizen of this country, one day he comes back to this country for us to continue to acknowledge his contributions in the development of the country.”
The supporters cut a birthday cake and sang birthday wishes to the former president.
Mr Jatta also reaffirmed the APRCs “sincere belief” in the former president’s developmental policies laid from 1994 .
“His roadmaps are one of the only ways that can move this country to higher heights. That is why we as a people who believe in his ideologies and methods converged here.”
Asked what message the ex-president has for his supporters, the former lawmaker said: “I am not in contact with him. I have never talked with him over the period, but I know he would be very much appreciative and it would enthuse him to know that yes, there are still people who appreciate what he has achieved in the country. He is a very generous man.”
Mr Seedy Njie said no one can dispute the fact that the former leader has achieved a lot for this country.
“If you see we are all shouting from every nook and cranny in this country, it is because Jammeh has transformed this country beyond the imagination of most of us. Let us be frank to ourselves, the past 22 years has seen massive transformation of this country,” he said.
A similar celebration took place in Bakau organised by Ousman ‘Rambo’ Jatta.
