The National Democratic Party (NDP) accompanied by its partner NAFAA, is continuing its tour of the country with several meetings in the North Bank Region despite a tussle with the police over the uniform worn by the party’s security men.
Police have directed that the uniforms be changed because they resemble that of official presidential security service personnel.
The NDP which protested the move, has so far complied with the police directive but demanded a clear explanation ‘because the fabric its security wore is found in all markets and free for everybody to buy’.
The party described the action by the police as another form of intimidation.
Speaking at meetings in Mayamba, Farafenni and Wassu, NDP National President Lamin Jatta confirmed that police had confronted the party’s security men, claiming their uniforms resembled those of state security officers.
The party leader Kebba Madi Bojang, said the party hired private security service after the state failed to provide protection, only for the same authorities to turn around and start asking questions about the uniforms.
” I want Interior Minister Aboulie Sanyang to give a clear explanation as soon as possible otherwise our security officers would definitely wear their uniform,” the NDP leader warned.
The NDP leadership said ‘all these harassments’ come because they had left the NPP. “Ever since we left to form our party which is the legal way to contest leadership of the country, we have been facing harassment from the NPP using the police,” the party officials alleged.
Ousainou Allen leader of the NAFAA, said despite the security challenges, the tour will continue across the country, with a focus on grassroots development, security welfare and cost of living.
Police are yet to publicly comment on the uniform row with the NDP
Meanwhile the NDP–NAFAA alliance has taken a swipe at Mamma Kandeh and his GDC who have now joined the governing NPP.
The NDP leader warned Kandeh to stop mentioning his name and that of his party.
Kebba Madi vowed to take over the strongholds of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), accusing its leader Mamma Kandeh of betraying his supporters by joining the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Bojang claimed the GDC regional chairman in the area is now supporting the NDP and vowed to win over more supporters as the tour proceeds.
“I can promise you that I will take all your supporters until President Barrow realise that you don’t have any support again. I will take all your people and even in your village, surprisingly even some of your household members might join me,” Kebba Madi teased Kandeh.
The NDP -NAFAA alliance used the tour to outline promises on youth employment, education and security sector welfare. In Farafenni, the party promised to build a professional football training school for youth while in Mayamba it pledged to improve pay for security officers and teachers if elected. The tour continues.
