URD Delegation Congragulates Jammeh

Gambia Radio & TV News (Banjul)

November 2, 2001
Posted to the web November 2, 2001

Abdoulie Gassama/Ramou Hall
Kanilai/Western Divisionl

A delegation from the Upper River Division comprising Chiefs, Alkalos, Religious leaders, Youth Women Representatives yesterday called on the President Alhaji Yahya Jammeh at Kanilai to congratulate him for winning last month's Presidential election.

The leader of the URD delegation, Commissioner Daba Marena said although the division failed to live up to expectation in the October Polls, the entire division cannot fail to rejoice over President Jammeh's victory. Mr Marena said that President Jammeh has brought a lot of development to the division for which they are indebted. He expressed their surprise that the APRC party did not poll the expected number of votes in URD. He made a firm promise that they will vote for the APRC party during the National Assembly elections.

Seyfo Kandakassey Juwara said they will celebrate President Jammeh's victory in a modest way until they rectify the mistake during the National Assembly elections.

The Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture Mr Yankuba Touray who is the APRC's National Mobiliser told the gathering that the President is not angry with them although he did not win there and has not labelled them as opposition members. He said he is determined to work harder to uplift the status of all Gambians.

In reply, President Jammeh said that though the outcome of the election in URD came as a surprise to him, God has pre-destined it that way.

Mr Touray expressed surprise that URD people still have confidence in politicians of the former government which neglected their region for over 30 years. He challenged them to vindicate themselves in the National Assembly elections.

In a separate engagement, President Jammeh also receive in audience a delegation of religious leaders who called on him to congratulate him in his election victory.

The Religious delegation comprised of members of the supreme Islamic Council, the Ahmadiyya Jamat, the Gambia Christian Council and the Bahai Faith. They were led to Kanilai by the Religious Secretary Ousman Badgie.

The President assured the religious leaders of his firm determination to give them support in their spiritual endeavours. He however appealed to them to be tolerant and to continue to ensure a peaceful co-existence amongst religious groups in the country.

The President of the Supreme Islamic Council Banding Drammeh noted that the outcome of the election is God's will and is an answer to their prayers for a victory to emerge in a peaceful and stable Gambia. He enjoined all Gambian to accept and respect divine providence.

Buba Trawally of the Ahmadiyya Jamat expressed that anyone bestowed with trust should be given support in a bid for the person to strive to ensure stability and development for all without discrimination.

Chairman and General Supretendant of the Methodist Church Reverend Titus Pratt noted that his Church have been following with Great interest, development projects since Jammeh's accession to power. He pledge the church's hopes and prayers that, more greater results are achieved in the next five years.

Further sentiments of prayers and commendation also came from Father Gabisi Father Bami Collins of the Anglican Mission and Edriss Barry of the Bahai Faith.

SOS Touray appealed to religious leaders to continue to guide the action in prayers and counselling of the young to be tolerant, law abiding and discipline.-0-