Dr. Janneh’s decision to join the APRC has spurred an interesting debate, but unfortunately a greater part of the debate is centred on him. I want to take the debate a little wider looking at Krubally’s statement:

The question should be why the high number of converts to the APRC? I disagree with Musa Jeng’s answer, "There is nothing to look into. It is call survival…………".

I am one of the longest serving member of Gambia-L, and since I became a member, I have seen a lot of converts. I mean from the AFPRC days. I became a supporter of Jammeh and AFPRC from the first day of the coup, July 22^nd 1994 and I have never even once think about supporting another party.

Coming back to the subject, we need to look into the reasons why many have been joining the APRC, especially since the last presidential election elections.

First and foremost, the APRC has implemented numerous successful projects that are directly benefiting the people such as the hospital, clinics, roads, schools, the television, GSM mobile phones, making radio Gambia a national radio (covering every inch of The Gambia), Internet access, and many other developments.

Secondly, the last elections was free and fair and for the first time in the history of this country, the main opposition party leader called the President, congratulated him and conceded defeat. This is very significant. Those of us on the ground know how important this action of Ousainou Darboe was.

Also important is the fact that the APRC is the most organised political party in the country. You can tell by the way this last elections was fought in all angles – airwaves, cyber world, door to door campaign etc. APRC has been setting up cells all over the world and the opponents are always one step behind in responding to these. The APRC is continuously inviting and working on getting opposition figures to switch sides and joins them. How many people have announced publicly that they have joined the APRC lately? How many have done so silently? Many. Let us analyse and see how many postings of different individuals were negative and directed towards Jammeh and the APRC before the elections compared to now? What happened to all those voices? Did they just disappear or what? I do respect Dr. Janneh for announcing the fact that he has joined the APRC. Many have joined, but kept it quite. As a matter of fact the majority of the Gambia-l members are now APRC supporters.

Going to the President’s inaugural statement, coupled with Jawara’s short visit to The Gambia and his statement both privately and publicly, many have decided to join the APRC. People are against Jammeh for various reasons and for many when those reasons do not longer exist, they would switch and join the APRC and have been doing so. I have spoken to many and have known many that have switched to the APRC since Jawara came home.

When UDP decided to boycott the National Assembly and Local Government Elections, many of their supports just could not accept it and they therefore decide to join the APRC. This was UDP’s biggest mistake and they are paying for it. They are loosing support by the day.

It is past 1:00AM in and have to go to work, but if not I would have written more. But anyhow, it is naïve to think that people are joining the APRC for survival. Dr. Janneh for example still lives in the US and does not need to be a member of the APRC to survive in the US. He has recently visited The Gambia and was not harassed or arrested for his opposition to the APRC and the same applies to many of you who have visited The Gambia lately. Why are the known anti-Jammeh list members now silent? The voices are getting fewer and fewer.

Yes, a high percentage of those who return are joining the APRC because seeing is believing. Many have been misled by misinformation from the opposition to the extend that their judgement was clouded. But now that they on the ground and experiencing live in The Gambia first hand, they had no other choice but to face reality. It sad to see the picture of The Gambia painted by the anti-Jammeh faction abroad.

Guys, it is just a matter of time, most of you remaining "naysayers" would come around and you will be welcome with open arms. After all we want what is best for The Gambia and our people.

PEACE

Tombong