By Saikou Jammeh

Four youths claimed to be supporters of the ruling ARPC Saturday defected to the opposition UDP at a political rally held at Serre kunda.

Wuyeh Camara, Famara Sonko, Mamadi Manneh and Sargo Gassama all from Tallinding declared their loyalty to United Democratic Party amid rousing cheers.

The party has at last secured a permit to meet after several denials by the police resulting in jailing the party’s campaign manager, Femi Peters for organising a political rally without permit.

Interior Minister, Ousman Sonko had said the previous permit applications were rejected because the state could not provide security as police were fully, however, there was no state security at sight during Saturday’s rally. 

"register and vote"

The party leader, Ousainou Darboe, addressing the gathering called on Gambians to register and vote come the forthcoming elections slated 2011 

"If you do not register and vote, you do not have the right to complain about the government because you fail to execute your civil duty," Darboe said.

"Femi not a criminal"

Darboe re-echoed that his campaign manager, Femi Peters, serving one-year jail term, is not a criminal, but a freedom fighter, who’s desire is to safe The Gambia from its present predicaments. 

"Future capital is Kanilai"

 UDP leader said Jammeh’s programmes are all for himself. He said he had said Jammeh is building Kanilai to become The Gambia’s future capital and some APRC supporters branded him a liar, but time has proven him right.

"We now have our cabinet meetings in Kanilai, Science and Technology academy is there, the festival and government officials are buying residential plot there," Darboe said.

Wastes public fund

"… the government never budgeted for the Kanilai International Festival, which means it is a private initiative… why public institutions have to fund it" he said. " public fund should not be used to support private initiatives. And it is not only the festival, but on other areas too."

Kemeseng Jammeh said there is no accountability in Jammeh administration. He said large sums are being given out, which are not accounted for.

Momodou LK Sanneh, member for Kiang West said the developments registered are public funds, grant-in-aid and loans, noting those funds are not from Jammeh’s pocket as portrayed.

Oppositions to come together

Darboe called on opposition parties to "come out from their shells as NRP did", form a united front to oust Jammeh.

"This is not the time for academic argument but philosophizing" he said. "We know our problem; let’s confront it to safe the Gambia."