HAMAT BAH SAYS NRP IS NOT OPEN TO ANY OPPOSITION ALLIANCE

We Have Learned From Past Failed Opposition Mergers—Bah Tells Freedom

Hamat Bah, the leader of the National Reconciliation party has said that his party is not open to any opposition merger for now—saying that they have learned enough from the NADD alliance, which failed on its bid to dislodge President Jammeh from power in the past Presidential elections.  Bah said the NRP is preoccupied with shaping its identity, political objective, and would not take part in any future opposition alliance. He said opposition parties are free to join the NRP, but the question of the NRP joining other parties is a forgotten conclusion. Mr. Bah said his party is ready to move on with its programs and policies.  Mr. Bah was speaking in an interview with Radio Freedom Monday. To listen to the interview, please click this link: 

Audio Link  http://www.box.net/shared/vyplmqm08q  

Mr. Bah said he wants to be Gambia’s President, and nothing can distract the NRP from its well intended political agenda for The Gambia, and her people.  He said the past opposition mergers were failures, and the NRP doesn’t want to be associated with such political failures. 

Mr. Bah said the NRP is a political institution, and his party’s leadership owe it to its supporters to promote, and nurture the image of the party. Bah said the NRP is committed to salvaging the country from political decadence.

Mr. Bah also commented on the disruption of his party’s rally in Fass.  He said the police moved in to disrupt the rally because the police commissioner in the CRR insisted the rally should be called off.

He said they had earlier already received a permit from the police command to hold the rally.  Mr. Bah said his party from now on  would be organizing weekly rallies throughout the length and breadth of the country. He said the NRP does not believe in hitting newspaper pages without meeting the people on the grassroots.  He said the NRP is ready to move on.   

Mr. Bah said The Gambia needs to improve on its rights records. He said the Jammeh Government should respect the rights and liberties of its citizens.

Regarding the International Monetary Fund report hailing Gambia’s sound economic performance, Mr. Bah said this does not reflect on the pockets of poverty stricken Gambians. He said there is economic hardship in the country, a fact that Gambians can attest to.

On the Kanilai Festival, Mr. Bah said it is important to promote cultural heritage in The Gambia.  He said what is bad is to waste public resources. He said he doesn’t know the amount of money pumped to finance the Festival, but at the same time Mr. Bah cautioned Gambians to wait for the final figures before passing judgment on the Festival expenditure.   

Audio Link  http://www.box.net/shared/vyplmqm08q