09/05/2024
OPINION
THE CHANGING NATIONAL CHARACTER
Peace, Tolerance, Unity, Sincerity, Loyalty, Service have been the hallmarks of The Gambia National character for decades.
This has contributed to sustained relationships between the people on one hand and between the government and society on the other hand.
The Gambia has been put in an enviable position by this character and content. The current President, Adama Barrow is an embodiment of this national character. History is on his side for ending dictatorship and ushering in democracy.
Nowadays however, we are witnessing the changing mood of the country towards greed, selfishness and self development taking precedence over national interest and development. For the legacy of Barrow to remain in the history books and in the hearts of Gambians after he leaves office, he should endeavor in this second term to push for political accountability in the system of government to dampen the effects of negative governance issues. The contradiction in terms of the political gains of the 2021 Presidential elections and Local government elections of 2023 should be a pointer in the next cycle of elections. Political realism matters.
It takes professionalism, sincerity, loyalty, technocratic competence, patriotism and dedication to a cause to move the country forward. This is what the new government in Senegal envisioned and implemented. They will succeed with this plan of action. There must be excellence in all that we desire as a country.
Lack of capacity limits administrative output and the effective and efficient service delivery. When offices fail in their duties and responsibilities, the officials rush to the tvs and media to sugar-coat things inorder to save their positions in government.
This is no excuse for poor performance and failing the Nation. There must be consequences in governance not by redeployments but by sacking from the administration. Holding officers to account is political accountability and development imperative.
The era of MUSLAHA, MBOKA and HARIT business must give way to seriousness, productive, accountable and effective service delivery even if this means overhaul of the system of governance and reordering of societal norms and values. This is what the New Gambia deserves.
There must be the capacity to be excellent in all that we desire as a country. Development will always be debatable if it is not felt by the people. We in The Gambia can do the same in the governance architecture as in Senegal under the current government. They have a national project and carefully chose those with the capacity to deliver and are not financially, economically and morally conflicted. We have what it takes to follow suit because there are so many retired international Civil Servants, seasoned diplomats and other professionals whose interests will be the national interest and development.
They are not conflicted by greed, selfishness, unpatriotism and poverty. The executive Presidency should be aware of this felt need to move the country forward.
BY : D M. Badjie Political Scientist
