Hon. Sulayman Saho, National Assembly Member for Central Baddibou and National Organising Secretary of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has urged fellow politicians to uphold truth and respect in public discourse, particularly when speaking about Baddibou’s proud political legacy.
Reacting to recent remarks by Hon. Sankung Dampha of Illiasa constituency, Hon. Saho expressed disappointment, stressing that Baddibou has never been a monolithic political entity. From independence to the present day, its sons and daughters have played decisive roles in shaping The Gambia’s political journey.
He recalled that Sheriff Mustapha, a noble son of Baddibou, participated in the 1963 constitutional conference in London and later served in the first cabinet of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Though he eventually formed the National Convention Party (NCP), his contributions remain a testament to Baddibou’s central role in national history. Likewise, figures such as Kalilu Singhateh, Kebba Singhateh, Lamin Nafa Saho, Kebba Jammeh, and Saikou Sabally who rose to the rank of Vice President stood firmly with President Jawara.
“This history clearly shows that Baddibukans have embraced both government and opposition at different times, exercising their democratic right to political choice,” Hon. Saho explained.
He further noted that when President Yahya Jammeh seized power through the barrel of a gun on July 22, political parties across the country formed alliances to challenge his undemocratic rule. Opposition, he said, was not a crime but a duty. “Many of us opposed Jammeh for decades until we brought President Adama Barrow to power. At that time, no one labeled us as ‘bad opposition.’ Why then should opposition suddenly be painted as betrayal today? To be in opposition is a cardinal and divine right of every citizen.”
Hon. Saho also criticized claims that fertilizers are abundant in Baddibou. “Perhaps this is true in Nokunda, but farmers across other parts of Baddibou continue to cry out for support. Such statements risk mocking the very people we represent. Political utterances carry weight, and when made on public platforms, they must reflect honesty and responsibility.”
He concluded by urging Hon. Dampha to apologize to the people of Baddibou, describing his remarks as misleading and tantamount to mockery. “As the African adage wisely says: never use your left hand to point at your father’s home. Let us not start a war against our own people. Instead, let us honor Baddibou’s legacy with truth, respect, and unity.”
