Taking to Facebook on Saturday evening, Pa Nderry Mbye has vowed to transform The Gambia and said if he gets elected as the country’s president he would invite all political dissidents in the diaspora to take part in nation building.
Pa Nderry’s proposals came days after the IEC announced 1st December as the date for the 2016 presidential elections. The incumbent president, who will be standing for the ruling APRC party, is currently the only candidate who has been endorsed by his party.
It is not yet clear whether the Niamina-born journalist would create his own political party or contest as an independent candidate.
According to him, if elected in 2016 former ‘enablers’ like Fatou Camara would be sent to work at his Niamina farm.
“The Camaras and the Tourays will be working on my Niamina farm,” he said.
He also said former lieutenant, Kejau Touray, who is currently living in exile in Norway, will be appointed as his chief farm manager.
“His rank will be elevated from lieutenant to major general. Seedy Ceesay will be his deputy.”
Pa Nderry’s proposals were received with great enthusiasm by hundreds of his fans online. Popular opposition supporter in the Diaspora, Fatou Sibo was among the first to congratulate him. She wrote: “Congratulations in advance.”
However, some Gambians were unsatisfied. According to them, Pa Nderry is ill-equipped to run the affairs of the country.
One Mariam Juwara commented: “Pa I thought you don’t want to be president, or are you also going to take us through transition period? Please, let it not last more than six months then.”
If elected in 2016, the US-based journalist will become the first Fana Fana to lead a country in the world. Pa Nderry was born in Touba Mouride in Niamina. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.
The rumour mill is in overdrive already with names of people who are likely to be in his cabinet.
And admittedly some of them are trustworthy. Fatou Jaw Manneh, one of the most respected women in the ‘struggle’, is thrown around as a possible vice president.
Other names include: Abdul Savage (Mr. Bingo), Saihou Saidyleigh (Honest Gambians), Lawyer Yankuba Darboe, Ramzia Diab, Amie Sillah and Bamba Mass.