By Tabora Bojang
Nominated National Assembly Member and Secretary of Diaspora Affairs for the ruling National People’s Party Maimuna Ceesay-Darboe, has come under criticism for describing the people of Banjul as politically opportunistic at an NPP rally in Baddibu.
In a video recording of her statement at the meeting that has gone viral, the lawmaker said: “Banjulians do not have farms or gardens, but they gain more from what the government provides. While we the people of Kiang and Baddibu are doing politics, Banjulians are sitting comfortably at home, watching us. Whenever we elect a president, Banjulians will come forward and claim ownership of that president and they will educate their children and send them abroad, and secure high positions in government, while we, the people in Baddibu and Kiang will be busy insulting and fighting one another.”
UDP media and communications secretary, Saikou Camara described her remarks as another example of divisive politics exhibited by the NPP at the expense of national unity.
Camara said such generalisations risk deepening mistrust among communities and reinforcing perceptions of ethnic and regional divisions. “Political discourse should focus on policies, accountability, and practical solutions. The danger of divide-and-conquer politics is that it shifts public attention away from the performance of government and towards suspicion, resentment, and confrontation between communities. When political conversations become dominated by accusations and counter accusations, the critical issues affecting people’s everyday lives risk being pushed aside. The people of Banjul, Baddibu, Kiang, Jarra, Niumi, Kombo, and Bolongkono are all Gambians, united under one flag and bound by a shared national identity. There is no Baddibunka market, Jarranka hospital, Kombonka university, or Bolonkono power company. Our public institutions and essential services belong to all Gambians, and when they fail to deliver, the consequences are felt by citizens regardless of their region, ethnicity, or religious beliefs,” Camara argued.
He said political leaders have a responsibility to foster mutual respect, strengthen national unity, and ensure that public debate remains focused on policies, performance, and the welfare of the people rather than on divisions among communities.
Banjul mayor Rohey Lowe also condemned Ceesay urging her to desist from disrespecting the people who bestowed upon her, her position.
“Who told you that being civilised or owning a garden is a qualification for political participation? Yes, Banjul does not have farms, but Banjulians are everywhere, and we have contributed immensely to the politics of this country. The electorate deserves a campaign based on policies and programmes, not the politics of insults. It is high time you humble yourself and respect the electorate. Gambians are watching, and history will judge us. Being with the ruling party does not give one the authority to keep disrespecting people. Learn from your women president, Maimuna Baldeh. She may not have gone to school, but she has demonstrated a high degree of decorum in the political space,” Lowe wrote.