By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow has cautioned residents of the Central River Region (CRR) that ongoing development projects, including road construction, electricity access, and livelihood initiatives, could be halted if he is not re-elected in the upcoming presidential election.
The President made the remarks in Wassu during a foundation stone-laying ceremony for 50 kilometres of roads spanning Jarumeh Koto, Wassu, and Nyanga Bantang.
“Several projects remain incomplete. If you want these works to continue, you must vote for the National People’s Party (NPP). A vote for the NPP ensures that development in your communities continues; otherwise, road construction will not proceed,” he stated.
He further emphasized that continued progress depends on sustaining his administration: “If you want these roads completed, electricity extended, and livelihoods improved, then President Barrow must remain in office and the NPP must continue as the ruling party. Only the NPP can deliver this, so carefully consider your choice.”
Addressing the broader political landscape, President Barrow noted the presence of multiple candidates contesting the election, describing some as political returnees who left the country during the rule of Yahya Jammeh and only returned after his 2016 electoral victory to establish political parties.
He also claimed that others had previously distanced themselves from politics due to fear, asserting that many were not even participating in elections prior to the improved political climate under his administration.
According to President Barrow, his defeat of Jammeh created a safer and more open environment, which has encouraged new political participation. However, he criticized some long-standing political figures as outdated, likening them to “old vehicles.”
The president described the road project as a fulfillment of his development promise to the people of Niani. He also responded to opposition criticism, noting a shift in their narrative—from questioning whether the roads would be built to criticizing their quality.
“They once claimed these were mere foundation ceremonies and that the roads would never be constructed. Now they say the roads are not good. This is because we continue to prove them wrong,” he said.
He added that opposition figures would inevitably use the same roads during their campaigns, remarking, “If they come here to campaign, they will drive on these same roads they criticized. Tell them not to use President Barrow’s roads if they believe they are not good.”
President Barrow concluded by dismissing the criticism as driven by jealousy, accusing the opposition of lacking genuine concern for the welfare and progress of the people.
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