By Makutu Manneh
Fatoumatta Jawara, a nominated member of The Gambia’s National Assembly, on Tuesday accused Almameh Gibba, the elected lawmaker for Foni Kansala, of misleading voters in Foni—particularly women—during a campaign rally for the Bantanjang Ward by-election held in Bondali Tenda.
Speaking to supporters, Ms. Jawara said Mr. Gibba had failed to represent the broader interests of his constituency and had instead embraced confrontational politics. She argued that his political influence did not extend beyond Foni, which she attributed to what she described as a lack of concern for women and children in the region.
“The people tasked him to be a National Assembly Member, not a fighter,” Ms. Jawara said, urging residents to hold him accountable for his conduct in office.
She called on voters in Foni to distinguish between lawmakers working in the national interest and those she said were exploiting political loyalties for personal gain. Ms. Jawara warned against politicians who, she said, were promising to restore former President Yahya Jammeh to power, describing such claims as deceptive.
According to Ms. Jawara, the era of Mr. Jammeh’s presidency had ended and leadership of the country now rested with President Adama Barrow. She added that elected officials should focus on national unity, including strengthening ties between Foni and the rest of the country.
Ms. Jawara questioned Mr. Gibba’s record since his election to the National Assembly, asking supporters to consider what tangible benefits he had delivered to the constituency. “It is time for accountability,” she said. “Ask him what he has given back to you.”
She also criticized what she described as the financial burdens placed on supporters during political activities, saying politics should yield benefits for communities rather than require constant contributions for transportation and social events.
In closing, Ms. Jawara urged voters to support the NPP–APRC alliance candidate, Abdoulie Badjie, in the Bantanjang Ward by-election. She appealed to residents to give the alliance an opportunity, saying Foni had already seen what the Barrow administration was capable of delivering.