By Amadou Jadama
Prominent Gambian tycoon and philanthropist Modou Turo Darboe has announced that he will make a definitive political declaration on 24th October on whether he will form his own political party or throw his weight behind an existing party ahead of the December presidential election.
Mr Darboe, who has supported various communities across the country for over 30 years, made the disclosure over the weekend while launching his movement called the People’s Movement for National Unity held at the Tallinding “Buffer Zone” Recreational Ground.
According to Mr Darboe, since he formed his movement, he has been inundated with calls from across the country from Gambians asking whether he intended to form his own party to contest the presidency or to join another political party.
Addressing his supporters, Darboe said the aim and objective of his movement is to promote the spirit of one Gambia, one people and one nation.
He said the speculations became intense after his recent engagements in the country.
Mr Darboe stressed that he has the constitutional right to support any political cause he believes in.
“But one thing I can tell you, I Modou Turo, I am a Gambian like any other Gambians. I have the right to my opinions. Anybody I want to support, I will support him. I am speaking in my capacity as Modou Turo, but not my foundation. There are lots of enquiries and talks in the country about whether I will form my own political party, or intent to join another political party,” he stated.
The businessman recalled that he had already hinted at joining politics during meetings he held last year in Basse, Tumana and Jarra, which sparked nationwide curiosity.
He therefore set October 24 as the date for his final decision.
“But let me make this clear today. If anybody who wants to know whether I am planning to form my own political party, or I will join another political party, or a movement or Independent candidate, that should be clear on the 24 October. That day, I will declare whether I will form my own political, or support another political party, or movement,” he said.
Mr Darboe, said he has worked with Gambian women and youths for more than three decades and that hundreds of women’s groups adopted him as an honorary father. He urged them to keep their voters cards and wait for his directive.
“I believe that all of you who are sitting here, you are all my followers because I have been working with some of you for over 30 years now. I am with the Gambian women and youths long before this politics. I know the Gambian women will support me in whatever I want to do in The Gambia. I will do whatever is in the interest of The Gambia, be it contesting as a candidate or supporting another party. And if ultimately, I ask you to support anybody and you do so, I will double whatever I have done for you. As my followers, keep your voter’s cards until 24th October, and I will tell you what to do. If anybody comes to you and gives you money take it and go and sleep. Next month, on 24th October, I tell you what will be good for you, your families and the country,” he told the crowd.
Highlighting the achievements of his foundation, Mr Darboe said it has provided scholarships to 39 students who now have their master’s degrees, dug hundreds of boreholes across the country, as well as constructed roads.
He used the platform to preach unity and peace, warning Gambians not to allow politics and ethnicity to divide them.
“We can compete and have different opinions, but we still share one destiny. As an organisation, our functions must be anchored on good governance, justice and respect for human rights as essential objectives to foster the dreams of one Gambia, one people and one nation,” he advised.
He concluded by calling for collective responsibility in national development and special attention to youth, women and persons with disabilities.”
