State to enact stringent measures against phenomenon of degrading and debasing citizens through insults
Politics of insults, character assassination and casting aspersions on political opponents have apparently invaded the country’s body politics. Since the ouster of former President Yahya Jammeh almost five years ago, the country has been fast-evolving at least in democracy term.
The return of democracy to the country and its evolution is however giving rise to behavioral pattern that has concerned many Gambians. The cyber space has now become a battleground for trading of insults and political bickering.
It wasn’t an age ago when the Gambia government abandoned its plans to legislate against parental insults. But Star TV is aware of efforts by the government to bring about stringent measures against the new phenomenon of degrading and debasing citizens through insults.
President Adama Barrow recently expressed his government’s disgust over the trajectory and cabinet is said to be considering legislation against it. But it’s not only President Adama Barrow and his government that are repulsed by the current trajectory of the seeming never-ending insults in the cyber space.
Business tycoon and critic of former President Yahya Jammeh, Sillaba Samateh has also been wondering whether The Gambia is descending into the cesspool of political stagnation and moral decadence. Speaking little over three months before Gambians return to the poll to elect their President, Sillaba asserted that his confidence in President Barrow re-capturing the Presidency was at all-time high.
The businessman opined that President Adama Barrow is one of the best things to happen to The Gambia as, according to him, the Barrow dispensation has heralded an era of freedom, peace and limitless hope for Gambians and residents of the country.
According to Sillaba, the current state of affairs regarding the prices of essential commodities is as a result of the external shocks engendered by the Coronavirus pandemic. But he is hopeful that there’s a lot in store for Gambians post 2021 poll.
”The President and his government have accomplished a feat that ex-Presidents Jammeh and Jawara combined could not. He built more roads than the former presidents in less than five years. President Barrow radiates peace and love. He is tender with everyone and cannot even hurt a fly. The President is not only preoccupied with improving the country’s infrastructure but is also turning every stone to ensure that Gambians live in dignity, progress and prosperity. Rice would be cheaper after the election and the cost of living drastically reduced. The government has significantly supported farmers with inputs such as fertilizer to enhance crop yields,” he said.