By Mariam Williams
The Civic Education Officer of National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Ansumana Yabou, has called on Gambians to refer to their leaders either as president or leader, and not king, because they are democratically elected.
This, as explained, is due to the fact that a king- a term used in pre-colonial era- was one who fought territories and forcefully governed them in a manner that was not in the interest of the people. The NCCE Civic Education Officer was speaking at Fatako village in Jimara District, Upper River Region as part of his office’s civic dialogue with communities on constitutionalism, democracy and peace building, with the theme enhancing constitutionalism, democratic governance and social cohesion.
The sensitization, targeting 120 communities across the country over three phases between 21st November to 30th December 2019, is aimed at enlightening Gambians on the principles of the constitution, how to defend and respect other laws of the country, as well as on their fundamental human rights, responsibilities and duties as citizens.
The NCCE official believed now that people are in a democratic governance system which allows them to elect their leaders into positions, those governing them “are not kings, but presidents or leaders”.
He opined that calling leaders “kings” would give them extra-powers which are not within their powers. His position is that, because their powers are within the constitution-{the supreme law of the land}- and the constitution does not refer to them as kings.
The Civic Education Officer continued that they are not trying to build up a kingship in the country, but rather a presidency; and he cautioned that calling the elected leaders kings might bring detriments to the masses.
Yabou also reminded Gambians that citizens are mandated to elect those leaders into positions to serve them better.
He made it clear that the country does not belong to the president but rather the citizenry. He argued that citizens could only participate in national development if they understand their roles and responsibilities.
He called on communities to nurture what they are sensitized on as well as hold their leaders to account, to ensure that they serve the people better.
Also making a statement at the sensitization was Mr. Ansumana Ceesay, NCCE’s Senior Program Officer.
He re-echoed the old adage, “Ignorance of the law is not an excuse”, and as such, it is an obligation on all citizens to know the constitution. That’s why the NCCE embarked on the sensitization; and they want citizens to understand that democracy means value and tolerance among Gambians, as Ceesay told them.
Noting that democracy has been a household song, Ceesay also pinpointed that most people do not know it’s true meaning. He enlightened them that democracy calls for equality, unity and respect for each other.
The Senior Program Officer also took the chance to entreat Gambians to end their political differences.
