A senior political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia has lashed out at President Adama Barrow over his state of the nation address.

Mr Barrow delivered a marathon speech on Thursday, his fourth state of the nation address since coming assuming power, in which he mainly focused on his administration’s achievements and successes.

Dr Ismaila Ceesay, who is also a politician and member of the Citizen Alliance party, tweeted “Tell us @BarrowPresident. What plans do you have to boost the economy and build on what was lost? We expected your #SONA to inspire hope and uplift the spirits of Gambians during this very hopeless, uncertain and difficult period. 

“@BarrowPresident is blaming the COVID-19 pandemic for his accumulated failures claiming he was on course to deliver widespread prosperity to Gambians when the virus struck. This is weak as the seeds of his government’s failure were sown well before the pandemic.” 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba