The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has defended the appointment of its leader Papa Mohamadou Njie as Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Mr Njie was recently appointed to the senior diplomatic role by President Adama Barrow. 

The PPP said in a statement: “The members of the executive committee supported him to accept the offer that it is a national duty to serve the nation irrespective of political affiliation. 

“It is with dedication and hard work Mr. Njie took the party at a difficult time and had since moved the party tremendously to attract a large number of youth and women who saw the party as the future for Gambian democracy and development. 

“Mr. Njie abundantly makes it very clear that he will ever continue to support the PPP and will always be in consultation with the executive’s members of the PPP.

“The President Adama Barrow has enormous trust and confidence in Mr. Njie through his work with the PPP party and entrusts him with this vital role as the representative of the government and people of the Gambia to the federal republic of Nigeria. The PPP party does not doubt that Hon. Njie will diligently serve his country well.”

Mr Njie won the PPP leadership in a fractious election that saw former vice president and party grandee Bakary Bunja Darboe resigning to form his own political party.

By Adama Makasuba