The United Democratic Party has hit out at Tourism and Culture minister Hamat Bah over his “inflammatory” comments at a political rally held at the State House last Saturday. 

Mr. Bah branded the country’s opposition as ‘rats’ waiting for opportunities to enter the corridors of power and advised Gambians not to vote for them. He also claimed people from his Fula tribe faced discrimination when they seek identity documents from the authorities. 

He however apologised for the ‘rat’ comment but insisted he will not apologise for comment about his tribe people over ID card issue.

In a statement signed by UDP’s Secretary General & Party Leader, Ousainu ANM Darboe said: “The United Democratic Party condemns the repressible and divisive comments that Hamat Bah; the Minister of Tourism and Culture made at the State House in Banjul in the presence of the President and Cabinet Ministers on Saturday 17th October 2020.

“Mr. Bah to make derogatory and divisive comments in order to score meaningless political points and sow the seeds of mistrust and disaffection for the institutions of our nation.

“For the record UDP has complete faith and trust in Gambian institutions because often times the professionals leading these institutions have distinguished themselves outside the Gambia and have come home to contribute their quota to national development.”

“As leaders we owe these professionals a debt of gratitude. Instead of doing the honourable thing and resign Mr. Bah is making bogus statements with malicious intent to discredit hardworking professionals to keep his job in a completely discredited Government,” the statement added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba