Ousainou Darboe, leader of opposition United Democratic Party  has asked his party members to refrain from attacking fellow citizens who have different political views.

Marking the 28th anniversary of the United Democratic Party, Darboe urged members to continue upholding the founding principles of the party in their pursuit to achieve justice and good governance in the country.

“We must all refrain from attacking any Gambian on grounds of political disagreement. Everyone should be treated with honour and respect at all times and even if we are attacked, our response should be a combination of restraint and treating our attackers with respect. 

“This is the way we maintain our own self-respect and earn the respect of others including the ones throwing invectives at us,” he said.

“Let us all resolve to dedicate this anniversary to upholding the values and principles upon which our party was founded. 

“Let us remember that UDP was founded by people and belongs only to the people. It doesn’t belong to any individual. We must be cognizant of the sacrifices of our members and supporters and see ourselves as custodians of a sacred trust that must be protected and nurtured by us and succeeding generations.”

Darboe continued: “Each member has a duty to himself and more importantly to the party and it is incumbent on all to embrace each other.

“We belong together, we stand together and we fight together. Let us remain focused on the agenda we have for voters, communicate that agenda to the best of our abilities and seek to persuade as many of our fellow citizens as possible. Do not pay attention to those who seek to distract you whatever method they use at any given time.

“Let us all avoid the temptation to draw attention to ourselves instead of the common agenda we all believe in. Use the communication tools at your disposal as a vehicle to foster unity, explain party policies and be a good ambassador. Let your voice be a force of good and the thread that binds and appeals to the better angels of people.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba