Mai Ahmed Fatty, the GMC leader, has criticised President Adama Barrow for  going on tour amid coronavirus outbreak, describing the mass gathering as “reckless”.

Mr Fatty’s reaction comes after the government issued a travel advisory discouraging the public from attending the “Maggal” in Touba, Senegal.

“Gambia Government issued a Press Release today warning against Covid 19 violations. This is one of the most senile and hypocritical public notice so far. 

“Based on the acts of public encouragement by the State and the NPP to disregard public health regulations, no institution or authority within the government has the moral or legal authority to issue such irresponsible public notice. 

“The entire world bears testimony that the current tour of the Head of State with the massive crowds it attracts, intentionally defy all health regulations, with impunity.”

“The timing of such an ill-advised tour during the pandemic, and the intentional failure of State authorities to enforce the Covid Regulations against the Executive delegates with the massive crowds that grace their functions, have deprived the State the temerity to preach safety. 

“This reckless political tour during this pandemic, intended purely for campaign consequences, means officially 2021 campaigns have begun. Throughout the tour, not a single policy statement was uttered…it’s all about political campaign vibes, stories, etc. 

“Clearly, this tour is intended to distract attention from the public backlash arising out of the disgraceful draft constitution 2020 fiasco. 

“It demonstrates, unquestionably, that this government cares more about self-perpetuating rule than the lives of Gambians,” Mr Fatty wrote on his Facebook.

He added: “Leading by example, the government sends the message throughout the nation, that Covid is over in this country. 

“If the NPP members were not negatively impacted for violating Covid rules daily, while no one among the President’s campaign crowds were negatively impacted by the Regulations, everyone in this country will be free from the legal consequences of violating the Covid 19 regulations. 

“This is the clear message from The Gambia Government. Citizens who are discriminated against in the selective enforcement of the so-called public health regulations must resist, and should be supported by all of us.”

“Just like how the government killed its own draft constitution 2020 bill in parliament, the same government is willfully violating its own Covid regulations. No one should take them seriously because they don’t take themselves seriously. 

“The public should resist all legal attempts at selective enforcement of laws, regulations or rules. It’s against equal protection clause and unconstitutional. Lastly, I urge all citizens to take the health measures seriously and help protect their communities. We are on our own.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba