The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, has said that he would uphold the constitution of the Republic of The Gambia to the letter, to ensure that this country continues to enjoy the peace and stability.

"This country is not a whiteman's country.  It is an African country, a country with its own tradition and culture and it is also a predominantly Muslim country.  So if you think that if I catch you, the whites will talk and I will leave you, then just violate the laws of the land and see what will happen," President Jammeh remarked.

The Gambian leader made this statement yesterday while distributing the traditional Ramadan sugar to Muslims across the country, at State House in Banjul. "When you are talking, they will say freedom of expression, freedom of movement, but who has ever seen freedom from accountability?  I have never seen it.  Well if you exercise your freedom of whatever it is, you will know that we have the freedom to make sure that there is accountability.  Government is obliged to make sure that everybody is accountable before the law," the Gambian leader observed.  

He said human rights and the West are not ruling this country, adding that The Gambia became independent in 1965 and that, that Independence became stronger in 1994, when he took over.  "If you think the whites can save you here, just violate the law and see what I will do," he added.
"If you go home, tell your familities that if any one kills anybody, the law will take its course and you will equally be killed.  Every week, there will be news that someone is killed.  You should know that dead penalty is not made to decorate the constitution. We will carry it to the letter.  If you kill anybody and you are killed, know that you killed yourself because the law will take its course and you will be killed according to the law," President Jammeh told the gathering.  

He said  The Gambia is the most peaceful country and has the lowest crime rate in the world. "Those who doesn't want this good record for The Gambia are coming here and are killing people to spoil our country.  Wait until after Ramadan because if we don't set an example, this will not stop.  Even in the Holy Quran, it is mentioned that if you kill anybody, you should also be killed. That is what Shariah said.  Then if  you go home, talk to your families.  I will not look whether you are APRC or not.  If you kill, the law will kill you and I have sworn to the Almighty Allah," President Jammeh stated.

"I hold the Holy Quran and said I will uphold the constitution to the letter.  I will treat all manners of people without favour or ill will", he further remarked. "It is an offence for one to move with knife in the country's law during the transition period and that law is still being inforced.  The police have the right to search anyone and if they see a knife in your possession they should arrest you, but the police are not doing their duties.  Again, there are too many accidents now.  If you kill anyone, whether you knock the individual with a car or you stab the individual or you gave him/her bad food to eat, all is considered as murder," he revealed.

President Jammeh recalled that the police were given over 100 motorbikes after the AU Summit to control the traffic. "The police will stand on the road at a junction where the drivers can pass by them and they will tax them.  Why do we gave them the motorbikes, it is for the trafic, but they will always be grouping at one place," he further observed.

"Let every minister do his/her job.  If anyone wants to go home, then don't do your duty because I cannot execute my duties and execute your duty for you.  Let every minister do his/her duty.  If you don't work, I will sack you," Professor Jammeh warned. "I want this country to move forwad.  If I warn a minister twice, the third time, you will go home.  If you do your duties, you will stay long in the government.  Look at the vice president, she is the longest serving vice president in the world.  Whether you are a minister, an |GP or a general, if you don't work, I will sack you," he concluded.

UAE PM, Royal rep of HM Sultan felicitate President Jammeh
The president of the Republic, His Excellency, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh continues to receive more felicitation messages from world leaders, diplomats and individuals on the holy month of Ramadan and the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution.

Latest messages came from Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai; and HRH Datu Vincenzo Cortese Marquis Di Villa San Giorgio, royal representative of HM Sultan Faud I, Sultan of Sulu and Sabah.

The messages read:
 Your Excellency, on the auspicious occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, it gives me great pleasure to extend to Your Excellency, warmest congratulation. Whishing Your Excellency every happiness and continued progress to the brotherly people of your country.
Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai
_____________________

Excellency, Mr President,
For the glorious day of freedom of 22nd of July, H.M the Sultan of Sulu and Sabah wishes to send to Your Excellency, the personal greetings for the anniversary. Under your blessed leadership, The Gambia ended endemic corruption, bureaucratic ineptitude, economic decadence and government ineffectiveness and indifference.

Under your leadership, The Gambia obtained finally modern highways, bridges, hospitals, schools, a new airport terminal building, the University of The Gambia, modern communication technologies, the empowerment of women, freedom of the press, real democracy and peace.
H.M. the Hashemite Sultan of Sulu and Sabah is sending the best blessings and greetings as a try man of Allah and defender of the faith and of the believers.

Mr. President, please accept my most sincere and humble homage for the special day of the 22nd of July.
HRH Datu Vincenzo Cortese
Marquis Di Villa San Giorgio, Royal representative of HM Sultan Faud I, Sultan of Sulu and Sabah.