Thousands of Banjulians yesterday took to the streets of Banjul and headed for the Independent Electoral Commission office in Banjul for the nomination of Samba Faal as the APRC candidate for the forth-coming local government election slated for January 24, 2008.

In an interview with the Daily Observer, the celebrated APRC candidate, Samba Faal said from the reaction of Banjulians, he is already the elected mayor of Banjul.

Samba Faal thanked the Gambian leader Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh for giving him the opportunity to serve Banjul. He added that Banjul is one community and they are concerned about the development of Banjul.

"Banjulians know who can serve well and bring development to their door steps," he said.

On his plan of action when elected as mayor, Mr Faal said environmental sanitation, infrastructural development and the empowerment of youth and women will be his priorities.

" Banjul is the capital city of The Gambia and we must make it look like a modern city to the pride and joy of every Gambian. I am more than willing to work with the Gambian leader to achieve these goals. President Jammeh has been in the forefront of development programmes in The Gambia. This I  will work to strengthen to the core,"  he concluded.

Kanifing

At the Kanifing Independent Electoral Commission's office, 17 APRC candidates were nominated from all the 17 wards in the municipality.

Yankuba Colley, was also nominated to vie for the KMC mayoral seat under the APRC ticket.

Speaking to journalists at the end of the nominations, Angella Colley, secretary of state for Tourism and Culture, expressed delight with the smooth running of the nominations. She expressed hope that all the APRC candidates will emerge victorious by January 24th, 2008.

For his part, Yankuba Colley, APRC nominated candidate for the KMC mayoral seat, expressed great confidence that he will win this election even if he has an opposition.

He disclosed that a 5-year development plan had already been drawn for the municipality during his tenure as acting mayor of the Council. Colley further revealed that about 25 tractors and 10 trucks, among others, have already been purchased and are to be used for environmental sanitation.

Abdoulie Jeng, IEC returning officer, conducted the nominations and was assisted by Sidia Sillah, assistant returning officer and Samboujang Njie, director of Operations at IEC.

Below are the names of the APRC nominated candidates in Kanifing Municipality and their wards: