As we count down to the general election in a few days time, I like to first of allreiterate my last press statement of Friday 1st September in which I pledge mycontinuing and resolute support to the National
Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD); its principles and its objectives. Icontinue to subscribe to the raison d'être for the creation of NADD and I stronglybelieve that it remains the only credible force in Gambia’s current politicallandscape that can deliver our country from its present predicaments.

I also like to once again declare my unwavering support for the Presidentialcandidate for NADD, Hon. Hallifa Sallah, the Chairman of the Alliance Landing JallowSonko and each and every member of his
most able executive committee; the Youth Militant Forum; the Women’s wing of theAlliance and the entire membership who have all worked tirelessly over the years tobuild this very progressive modern organization.

Personally I am very proud to be part of this very forward-looking institution and Iam truly honoured to have contributed to its many successes so far. NADD representsthe future in Gambian politics and I urge every Gambian voter to cast their vote insupport of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development NADD, in theforthcoming presidential election; not least because a vote for NADD is a vote for integrity, progressive leadership and genuinedemocratic values.

I was elected to the executive committee of NADD at its inception and I remain amember of the same executive committee. Unfortunately as some of you may havelearnt, I recently had to be admitted to the Westfield Clinic in the Gambiafollowing a rapid deterioration of my health. I was subsequently flown to London onthe advice of doctors who treated me at the Westfield hospital in Gambia, my family,
friends and colleagues; after medical prognosis raised some concerns for my longterm health and wellbeing. Consequently, my contribution to the current campaigningis restricted by distance and what my recovering health will permit.

Notwithstanding the distance however, I am in constant and daily touch with mycolleagues on the campaign trail and I am abreast of all and every developments asthey happen from my health retreat here in the UK. I continue to rally our supportbase by telephoning voters and local leaders in the various constituencies, rightacross the country.

Those who follow my political activities and education since the military coup of1994 would by now have been convinced of my single minded determination to challengethis governments’ shameful record on governance and human rights, and my unshakablemotivation to speak out against an established culture of impunity and endemiccorruption within the despotic AFPRC/APRC government. I will continue to hallenge,
condemn and where necessary speak out against the government of the day, wheneverthey violate our collective or individual human rights, ignore or defy the nationalconstitution and commit acts of violence and treachery against the Gambian people.

Between 1994 to date, Gambians have witnessed the 20 separate incidents of myillegal incarceration, by the AFPRC/APRC government, sometimes along with mycolleagues, most times alone. During these frequent prison spells I have beentortured and my human rights violated. Members of my family and my friends continueto be victims of constant harassment and victimization in the hands of thisgovernment.

Incidentally, I have also since 1994 been approached on several occasions monetaryinducements and the promise of any government position that takes my fancy, to join the AFPRC/APRC government. I refused each and every time. My motivation for being inpolitics has never been for material gains or position for position sake. I have
always nurtured a genuine desire to do the right thing on behalf of the people thatentrusted me with their confidence and mandated me to represent them. I want to assure my friends, colleagues and supporters that I remain committed, onprinciple, to the course for the total ncipation of the Gambian people.In ending this press release, I also wish to reassure all concerned well-wishers; those who visited me at the Westfield hospital, those who sent envoysand messages of goodwill; supporters of NADD; everyone who telephoned, emailed and
visited me in the United Kingdom and the wider community, that I continue to makegradual but steady progress in my recovery and the medical outlook is now very good.
I look forward to a time very soon, when I will return to continue the struggle toliberate the Gambia from the clutches of tyranny and despotism. 

I extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to everyone who has supported me though this trying time and I remain your dedicated servant in the public interest.

Should anyone want to contact me urgently, I can be reached on ++44 (0)7731647980.

Omar Amadou Jallow (OJ)
NADD Executive Member