By  Justice Sam, Accompanying The Presidential Delegation

Following his repeated denial of joining the Ruling APRC, Lamin Waa Juwara surprises The Gambia nation by openly announcing his defection to the APRC at a Mass rally held in his native Niamina. Mr. Juwara who is leader of the opposition NDAM has formally joined the APRC. Juwara in a somber and passionate speech he describes President Jammeh as a King who commands the mandate of The Gambian electorates. He calls on all progressive Gambians both at home and abroad to rally behind the Gambian leader.

It would be recalled that the Freedom Newspaper was the first online paper to report about Juwara’s affiliation with the APRC and the Deputy Permanent Secretary job offered to him by the President. Juwara today embarrasses his supporters and well-wishers as he joined the Jammeh Government.

Addressing APRC supporters on Sunday, the NDAM leader says his move to defect to the APRC was compelled by the President’s developmental programs for the country. He describes President Jammeh as a true patriot, who has the country’s interest at heart. “I went into politics for the interest of the country. And if I see anyone doing good for the country, I should join him for the development of our country,” said the Niamina Dankunku lion.

Juwara says he has exhausted politics of confrontation over the years to tackle the President and his party, but had now come to term with the realities that politics of confrontation is not the solution to Gambia’s ailing political health. The popular politician says the best option for now is politics of corporation. He says the President is doing his utmost best in developing the country. “ I see no reason why I should not join him and develop the nation. We are lucky to have such a hard working President. I have formally joined the APRC. The APRC means progress. I am calling on all Gambians to join the APRC. It’s the only party capable of bringing development in this country.” Said Juwara.

Many spectators in Niamina Katimina were taken aback by Juwara’s sudden change of heart. While Juwara was on the podium talking about Jammeh’s success story as a leader, many wondered if this was the real Juwara who calls Jammeh in the past as a stumbling block to Gambia’s progress.

Juwara says one of the reasons he left NADD and the UDP was because of their lack of foresight and leadership direction. He accuses the two parties of propagating politics of confrontation in the country. Juwara then announces his intention to team up with the President to devlderelop the country. He says " bye bye to NDAM" and his colleagues on the side of the opposition camp.

It was a historic day in Niamina. Juwara drove his audience into total silence. The President could be seen smiling, while Juwara gave him a tap on the back for being a hard working leader.

In his speech President Jammeh said he harbored no grudges against the opposition. He said they are free to say whatever they want as long as such statements are within the confines of the law. Mr. Jammeh calls on Gambians to rally behind his party.

For his part Yankuba Touray says Juwara’s defection was very much welcomed by his party. Touray describes Juwara as a formidable political leader who is capable of bringing progress to the APRC. He thanked Mr. Juwara for joining the APRC. He calls on party supporters to welcome and treat Juwara with respect.