NCP Still Favours a Coalition, Sheriff Dibba Declares



The Independent (Banjul)

August 17, 2001
Posted to the web August 17, 2001

PK Jarju & Makalo
Banjul, the Gambia

Sheriff Dibba has said his National Convention Party (NCP) is still
interested in any opposition coalition that could dislodge the APRC
government from power.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Banjul Wednesday, Mr. Dibba also
claimed that the NCP never opted out of the proposed coalition, but merely
objected to some of the suggestions of the PPP, who were said to have been
behind the nomination of Ousainou Darboe as leader of the coalition. Mr.
Dibba who was among first-republic politicians affected by Decree 89
expressed optimism over the chances of an opposition alliance, which he said
has been his party's main agenda since the repeal of the decree. He added
that although there was no breakthrough in the recent inter-party meeting
during which they opposed the nomination of UDP leader Ousainou Darboe as
the coalition's flagbearer it was misleading to suggest that they have opted
out of the coalition.

"We are still interested in the coalition but the nomination of Mr. Darboe
by the PPP was a treachery to the NC" he charged. He added that the whole
issue was predetermined hence according to him the UDP has been sending
secret errands across the country that it has been nominated to head the
coalition.

Mr. Dibba added that in view of the unsettled issue of an opposition
coalition he would register his party in the coming days. However, he said
the NCP is still open to inter party dialogue to determine the best way to
resolve the prevailing leadership crisis.

Mr. Dibba a veteran opposition leader, said it is inexplicable for the PPP
to be keen on the leadership of Mr. Darboe as coalition head.

He argued that as the leading opposition party before the 1994 military
coup, that had undergone all sort of hardship the NCP is a political force
to be reckoned with. He said they are not ambitious for positions but are
only loyal to the national interest.


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