The communication gaffes of Gambian president, Adama Barrow, during the course of a speech at Chatham House in London has inspired appeals for help to enable him better understand issues. While taking questions from the floor yesterday, the Gambian leader seemed to have fallen prey to confusion about the issue of succession in Commonwealth, as well as issues around migrants and challenges facing the country.
President Adama Barrow speaking at Chatham House in London
Former communications minister under Barrow’s predecessor and professor of Political Science at University of Tennessee, Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh did not mince words in his observation. His words: “President Barrow either needs a crash course or an entirely new team to prepare him before overseas engagements and ahead of major interviews. His performances have been quite dismal”. Also weighing in on the issue, UK-based Founder and publisher of Gunjur News Online Lamin Jammeh postulated: “His answer to the commonwealth succession question baffles me! Either he did not hear the question clearly or he has no clue about the issue of succession as head of commonwealth in the event of the death of the Queen. He delivered a good speech, but the direct Q and A session was disappointing. “I thought that was funny when the president was asked about his view on the commonwealth succession, and his answer was on the success of the commonwealth! Two different things and you could see it on Tony Blair’s face when Barrow was answering the question! Perhaps he did not hear the question clearly?” The Gunjur Online media czar is possessed of the opinion that better preparations for Barrow by his foreign affairs handlers is needful, adding: “He needs help by the people around him to better understand issues.
It’s unacceptable he is not familiar with the issue of succession at Commonwealth because that’s a raging topic of discussion right now. He is not being better briefed on issues by people around him".
Washington-based former journalist and founder of Smileafricanorphans, Jemay Bah sees a rich source of tragic humour in the debacle.
Writes Jemay: “What is succession? Am more familiar with SUCCESSFUL that's why I set my daily goals for success. Happy Thursday pals”.
Offering a reply to Jemay’s post ,Ebrima Kanyi said: “Hahaha, I guess our accidental president needs more language class. I was flabbergasted when I heard him talking about success when the question was about succession”.’