Muslim Cleric Warns Gambians Against Politizing COVID-19

Photo: Imam Sheriff Mamina Hydar

By Ousman A. Marong

Sheriff Mamina Hydara (Arhubai) president of the Association the Grandchildren of the Prophet (AGP) has warned Gambians against politizing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is not a political issue or meant to score political points. It is not a joke nor is it an individual thing. It is a thing of the common problem. If you asked someone to wash his or her hand what comes to his or her mind is food. There is no ending to washing hand and it is high time we do something before it is too late,” he warned.

The Islamic cleric said his only worries are the aftereffect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the citizenry.

He made this revelation yesterday in an interview with NEWS BITE GAMBIA in his Bundung residence.

“The virus is already here, but its effect and the disturbance to follow the pandemic is that we (Gambians) should be cautious about it. It has arrived and there is nothing we could do about it. What we should be thinking about now is the aftereffect of the virus. The world's superpowers are today crying talk less of small countries with their vulnerable citizens,” echoed the Islamic leader.

He said the Gambia is at the mercy of the world adding that we entirely depend on begging the west for survival.

“The world superpower are today in disarray, what do you expect from the smaller countries who have nothing and are entirely begging the west for survival. What about if those you are begging for help also become bankrupt. What will you do? This is why I said we must be each other’s keepers,” he remarked.

The religionist concluded that Gambians should surrender themselves before God and asked for his mercy, saying that would be the only way out.