DK JAWARA IS A FUNNY CHARACTER!!!
Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, is indeed a funny character. Imagine Jawara at his age saying that he is willing to serve at any official capacity? What message is Jawara sending to his host and former followers? We have no problem with Jawara’s come back, but the reality is that the old man is a spent force. He had outlived his usefulness. What we need now is a new breed of politicians and not the likes of Jawara who had contributed to the problems we have found ourselves today. The same Jawara is dining with Jammeh day in day out.
DK JAWARA IS A FUNNY CHARACTER!!!!
Looking at that photo of Jawara, I nearly cried. This was not the man who led us to Independence. Jawara is gone. He looked weak and pale with that African shirt. It appears that Jawara is yet to recover from his failed “Mansa” dream. He never anticipated that these boys will stay this long in power. Now he says, he want a job. What job is Sir Dawda looking for? Is he not contended with Jammeh’s adviser position offered to him? Or is he looking for Vice Presidential job? Madam Isatou, don’t be scared, your job is still secured. The old man is caught between the devil and the sea. He doesn’t know what he wanted yet.
THE OPPOSITION ARE NOT SLEEPING THESE DAYS!!!
Years back, the opposition served as spectators in our country’s political activities. They sit and watch Jammeh and his APRC criss-crossing the country, campaigning. But it appears that this year they have taken a new method to defuse Jammeh’s politics of lies and deception. Hardly a week passes without the opposition UDP/NRP or NADD organizing ward meetings. These are very encouraging political signals to get rid of Jammeh. Reaching the people is the most effective way to counter lies peddled by the dictatorship.
Notwithstanding, for the opposition to achieve their desired aim to effect change of leadership, they must bury their differences and sponsor one candidate to tackle Yahya in the coming elections. It is never too late for Halifa and co to engage Darboe and Bah into talks. Since the son of Dobo said he is interested in merger, give it a try and see what will happen at the end of the day. The likes of Darboe and Bah should not be sidelined at all. The truth be told, they are commanding strong following and for NADD to be a success story its leadership should not be complacent or shy to meet these people. It is not a sign of weakness to reconcile whatever political differences you might have amongst yourselves. We are not in the time of apportioning blames. Let NADD, UDP, and NRP organize a national conference to reach a reasonable agreement on this serious state of affairs. Knowing how charismatic Halifa is, he will no doubt succeed in bringing Bah and Darboe to the negotiating table once again. If Halifa can succeed in making a success story in Sudan, why not tiny Gambia? Mr. Sallah, you are faced with a challenge and we hope and pray that you will overcome these challenges coming by your way. Talk to Darboe, Bah and even the APRC. This will bring hope to Gambians yearning for change.
THE KEBBA FOON TRIBAL CONTROVERSY
MASS CHAM VIEW ON FREE EXPRESSION
Recently, a powerful piece was posted on the Freedom Newspaper forum column by our Texas brother Mass Cham.Cham's arguments centered on the issue of Free expression and therefore expressed the need for this paper to apply caution and conventional wisdom in some of the stories we published.
Mass’s case also centered on the reaction of Ebrima Dibba former GAMSU Information Minister, who criticized Foon over his recent allegations against UDP leader Ousainou Darboe.
Hear Mass in this statement: “Although I agree with your principle of non censorship, using a good judgment is very essential in selecting issues to be published in your widely read newspaper. The attacks on the person of Kebba Foon based on personal and tribal sentiments are stupid and uncalled for. Please Mr. Mbai avoid issues that would spark violence. The American journalist are well known for their quest for freedom of expression, but the position they took on the cartoon raw was not only sensible but the right thing to do.”
Mass, you are partly right, when you said we should be careful about the stories we published. We refer you to our mission statement. We said loud and clear that this paper will not promote or condone tribalism in all its forms. Mr.Dibba has all rights to be heard as a citizen of The Gambia. We will be doing disservice to our profession if we attempt to censor his right to free expression. In doing so, we are aware of our responsibilities and duties as journalists. We will not hesitate to censor any remark that will instigate violence. The story was well edited to suit standard journalism. The Freedom Newspaper, is opened to all and sundry. We are not here to censor voices of dissent. We appreciate your concerns and advises. Feel free to make future observations.