"I was Flabbergasted by Waa Juwara's Interview with Freedom" says Gibril Saine
"I was Flabbergasted by Waa Juwara's Interview with Freedom" says Gibril Saine
"I was Flabbergasted by Waa Juwara's Interview with Freedom" says Gibril Saine

 Journalism is a noble profession and African politicians must recognize this-Saine Posited

IGP Jammeh send to the cleaners!!

By Gibril Saine, London, UK 

Dear Editor.

As a concerned citizen of our beloved motherland, I must admit that I did find it disheartening to read the interview this paper had with the seasoned Gambian politician Lamin Waa Juwara. I was and still flabbergasted by the tune of his language and his softer stance [if you like] towards the Jammeh regime after all those painful years at his mercy. Mr Editor, you and I and perhaps your readership are aware that for over a decade or so politics hasn't been too kind to most of our educated elite back home, be they opposition figures, journalists or any concern citizen who dare raise a vioce.

Having said that,  Gambians must be positive and hopeful challenging themselves towards nation building. I 'm from Siffoe village in in the Western region. Like most of the Gambia poor village with no clean drinking water or much dinner on the table,  so I guess this spur us on even more to succeed -- live goes on. Now living in the United Kingdom for the past couple of years and have watched in awe and perhaps envied politics at first hand in westminister.I was privileged and fortunate enough, last month to shown around the parliament buildings in Whitehall, central London to witness from the lobby of the public gallery of the House of commons modern day politics at work

In the U.K,  every Wednesday the Prime minister is summoned to Parliament to answer questions from the opposition benches and at times from his own party MPS. Transparency and accountability are Yahya Jammes favorite words, it flows out like honey on lips while he and his closed knit cronies are basking in mansions with pools laughing at their opponents. And this goes for the rest of our African leaders.

Guys all am trying to say here's that almost all of our African leaders are millionaires, you and I know that salary alone wont cover the lavish and flamboyant lifestyles most choose to lead. Here leaders have no access to the nations coffers because any expenditure be it minor/major must be approved by parliament.

Tony Blair has lead this country for 10 years, but he hasn't got a private plane. I ain't the type engaging in destructive criticism, instead believe in modern politics, where leaders are accountable to parliament, and the media uncensored. In modern day politics most scholars did agree that nation building in a democratic setting goes hand in glove with a free and vibrant media to inform the public what the government is up to.

The opposition leaders in the Gambia [with the exception of Halifa sallah] are fruitless and have lost all credibility and must resign immediately. They must call on a ballot and choose a new leader.Mr Darboe the sooner you realize this, the better because you have tried and failed several times to unearth Jammeh. The gentleman who's the Inspector General of the Gambia police force, Benedict Jammeh also happen to be my ex-history teacher at Gambia high school  in 1999. As much as I like you sir,this's nepotism at worst because there are better officers with years of experience in the police force suited to that post but were overlooked by Jammeh. Another change our constitution needs is this 1] It's the responsibility of the police commission to appoint the Inspector General of police and other key posts within the police force to avoid favouritism.appointments must be based on merit not blood ties period.

2] Tough the president is free to choose his ministers, Key appointments in all ministries be they permanent secretaries must be approved by parliament, again based on merit.

3] The tyrannical media commission surely introduced by the president and approved by his foot soldiers in parliament [MPS]desighted to intimidate journalists must be SCRAPPED. Incase you are wondering we have an ombudsman in the country where those who feel aggrieved by fabricated stories written about them can seek redress. And if the ombudsman can't resolve the issue, he/she will pass the matter to the appropriate court of law, so we don't need soldiers to arrest journalists or anyone who dare raise a voice against the government of the day. Journalism is a noble profession and African politicians must recognize this, as independent as journalist should and must be, they are partners in nation building not opponents, journalist must also execute their job without fear or bribery giving credit where due.

 4] The Army must be separated from politics. Mechanisms must be put in place to put the army as far away from central politics as possible. The African military, the Gambia in particular must stop showing off their mightiness all over town with pistols on the waist. I have lived in England for many years now and have never seen the military in town. They only stay in barracks and dress in civilian clothes on home visits. Their loyalties lay to the country they defend not to politicians.

 Perhaps we should learn a thing or two from this. I'm only twenty studying to succeed in order to contribute help raise the standard of living for my people. I’m a free spirited and independent minded kind of guy who values education above all else so my political loyalties lie with none. Halifa sallah motivates me because after all these years in African politics, he still refused to be bribed or intimidated, I take my hat off to this living legend. SO today I call on all the Gambian intellect in the Diaspora, we must one day return home contribute towards our nations building, the situation isn't conducive [I heard you say] due to unfounded suspicion and mistrust on their part, remember nothing lasts forever, a new day will dawn with a new leader, thus the Gambia shall always prosper. Never give up guys keep challenging yourselves in whatever means.

Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2007 (Archive on Tuesday, August 28, 2007)
Posted by PNMBAI  Contributed by PNMBAI
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