Horomsi:

Imam Cherno Kah has done exactly what he was told to do so. A delegation from the State House, had asked  the Imam to pray for the President, following his ailing health condition. The said delegation failed to realize that the President’s sickness is incurable. Jilanka got diabetics. He inherited the said disease from his mother Ajaratu Asombi Bojang.

Besides, diabetics, Jammeh’s mental state of health is said to be worsening. His demons are on the loose. These demons are wild and deadly according to Jilanka. The Imam has offered his prayers and God will decide.

What Imam Kah and co should pray for is  an end to impunity in The Gambia. They should also pray for the killers in Banjul be exposed in the short term.

Another important area, these Imams should look into is the unfinished dictatorship rule creeping into this country. The Imams should pray to God so that Jilanka can leave without any form of blood shed or violence in the country.

This country has lost all its values and respect, thanks to Jilanka. No one dares speak out against the dictatorship these days. Our Imams who are supposed to right the wrongs in society are stooping too low to be bullied by the dictatorship. They have been  reduced to nothing. These are Check Book Imams, who cared for their pockets and  not the welfare of their congregation.

Faith is lacking in this country. As long as Jilanka is dishing them money, they cared less about the wellbeing of the oppressed populace. Our Imams have betrayed our people. They should resign, if they feel that they cannot run their assigned tasks. 

The dangers of Imams compromising their independence are costly. When worshippers lacked faith into Imams, there is bound to be social tensions. There is bound to be injustice and impunity.

The position of an Imam is so important that, there are set rules governing such positions. Why should Imams be exposed to all kinds of scrutiny before their nomination? Why do we run background checks on Imams? Imams should be able to tell the Government the truth, if they are found wanting in their duties. They should also stay away from activities that might lower or bring disrepute into their office.

The Gambia is a secular state. Why should Jilanka exclude the Christian Community from such prayers? No one is bothering to find out why, but it’s worth asking.

We do know for a fact that our Christian leaders are not cheap. They are on records for having taken Jammeh to task for killing our kids in April of 2000. They also preached against the injustices taking place in the country. Bishop  Clary and Johnson are known for their uncompromising principles. They used their masses to preach for decency, justice, fair play and rule of law in the country.

Our Muslim leaders should emulate their Christian colleagues. We should do away with this notion that without Jilaka we will die of hunger and starvation. Our faith as Muslims is  questionable,  if we worship our fellow human beings. Jilanka is being portrayed as God. If Jilanka was as spiritual as he claimed to be, why can’t he treat his diabetics? Why can’t he cure his own mother?  Our religious leaders should think twice, because the longest journey must come to an end.

In the case of Imam Kah, his appointment as Imam was possible thanks to Jilanka. The original Banjulians  never recognized his Imam-ship from day one. They strongly contested his nomination. Their arguments were that Kah came from Nuimi and evidently he should allow an inhabitant of the City to lead the congregation. Imam Taphsir Gaye was  among the popular choice at the time.

Jilanka moved in and imposed Kah on  Banjulians. The selection Committee had no choice at the time, but to succumb to Jilanka’s pressure. This was how Imam Kah got his Imam job. No wonder, he is bound to dance to Jilanka’s tunes. He behaves as if he owes an allegiance to Jammeh and not to his congregation. Islam is not about  "Masla." You either be a truth teller or be a hypocrite. The choice is on Imam's quad.

We can bet that such prayers would not have never taken place under the leadership of the late Imam Abdoulie Jobe. Imam Jobe was known for his uprightness and uncompromising principles. He was one of the First religious leaders, who warned the then junta to refrain from witch-hunting former Public officers. Imam Jobe’s statement angered Sana Bairo Sabally and co. But he was just being honest with them. You don’t change a Government through illegal means and persecution of  its citizens.

Based on the feedbacks we are getting, Imam Kah is capable of organizing an Islamic recitation to curse Jammeh critics or perceived enemies. He is a  full time APRC sympathizer and supporter. This is not the type of Imam we want for Banjul. An Imam should serve all and sundry,  irrespective of tribe, creed or political affiliation.

Imam Kah needs to safeguard his position. He is betraying the confidence reposed on him by us worshippers, supporters and good friends of The Gambia. He should pledge his allegiance to God, the nation and not Jilanka. Imam Kah under whose serves, Jammeh or Gambians?  A good Imam should fight for people’s rights and expose the wrongs in society.

Trying  to entrench a dictatorship by  way of prayers, is the height of hypocrisy. You do not  legitimize a dictatorship because Jilanka is extending helping hands to you. Go ahead and curse us in your secret prayers. We are obliged to speak the truth, no matter what. The interest of The Gambia, supersedes personal interest. You got two choices: one to resign your Imam job or assert your independence. Imam Kah under  whose services?? We humbly ask. Let justice guide our actions.