By Momodou Sallah, Leicester

I have managed so far to refrain from the ongoing online debates consciously for a number of reasons. However the latest saga involving Cherno Baba Jallow makes it impossible to keep quite any longer. I found the tone in which the debate is being conducted objectionable. I start from the premise that all involved in the debate have our motherland’s best interest at heart even though the diametrically opposed views are held to be self evident.
 
My intention here is not to agree with one party or the other but to appeal for restrain. As we all have a common goal, regardless of our viewpoint, I will appeal to all to conduct the debate with more decorum and attack the points raised rather than the personalities involved. This creative tension enables the exploration and engagement of diverse views; however it also has the potential to tear us apart individually and collectively. The passion with which people write shows their commitment but we must recalibrate the debate to the pressing issues at hand rather than the personalities; this I humbly beg of you.