FATOU JAW MANNEH HONOURED!!!

A Tribute to the Athena of African Journalists, Fatou Jaw Manneh- The Watchman

Dear Ms. Jaw Manneh:
Let me begin by making an honest confession: sometimes, us Gambian media types, commentators and opinion suppliers don't see the big picture and get bogged down by trivial distractions. Today, I want you to know that despite the ongoing concerns about what happens to The Gambia during and after the Yahya Jammeh debacle, I still think about how to boost your morale, how to facilitate your release from the grips of a horrendous potentate, and  to emphasize ,above all, that you are an absolute hero to all of us who love our country and ,most importantly, cherish freedom and dignity.
Some might wonder why I branded you the Athena of African journalism but this should be a no-brainer. Who can't help but admire this Greek goddess of war and wisdom; daughter of Zeus, who defied the other deities and intervened in the Trojan war on behalf of her Hellenic kin, and who rests immortalized atop the Parthenon presiding over the great city named after her? Fatou Jaw Manneh, you are a present day Athena, fighting for the right to expression, defying the idols of injustice and tyranny as you keep watch over a republic, a nation that needs the likes of you if it is to survive and  bequeathed to the next generation full of innocent promise.
I have become cynical about the motives of those who of us write online or elsewhere for show, for vacuous validation and for insipid and unwarranted attention. I have wondered why those of use who blab online hardly ever take the time to mention your name at least once as an acknowledgement of what we owe you in exemplary courage and professional indebtedness. Maybe I'm asking too much of them. Maybe by continuing to write and opine, they tacitly honor your inconvenient disposition at the hands of a malicious dictator. Maybe I'm just too intense in repudiating political idiocy and expect my fellow mortals to do the same. But I still have my suspicions.
In the end Ms. Manneh, I believe that the side of righteousness, which you so magnificently represent will win out. You are no match for the incompetent commissars of the NIA and your serenity in the face of vigilante threats is a welcome contrast to the cacophonic groveling of the Fatou Jahumpa Ceesay ilk. You far surpass all of us in displaying an epic daring by going into the lair of that hideous beast, Yahya Jammeh, and not flinching as he roared, yapped and defiled himself in a failed bid to intimidate you, to cow you into submission just like he did to the alleged men who crawl in and out of his cabinet like worker ants toiling at the behest of a craven overlord. You have won already just by sticking to the tenets of truth, class and composure.
Go to sleep every night and know my prayers and the fierce protection of the gods keep guard over you lest the wolves and murderers of Banjul's goon squad want to pounce. As for Yahya Jammeh, he'll roam the bloodied halls of state house unable to sleep at night. His conscience won't let him slumber until he makes his peace and surrender to his greatest and most honorable adversary to  date: Fatou Jaw Manneh.
In Admiration,
The Watchman.
 
Author can be contacted at gambiaswatchman@gmail.com