Jammeh Fires Two Judges!!!

….B Y Camara And Haddy Roche Out

By Amadou Jallow, Banjul

Banjul:7/13/08-Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has fired two judges of the High Court, revealed judicial sources. Justice B Y Camara and Justice Haddy Roche have had their services terminated with immediate effect. The two judges were accused of  passing judgments against the State. According to judicial sources,  The Gambia leader was the least pleased with the judges work and had ordered for their dismissal from the judiciary. “ The President has expressed his dissatisfaction about the way and manner the two judges run their courts. He has since given directive for the two to be fired. Both Camara and Roche have been fired.” Said an official of the High Court in Banjul.

Both B Y Camara and Haddy Roche served as magistrates prior to their elevation as judges. B Y Camara was quoted as saying that he accepted his sacking in good faith and was ready to move on with his life. The two fired judges command high respect within and outside the judiciary.

The Gambian dictator has been meddling with the affairs of the judiciary. Judges who refused to toe on his dictates are often sacked. Just last week, Magistrate Mboto resigned from the judiciary. The magistrate was said to have been frustrated by  The Gambian authorities. She left the judiciary in protest.

The Chief Justice AK Savage is reported to be under increasing pressure from the President. “ The  CJ will soon be replaced. This is a President who wants to run the judiciary. He dictates to CJ and judges about what they should do. He has no respect for the CJ and the judiciary. Camara and Haddy Roche refused to be used.” Said an official of the judiciary.

B Y Camara and Haddy Roche are going about their normal lives. There is no sign of distress seen on the faces of the two. They both appeared confident and are ready to move on.

A spokesman of the High Court confirmed the story. “ The President fired Camara and Roche. They have not committed any crime that should warrant their removal. He just don’t want to see them in the courts and thus issued directive for their removal.” Said the court official.