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Time Will Tell

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:43:19 GMT

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

The forthcoming by-election in Nianija constituency has thrown up yet another opportunity for the politicians to do what they enjoy doing most – trading words. Femi Peters of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) had boasted that his political party would win the constituency hands down. But shortly after his boast or overweening optimism, an APRC man Seedy Njie has written off Femi Peters’s high hopes as unrealistic, even laughable. “The opposition camp in the country has lost direction for the simple reason that Gambians are no longer fools. People are no longer interested in people who have lost credibility and that is what the opposition are,” Hon Njie said.

This should certainly sting the great Femi Peters who believes that the time has come for the opposition to control the political destiny of the country. To have his party dismissed as not trustworthy must be hard on him. But to be a politician you need to have a thick skin; otherwise you will break down due to the incessant attacks on your person or integrity, or the psychological warfare that politicians frequently wage on one another.

What is going on between Femi Peters and Seedy Njie is purely a psychological warfare. Both men are trying to test each other’s nerves to see who will crumble under ferocious attack. Njie is young and feisty, willing to make his mark. By contrast, Peters is a veteran of many battles – some won, some lost. He knows from experience that the road can be rough; he knows that winners don’t quit and quitters don’t win. So whatever happens, Peters is ready to stay the course to see what happens on 18 December, which is just around the corner. His APRC counterpart, on the hand, is new to the game. But such greenhorns tend to give more of themselves in order to win the trophy. So no matter what happens, he will fight until he sees the APRC win the seat.

The by-election therefore offers high drama in the days ahead. It is likely that we are yet to see the end of the war of words. The more it builds up, the more the excitement in the build-up to 18 December. So who will represent the Nianija people at the National Assembly, the opposition or the APRC? Only time will tell.

Politicians are the same everywhere. They promise to build a bridge even when there’s no river.”

Nikita Khrushchev

APRC Will Find it Tough in Nianija - Femi Peters

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 04:02:01 GMT

Friday, November 28, 2008

The campaign manager of the main opposition party the United Democratic Party (UDP), Mr. Femi Peters, has said that the ruling APRC Party will be given a good run for their money, come 18th December.

Speaking to this paper yesterday, Mr. Peters revealed that his party will be going all out to support the contesting National Reconciliation Party (NRP) candidate, who is yet to be named.

“It is not going to be an easy thing for the APRC. We are going to contest. We are a coalition. It’s a joint venture and we are going to win”, he said.

Mr. Peters earlier said that said that he was not in a position to say as to whether his party will contest in the forthcoming by-elections in Nianija.

He has now said his party will give its fullest support to the opposition NRP party which is in coalition with his party.

Asked about his party’s relations with other opposition parties Mr. Peters remarked that: “They have the right to boycott the election and they equally have the right to contest. That’s their problem. We are not after whether they are contesting or not”.

The National Assembly seat for Nianija became vacant following the expulsion of Mr. Dawda Manneh, the erstwhile National Assembly Member for the said constituency from the ruling APRC party on whose ticket he was elected to the National Assembly.

Mr. Dawda Manneh, readers will recall, was arrested on Saturday 13th September 2008 together with one Demba Baldeh, an ex-soldier now working as a Security Guard at the Central Bank for allegedly trying to smuggle a large quantity of cannabis sativa, locally called “jamba”.

The NRP\UDP coalition is quite confident that they are going to win massively.

However, the ruling APRC party, which has already named its candidate also seem to be more than optimistic about their chances of regaining its seat.

Latest reports from the Central River Region have it that a good number of some APRC bigwigs are currently in the Nianija constituency, a supposed APRC stronghold, drumming up more support for the ruling party.

Many however believe that with both opposing sides apparently brimming with confidence to secure the Nianja National Assembly seat, any prediction as to the potential winner will have to reckoned with the tendency of sudden changes in political fortunes.

Author: Baboucarr Senghore & Abba A.S Gibba

Source: Picture: Femi Peters

Ahead of Nianija By-election

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:44:07 GMT

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

GPDP Yet to Decide

Barely three weeks to the much-talked about National Assembly by-election in Nianija constituency, the opposition Gambia Peoples Democratic Party (GPDP) has revealed through its leader Henry Gomez that they are “yet to decide as to whether they will contest the elections”.

These comments by the GPDP leader come barely a week after the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) through its campaign manager also revealed that they are not certain as to whether they will also join the race for the Nianija seat.

According to the GPDP leader, even if his party is not going to contest the elections, they like every Gambian are praying for peaceful and fair elections.

“We cannot say whether the GPDP will contest or not but we are wishing the contesting parties good luck and urging them to maintain peace. This is just election. We should maintain the peace and tranquility that The Gambia has been known for,” Mr Gomez asserted.

Despite announcing that they will be taking part in the elections, the opposition National Reconciliation Party (NRP) is yet to name its candidate. However, the ruling APRC party has named its candidate for the race and latest reports from Nianija constituency, a supposed APRC stronghold, have it that the party is drumming up more support to retain its seat.

The elections, slated for Thursday 18th December 2008, follow the expulsion of Mr. Dawda Manneh, the erstwhile National Assembly Member for the said constituency from the ruling APRC party on whose ticket he was elected to the National Assembly.

This follows his arrest on Saturday 13th September 2008 together with one Demba Baldeh, an ex-soldier working as a Security Guard at the Central Bank for allegedly trying to smuggle a large quantity of cannabis sativa, locally called “jamba”.

“We are yet to decide on the elections but we just want to urge all Gambians to accept the final decision from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The loser should also accept the results,” he added.

Turning his attention to a recent interview carried in this paper, Mr Gomez expressed what he described as his profound apologies to whoever his views carried on the interview affected.

“I am appealing to any stakeholder who might feel offended by my views on the interview to please accept my apologies,” he said.

In the GPDP leader’s view, this was not meant to attack any body, but they were only his honest opinions. “This was just my honest opinion but it was not geared towards attacking anyone. It was all about maintaining peace in this country but if anybody feels affected, please accept my apologies,” he added.

Author: Baboucarr Senghore

Source: Picture: Henry Gomez

UDP, NRP Constitutional Case Set for Next Session

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:22:37 GMT

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The constitutional contest filed by the United Democratic Party, National Reconciliation Party and Momodou K.Sanneh against the Attorney General and the Independent Electoral Commission has been deferred until the next session of the Supreme Court.

According to Chief Justice Abdou Kareem Savage, the panel was not properly constituted to hear the matter. He said they would endeavour to have the Seven-Member Panel of Judges to hear the matter.

The three plaintiffs are contesting at the Supreme Court against the 2007 Local Government Amendment Act passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President of the Republic.

The 2007 Local Government Amendment Act gave the President of the Republic the power to remove and dissolve the elected Councillors and also the non-election of Area Council Chairmen through universal adult suffrage. According to them, it runs contrary to the spirit and the intent of section 193(1) of the constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, and therefore void and of no effect.

Author: Modou Sanyang

Source: Picture: Chief Justice Savage

UDP Leader Congratulates President-Elect Obama

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:32:49 GMT

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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

As congratulatory messages continue to flow into the Barack Obama transition committee, Mr. Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has also joined the list of those sending their heartfelt congratulations to President- Elect Barack Obama of the United States.

In his letter made available to this paper, the UDP leader expressed on behalf of the UDP party and on his own behalf, his sincere congratulations and felicitations to President Obama on the occasion of his election to the high office of President of the United States of America.

According to the UDP leader, in these defying moments, this event is not only historic but has already been engraved in the annals of our civilisation as one of the most significant high water marks in our march towards a better world.

“We have followed your campaign with keen interest and the change you talked about is now here. Your election shows the way to a new era of co-operation among peoples of all races, creeds and persuasion. This is particularly important for our African nations with democracies that are still in their fledging stages; the world is bound to be a better place if these ideals are genuinely pursued,” the letter states.

For Mr. Darboe, the American people have shown a level of political maturity never seen before in the political dispensation of our modern times and America has been caste as a lighthouse for countries navigating in the waters of democracy and tolerance that others yearn to reach.

The letter adds: “We look forward to your inauguration and tenure of office with great hope and we have no doubt that your presidency will stand out as one that gives the world the leadership for which we all look up to America. Not for its might or resources but for its ideals and direction, for a better world.”

The UDP letter goes further to wish President- Elect Obama success and prays that God protects and guides him in his endeavours to make the United States and indeed the world a better place as he assume office as the 44thPresident of the United States.

“Please accept Mr President Elect, the assurances of our highest consideration and esteem,” the letter added.

Source: Pictures:Lawyer Ousainou Darboe (UDP leader) and President- elect Barack Obama of America

Waa’s prophecy ‘fulfilled’

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:58:51 GMT

Friday, September 05, 2008

The firebrand leader of the opposition National Democratic Action Movement (NDAM) Lamin Waa Juwara has told the Daily Observer his prophecy that “politics of confrontation” will become history has completed its final orbit.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer at his residence in Brikama, on Thursday, Juwara said for Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), to agree with President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh’s declaration of zero tolerance for crimes such as rape, illicit drugs and armed robbery “is a step in the right direction”.

He said this confluence in reasoning on such nefarious activities in the country confirmed what he had told the opposition some time ago that the “politics of confrontation” had served its time in The Gambia.

The former Namina Dankunku parliamentarian said that the political climate in The Gambia demands the cooperation of both the opposition and the ruling APRC party to engage in positive development for the betterment of the country.

Juwara, alias Mbaroodi (a conquering lion), said the current political atmosphere is a representation of the spirit of the memorandum of understanding jointly signed by all the political parties in the country.

Mbaroodi said the fact that President Jammeh won the 2006 presidential election in a free, fair and credible manner means that the opposition should join the ruling party to work positively for the interest of the nation.

The NDAM leader admitted that he used to be the most controversial opposition leader in Tthe Gambia.

“But now that the situation has changed, I am prepared to work with President Jammeh’s administration in national development,” he said.

In Juwara’s eyes, Lawyer Darboe has began to understand the political realities of the day and other major players are also realising that The Gambia needs peaceful political co-existence.

It could be recalled that President Jammeh made a pronouncement during the passing out of soldiers that his government will ensure zero tolerance on crimes such as rape, illicit drugs and armed robbery; a declaration that Darboe strongly supported in an article published by The Point newspaper recently.

Author: by Modou Kanteh

UDP Will Always Condemn Coups - Lawyer Darboe

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:42:20 GMT

Monday, August 11, 2008

Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has reiterated that his party will never recognise military take-over of power, whether it is in The Gambia or any other part of the world, stressing that the act is illegal.

Mr. Darboe made these remarks in an exclusive interview with this paper. Quizzed as to his reaction to the latest coup d’etat in neighbouring Mauritania, he stated that the action is uncalled-for and unwarranted. “We in the UDP have and will always condemn coups whether in the Gambia or anywhere. We always condemn unwarranted actions and always believe that no government should be removed by means of coup,” he said.

The UDP leader called on the international community to do its best to make sure that the coup perpetrators restore democratic rule without any delay.

The latest coup in Mauritania, which brings to 10 the total number of coups since independence, the highest in Africa, has been roundly denounced by the UN, AU and EU, all describing it as unacceptable.

Presidential elections held in 2007 ended a two-year period of military rule, the product of a military coup in 2005. The elections, which were deemed as free and fair, appeared to have heralded a new era of democracy in Mauritania.

Turning his attention to realities back home, Darboe said: “That is why we have recently condemned what they called the so-called celebration of July 22nd military take over in the Gambia. It is illegal and we at the UDP will never recognise such acts.”

In the UDP leader’s view, coups d’etat always negate the will of the voters and, therefore, should not be accepted anywhere in the world. “This is most unfortunate because democracy was taking roots in Mauritania following the holding of free and fair elections,” he bemoaned.

Mauritania has been beset with a long succession of coups, with the military involved in nearly every government since the country’s independence from France.

The country, according to reports, has been gripped by political crisis for a fortnight, after a vote of no confidence in the cabinet.

Author: By Baboucarr Senghore

Source: Picture: Lawyer Ousainou Darboe

Am Not in Opposition Because I Want Power - Darboe

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:22:23 GMT

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

IMr. Ousainou Darboe, leader of the main opposition party, United Democratic Party (UDP), has maintained that his reputation as a leading opposition politician is not driven by any lust for power but that he is motivated by the patriotic desire to put right the wrongs of the government on certain fundamental things concerning the way and manner the affairs of the nation are being conducted. “If the government is handling things in the proper manner, I will not be opposing them. So this is why I am in the opposing then,” he maintained.

Mr. Darboe made these remarks recently in an exclusive interview with this paper.

Reflecting on the much-vaunted achievements of the Jammeh administration over the past 14 years, Mr. Darboe acknowledged that no matter how “incompetent a government might be, it will not be in charge of the affairs of a state for 14 years and not achieve anything.”

He however noted that a more conscious approach would be to assess the degree and proportion of the achievement in relation to a specific time span- which in the case of the APRC is 14 years now- rather than a naïve and credulous acceptance of supposed achievements and accomplishments. “That would be utterly wrong and anyone in my view who says that the government has not achieved anything in the past 14 years would really be doing some moment of disservice to himself and probably disservice to the regime, but then it is the degree of the achievement that one should talk about,” he said.

The UDP leader used the occasion to call on the government to improve on the relation between the opposition and government, reiterating that it would be in order for government to be consulting the opposition on some major national issues. “What I know of relations between the opposition and government is, a responsible government would always consult the opposition, not on all issues, but on some major issues.

“I think it is important that government consults the opposition and listens to their views, whether they accept it or not. But then they would have had the opportunity of listening to views that may be different from theirs,” he said.

Further asked whether he would consider working with the government if invited to do so, Mr. Darboe replied in the affirmative, but was quick to add that it will have to be based on certain terms and conditions.

Author: By Abba A.S. Gibba

Source: Picture: Lawyer Ousainou Darboe - (Monday, 28th July 2008 Issue)

Supreme Court Strikes Out O.J.’s Appeal Case

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:44:26 GMT

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

As UDP, NRP Case is Deferred

The Supreme Court five-member panel of judges on Monday struck out the criminal appeal case filed by Omar Jallow against the state.

The appellant counsel, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, told the court that he had filed a notice of withdrawal and they therefore wished to discontinue the appeal.

The state respondent led by the Attorney General and Secretary of State for Justice, Marie Saine-Fridaus, told the court that the respondent had no objection to the withdrawal of the appeal. The five-member panel of Judges thus struck out the appeal case.

It could be recalled that the Omar Jallow appeal case was in respect of the arrest of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD) members by the state security in 2006, who were subsequently charged and arraigned before a court of law.

The authorities, following the mediation by the then African Union Chairman and former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, later dropped the case against them.

The appellant filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal but was objected by the state and the state’s objection was upheld by the Court of Appeal. The appellant then brought the appeal at the Supreme Court from where it was just struck out following a withdrawal notice filed by the appellant.

In a related development the criminal appeal case filed by Abdoulie Conteh was deferred until Monday, 30th June 2008 as the court was not properly constituted to hear the case according to the Chief Justice. He explained that they were expecting Justice Janneh in the country soon.

Meanwhile the civil suit filed by United Democratic Party (UDP), National Reconciliation Party (NRP) and Momodou K. Sanneh as plaintiffs against the Attorney-General and Independent Electoral Commission as defendants was deferred until the next session of the Supreme Court, as the court was not properly constituted to hear the case.

The plaintiffs are contesting the local Government Amendment Act of 2007 passed by the National Assembly, which gives the President of the Republic the power to remove elected councillors and the non election of local authority Chairmen through universal adult suffrage.

Author: By Modou Sanyang

Source: Picture: Omar Jallow (1), Lawyer Ousainou Darboe (2) & Hamat Bah (3)

Opposition politician, supporters Exonerated

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:48:49 GMT

Friday, June 20, 2008

Lamin R. Darboe, a former UDP candidate in Kombo East constituency, is now a free man following the striking out of his case by the Brikama Magistrates’ Court for want of prosecution.

Mr. Darboe was charged alongside Buba Darboe and Jerreh Fatty for their alleged involvement in an assault that occasioned actual bodily.

The trio was on Tuesday acquitted and discharged of the charges for, according to magistrate John Njie, there wasn’t substantial evidence before the court to rely on in convicting the men.

Magistrate Njie explained that since the case was mentioned nearly two years ago, the prosecution had only called in two witnesses to prove the ingredients of the matter beyond reasonable doubt. He however added that none of the prosecution witnesses’ testimony was sufficient enough to prove the prosecution’s case.

He consequently acquitted and discharged the men of the charges.

It would be recalled that the three men were rounded up by security agents shortly after the results of the 2006 Kombo East by-elections were made public. They were subsequently charged with assault before being arraigned.

Author: By Abdoulie Nyockeh