INDEPENDENT OBSERVER !!!!!
   
   It is time for the leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party, UDP'S Ousainou Darboe, to heed to public demand to give up his Presidential ambition. Darboe, should take a back seat, in the interest of  political change in The Gambia. He had tested the Presidential race on two occasions, and should rally behind whoever is chosen by  NADD to contest the much talked about 2006, polls. Failure of which, NADD will be a thing of the past.  If  the latest reports we received from Banjul, are to go by, OJ and  his followers are not keen at allowing Darboe to lead again. 
   
  My pieces on Darboe, are usually unpopular within the Darboe camp, but this is not the time to blame independent minded journalists for reporting the truth. This is not the time to advocate for politics of tribalism or "BADING FASA." This is not the time to betray the memorandum of understanding that was signed at the Palm Grove Hotel. Darboe and his colleagues are expected to apply that document to the letter and not to deviate from it. It is wrong for Darboe supporters  to conclude that it is only their leader would lead the coalition. It is also wrong for OJ'S supporters to conclude that the Serre Kunda man should lead.  
   
  NADD,  had reach a full blown crisis situation and if the leadership impasse is not approached with high sense of  care and understanding, their dream for new Gambia, will never materialised.  The opposition merger had reached a stage, where they should not allow greet, love for power, and tribalism to undermine their quest for democratic change in our dear country.
   
   Darboe fans, will be tempted to ask, what opinion poll, are we using to justify the above popular demand assertion. The answer is simple and I will get to it, as we proceed with our arguments. It is evident that OJ'S nomination was greeted with mixed reaction, across the West African country. While some hailed the move, others expressed strong reservations about the nomination of the former PPP, Agriculture Minister. 
   
  What is disturbing is that, there was no political party, which volunteered at the NADD first leadership nomination to endorse Darboe's bid for the Presidency.  We harboured no grudges against Darboe, but the reality is that the first nomination was not in Darboe's favour. Despite his popularity, there was no vote for him. This is really, really serious. What is going on? Does Darboe, deserves such a political snub or isolation if you like?  If  I were Darboe, I will gracefully give up and allow whoever is chosen to lead that party. Mr.Darboe, Gambians are not  doubting your commitment to the struggle to liberate our people from Jammeh's tyranny. We feel that it is time to prove your critics and sceptics wrong, by  showing them that you are not "power hungry."  Ousainou, don't allow them to say that you are self-centered. 
   
  The NADD leadership nomination reminds us about the failed UDP, PPP, GPP and NCP alliance.The same selection process was  adopted by NADD. There was no secret voting. Everything was done in the open. In the end, Sheriff Dibba, walked out from the hall, accusing his colleagues of conspiracy, in a bid to undermine his Presidential ambition. Is Darboe, following the foot steps of Dibba?  Well time will tell.
   
  To some extent, the organising committee of the NADD nomination process should be blamed. The nomination process be  witnessed by the press and local observers, if they are truly committed to transparency and accountability. Hiding behind close doors will not stop journalists who worth their salt to report reliable information given to them by NADD insiders. 
   
  Well the reaction of Sam Sarr, came too late and at a wrong time. NADD should have issued a statement shortly after their nomination stalemate and tell Gambians what transpired on that faithful day. But no, they waited until the international media picked up the story and they started making noise. We appreciate Uncle Sam's reaction, but in all fairness the press should be commended for its efforts to hold our political leaders accountable.The mere fact that they conducted the nomination without the presence of local journalists, suggested that the NADD officials are not certain of what they were doing. Now is the time to involve the press in your activities to avoid speculations. We believe in reporting the facts and will continue to report the facts.
   
  My colleague  Ebrima G Sankareh, and I were reliably informed  by our  usual competent and well placed sources, that OJ was not keen at conceding  to Dr.Nyambi Touray's request to allow Darboe, to lead the coalition. Touray, we learnt was a special envoy of peace loving Gambians, who do not want to see the coalition failed. What is interesting at this hour, is the resurfacing  of BB Darboe and Saikou Sabally, in our country's domestic politics. The two had maintained a low profile, over the years and their sudden emerging is indeed a cause for concern. We hope and pray that their actions will be in the best interest of the country and not otherwise. We expect the two to tell Darboe, the unpleasant truth and nothing less. The Gambia, is bigger than all the Presidential contenders and as such they should respect the wishes and aspiration of  The Gambian people.  
   
  Many are wondering why Pa Nderry, had shifted his trend of reporting these days. Yes, my  fans and readers have good reasons to be concerned, in view of my past critical reporting of  the Jammeh dictatorship. My recent probing into the NADD leadership impasse is geared for the common good and nothing else. I'm not obligated to NADD, and cares less about how one feels about my political opinion as a citizen. As an independent journalist, who is not on the payroll  of any interest group, I think I will be doing injustice to myself and  country, if  I fail to perform my journalistic work with impartiality.
   
   It is my duty to probe Jammeh and NADD. I will not intimidated by those who are unhappy about what I write about Darboe or NADD. It would be a serious misjudgement for anyone to consider me as a supporter of the opposition. As the saying  goes"JOURNALIST DO MBOKA" We as press men and women, have no friends, beside our loyal sources,  who spent day and night keeping us posted about breaking news stories. We always protect such sources, no matter what. 
   
   
  Having said this, we must start asking why Darboe, could not win his own ward  in the upcountry for two consecutive terms. Charity begins at home and we wondered how can Darboe be taken seriously as a Presidential hopeful, when he cannot win his own area. Yes, he had support across the country, but why not his own ward? We hope whoever is selected by NADD, should try and to take care of this political shortcoming on the side of the UDP. OJ,  had won the Serre Kunda seat on numerous occasions, like wise Halifa,  Hamat Waa, and Sedia in the various wards or localities. But Darboe is yet to step in the National Assembly. This is another yardstick, one could used to gauge Darboe's political shortcomings.
   
   It is time to assess our would be leaders. You cannot just walk in and say I want to be flag bearer. We want Darboe, OJ Halifa, Hamat and Sedia to tell us what will make them to be a better Presidential candidate. The American system of primaries should adopted by NADD, if they want to be taken seriously by the current and future generations. The days of self imposed leadership are over. Power belongs to me. Ousainou, read my mail with open mind and please heed to my advise to take a back seat for now. Such a decision, will save NADD and our dear country, from Jammeh's self perpetual rule. No heart feelings or grudges. We report the truth.  Have a great day. We rest our case. 
   
  The author is the former Secretary General of The Gambia press Union and also a former Voice of America radio Banjul Correspondent. Mr. M'Bai who now resides in the US State of North Carolina Raleigh was a leading political and crime reporter with the Point and Daily Observer newspapers respectively. He can be reached by email at the following addresses: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]   










		
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