Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.87/2006, 9-10 October, 2006
Editorial
THE DANGERS OF AN UNINFORMED CITIZENRY
The greatest tragedy in a nation is to have uninformed citizens. Very few
educated Gambians go to the National Assembly, listen to budget speeches or the
critique made by the opposition. They do not read newspapers or engage in
dialogue regarding the affairs of the nation. They are not concerned with the
service rendered by the councils. They complain only when they get their
electricity bills, find it difficult to get visa or employment, lack water supply
etc.
When it was announced that the management of NAWEC was being transferred to
Global Management System, many people were surprised that major public
corporations are heading towards privatization.
The Secretary of State for Finance indicated to the nation last year that “
an important activity embarked on by The Gambia Divestiture Agency is the
redundancy and compensation framework study. This study is of crucial importance
to the divestiture strategy, as it will develop the framework required to
achieve consistent standards for employees of public enterprises in relation to
potential redundancy and compensation of redundancy, during the divestiture
process,” he noted
In short, many parastatals are under study for divestiture or privatization.
Those who work under such sectors should prepare their minds for
redundancies. Professional and not political appointments will be the security of those
appointed.
Time has come for each of us to realize that the destiny of this nation is
in our hands. The decision we take and the choice we make will either make or
break the nation. We cannot afford to live on castle in the air. We must
build it on land to live in prosperity. Relying on those we know will not sustain
ones prosperity in the long run. We must build the type of country where we
can get our entitlements based on our input without relying on anyone for
favours or charity. That is the only sustainable way to dignity and prosperity.
PEOPLE OF TALLINDING CONPLAIN OVER DUMPSITE
By Isatou Bettaye
The residents of Tallinding; Medina, around the Buffer Zone, raised concerns
regarding the deplorable dumpsite within their vicinity. They said the
stench from the dumpsite makes life unbearable for them.
Speaking to this reporter, Mansata Jawo said that they complained about the
dumpsite to the Kanifing Municipal Council a long time ago, but no step has
been taken to solve the problem. She said the stench from the dumpsite could
cause sickness for them, noting that the head of the compound directly
opposite the area, Kinteh Bah, has been ill for a long time now. She added that she
once complained to the K.M.C, but her complaints fell on deaf ears.
Kumba Jawo, a resident of the area also expressed her concerns about the
dumpsite. “When they come with their vehicles to dump their rubbish, we always
complained to them. But we only receive insults from them. She explained.
She further said that they are appealing to the government especially the
K.M.C to help them relocate the dumpsite from the area, before Ramadan ends.
“We can even have a small market on the area, if the dumpsite is out of the
area,” she remarked.
Other speakers also expressed similar sentiments about the dumpsite. They
said they are highly in need of help to solve this problem.
When contacted, the Manager of the K.M.C Cleansing Services, Mr. Njie, said
the P.R.O is the spokesperson of the K.M.C and that he cannot say anything
regarding the situation. The P.R.O, Kalifa Sanyang was not reachable.
NBD GOVERNOR REFUTES ALLEGATIONS
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Governor of North Bank Division, Edward Seckan, has refuted allegations
that he interfered with polling at a polling station at Sallikene on Election
Day.
According to a polling agent Governor Seckan came to the polling station
around 4:00pm.He was said to have asked the IEC staff to continue work until
6:30pm., as this was ordered by the IEC. It is also purported that Governor
Seckan told the presiding officer that anybody who came with a valid voter’s card
should be allowed to vote, even if his/her name did not appear on the master
register and the counter foil. It is indicated that the presiding officer
refused to heed to the Governor’s order.
According to the witness, there was a push and pull between the governor,
IEC staff and party agents for up to about fifteen minutes before the governor
retreated. Governor Seckan was said to have threatened the IEC staff and
party agents. He was escorted by many security agents.
However, when this reporter contacted Governor Seckan, he denied being
present at a polling station at Sallikene, but later said that he was only there
to inform them about the adjustment of the time of the polls. When this
reporter asked him whether he had a confrontation with the IEC staff and party
agents, he immediately hung up on the reporter. This reporter later tried to get
to him, but to no avail.
Comment: Is it the business of the Governor about the time to close the
polls? Editor
MAKASUTU EMPLOYEES DEPLORE WORK CONDITION
Bubacarr K. Sowe
A number of employees at the Makasutu Culture Forest have complained that
they are being exploited by their employer.
Members of the group, whose names are withheld, said that they are issued
with no appointment letters, payment slips or social security cards. They also
said that they are being ordered to work more than the required eight hours,
without additional pay.
One of them said, “We are working like slaves. They can sack anyone of us
without any warning letter, which is contrary to the staff handbook of rules
and regulations. Our jobs are not secure. Even if we are sick, they do not take
care of us.”
Another worker who served for two years said that he was not given any
appointment letter and has no social security card. He added that he was issued
with only one pay slip for that period. “They pay us D40 a day and sometimes
they deduct you if you complain,” the man said.
One of them also disclosed that during the four years he has served at
Makasutu, he was given only three pay slips. For him too, no appointment letter
was given.
Another complainant expressed similar sentiments. “I have no pay slip,
social security card or even an appointment letter,” he said.
However, the General Manager of Makasutu, James English, has declined to
comment on the issue and referred this reporter to the Labour Department.
PRICE HIKES PINCH URBAN POPULACE
By Yaya Bajo
The month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual retreat during which Muslims
are expected to reflect on their creation and live a pious life. Because of the
importance of the month, Muslims are expected to demonstrate love, sympathy,
generousity and kindness. In view of this, prices of basic commodities
especially, are expected to be within the reach of the average consumer. However,
that hardly happens. What normally happens is the opposite instead, where
the price of some basic commodities go beyond the reach of the ordinary citizen.
The exorbitant prices of goods impacts negatively on the livedhood of the
average Gambian and expenses in the month of Ramadan are normally unbearable’
This reporter visited the Serrekunda Market, one of the main business
outlets in the country, and sought the views of some vendors and consumers alike on
the continuous increment of certain basic goods around the country. A wholesa
ler dealing in provisions along Sayer Jobe Avenue argued that business
requires skills and expertise in order to survive the competition. The man who
only identified himself as Sayd, noted that in establishing a business, one has
to consider certain factors such as Political, Economical, Social and
Technological, which he said are pre-requisites for a successful business. He added
that sometimes the prices of certain commodities fluctuates due to
unfavourable market situations which according to him depends on the forces of demand
and supply in a given period of time. He further remarked that import duties
levied on imported goods also have a bearing on the selling price of goods.
Mr Sayd said that if custom duties levied on imported goods increases, the
selling price of that consignment will also show sharp increment which is
borne by the final consumer. He therefore called for a review of custom duties
with a view to making goods relatively affordable to the final consumers who
bear the brunt of the hardship. He maintained that if wholesalers also fail to
consider the tax levied on their imported merchandises when selling to the
retailers, they will run at a lost.
Market vendors (retailers) who were interviewed randomly expressed the fear
of running into losses, if they lower the prices as they also obtained goods
with unfavourable price from the wholesalers. However, the brunt of this
whole saga is born by the final consumers most whom are farmers living below the
poverty line.
5, 247 REFUGEES GET ASSISTANCE
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Atleast 5,247 Senegalese refugees across the country have began receiving
non-food items, reports from The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS), indicate.
Speaking to Foroyaa on Friday, Katim Nget, Programme Manager of GRCS said
that distribution of non-food items commenced on the 5th of October 2006, in the
Fonis and Kombo East areas.
“These items are 1000 blankets, 1000 empty Jerry cans, 14, 460 bars of soap,
1,500 sanitary napkins, 1000 sleeping mats, 500 mosquito nets and 680
kitchen sets,” Mr. Nget said.
He said that the items will be distributed in ten centers and allocations
will be made as per family. “All of them stand the chance to benefit based on
availability,” he said.
Currently, according to Mr. Nget there are forty six villages in The Gambia
that are hosting refugees from Cassamance.
Ron Mponda, Chief of Mission of the United Nations High Commission for
Refugees in The Gambia, has confirmed that 5,247 refugees are currently hosted in
The Gambia among whom 40% are children. He said that recently, Concern
Universal (CU) has given food items to refugees and a consignment from the World
Food Programme is expected this week.
SURETY TO BE CONVICTED IF…..
By Yaya Bajo
One Mansour Camara, a Surety in a theft case, was ordered to pay a bail bond
of D60, 000 on or before November 3rd, 2006 or be tried in a law court. This
development came following an unfortunate escape of the defendant whom he
(Mansour) had bailed earlier on. Mansour was asked to produce the accuse person
some months ago when the matter was suppose to be heard at the Bundung
Magistrate Court, presided over by his worship, Moses Richards.
The accused stands trial for stealing a vehicle and an engine belonging to
one Mr. Sallah. The plaintiff was claiming a damage of D25, 000 from the
defendant. The presiding Magistrate, Moses Richards, told the Surety (Mansour), to
pay a total sum of D60, 000 on or before November 3rd, 2006, which includes
an amount of D30,000 to be paid as compensation to the plaintiff, whilst the
other D30,000 to be forfeited to the state. Magistrate Richards added that if
the Surety failed to fulfill this he will stand trial. “If you abuse or
misuse this time frame given to you, you will face the consequences,” he warned
Mr. Camara.
FORMER PRINCIPAL ARRAIGNED IN COURT
By Modou Jonga
The Former Principal of Forster Academy in Brikama, William Forster, was on
Monday 2nd October 2006, arraigned before Magistrate E.F. Mbye of the Brikama
Magistrate Court on a charge of willful damage to personal property.
According to the particulars of the offence, William Forster on the 11th of
September 2006 at Brikama Car Park, unlawfully and willfully damaged the
windscreen of a vehicle numbered WD 0225A by hitting it with his hand contrary to
section 312 of the criminal code.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge that is preferred against him.
The accused was granted bail in the sum of D5000. He was asked to provide a
Gambia surety who has a valid ID Card. The Police prosecutor was 1831 Sanyang
of the Brikama Police Station. The case was adjourned till Thursday 19th
October 2006.
NADD FLAG BEARER ON THE ELECTION
Let me reiterate again that fundamental to the outcome of the election were
three factors, that is the power of ideas, the power of human and material
resources and the power of mass support.
Any objective analyst would agree with me that NADD had overwhelmingly edge
to both the APRC and UDP regarding content and delivery of convincing
messages. This is the first point.
Needless to say, the UDP and APRC had edge over NADD regarding material and
human resources. In comparison to the two, the APRC had overwhelmingly edge
in terms of material and human resources In short one could not see the
distinction between state and party. Governors of divisions, chiefs of districts
heads of villages, heads of institutions, prominent members of the business
community, the army, police, NIA were all associated with the President’s
campaign. Vehicles with numberless plates were distributed all over the country.
Incumbency was exploited by the APRC to its optimum degree in mobilizing
human and material resources of the state to its advantages.
Suffice it to say that, having an edge in ideas or material and human
resources is not sufficient to determine the outcome of elections unless such
advantages could be transformed into mass support.
The voters who could give mass support could be divided into three
categories. There were the legitimate voters who acquired their voters’ cards in the
proper manner and were ready to cast their votes without inducement or
intimidation.
Secondly, there may have been those underaged Gambians who had acquired
their cards illegally by any false information to the registering officers to get
registered. Thirdly, there may have been those non-Gambians who had
acquired their voters cards illegally by posing as Gambian citizens.
How many of those in these three categories of the voters cast or did not
cast their votes? Who did they vote for? Why did they vote or fail to vote?
These are questions that all analysts should be interested in. For our purpose,
the analysis must not be an academic exercise. It must not be a refuge for
the people to escape the consequences of their actions.
It is only by facing soberly the inadequacies in thinking, actions and
institutional process that the people will be enabled to make a fresh start in
thinking and thus be empowered to take charge of their destiny.
Outstripped by the APRC in terms of material and human resources NADD tried
to compensate its inadequacies by giving convincing arguments of the
demonstrated incapacities of the government and the type of leadership that is in
store if the people were to maintain it in office.
The deficits in liberty and prosperity that were prevalent in the country
were put into sharp focus. NADD would not have had much to criticise about the
electoral system except the abuse of incumbency and the need for the IEC to
become more vigilant to prevent the underaged and the non Gambians from
interfering with the electoral process if an unheard of fiasco did not have
dramatic effect in undermining the comparative advantages acquired by the NADD
Presidential candidate in the use of the media. NADD’s fundamental blunder was to
have faith in the impartiality of the director of GRTS. Our cassettes were
recorded and handed over to GRTS. There was no mechanism in place for joint
editing by the IEC, representatives of the candidate and a representative of
GRTS. In the future, we must insist on such a tripartite arrangement.
Our first experience was the continuous featuring of a cassette of our No
Kunda meeting for a period of three days. We received reports that the speeches
of the flag bearer which exposed the regime were always featured at the tail
end.
The weight of the fact and figures were frequently impeached on by giving
lengthy focus on other speakers who dwelled on the weakness of the other
opposition candidate. The attitude of the GRTS management went from censorship to
minimize the impact of the powers of our arguments to unbridled hostility and
defamation when they waited until a day before the end of the campaign period
to broadcast, on the TV a recording of Buba Sanyang in NIA custody
indicating that he impersonated an IEC official to fill some nomination forms. The
deception of the broadcast was without parallel. They broadcast a confession
without approaching me for opinion. The IEC was not also informed before my
nomination to at least discredit my nomination. The objective was therefore not
to challenge my nomination since I had 6000 people supporting my nomination.
The attempt was to mislead the voters.
The deceptive tricks of the GRTS management reached repugnant and malicious
proportion when they deliberately suppressed my last ten minutes broadcast
where I dealt with their broadcast which the Observer Newspaper chose to
publish under the heading “NADD’s Buba Sanyang spills the Beans” with my picture
on the front cover. GRTS refused to cover my press conference. The Observer
published it in an inside page. I called the IEC for them to intervene to
ensure that my message is transmitted as a matter of right. I quoted section 93
subsection (1) of the Election Decree for their observation to no avail.
Section 93 subsection (1) states that “The Commission shall, during an election
campaign period, ensure that equal air time is given to each candidate and
national party on the public radio and television.” I emphasised that depriving me
of my last ten minutes before the end of the campaign period constituted a
gross violation of my right as a presidential candidate. The IEC appeared
totally helpless in protecting my integrity against a deliberate attempt to
defame me. To add insult to injury, the GRTS management made news out of the
television broadcast and transmitted it by radio so that it would reach the whole
country, on the day before elections which was supposed to be a resting
period. The news item gave the impression that as a presidential candidate I asked
a 7th grade child to fill my nomination form by impersonating an IEC
official. I called the IEC to intervene to stop the erroneous and malicious
broadcast but to no avail. The GRTS management did therefore make history in
displaying a conduct that did not remotely resemble impartiality in the presidential
election. They brought my whole campaign, whose content had been
irreconcilable to any falsehood, into disrepute, without availing me y opportunity to
clear any doubts.
The deficit in liberty which is criticized during my campaign became nakedly
evident because of the absence of any private radio station to disseminate
my opinion as a Presidential candidate after the state media deliberately
refused to broadcast my last message to the nation. It was evident to the GRTS
management that reputable journalistic practice requires the publication or
broadcasting of two sides of a story. They preferred to negate my own opinion so
as to make fiction to pass as facts. Where then was my freedom to be heard?
Where lies the fairness in suppressing my last broadcast? How can I commend
the IEC for presiding over a free and fair election when they were impotent in
directing the director of GRTS to broadcast my last statement as required by
law and stop their fabrications against my integrity on the day before an
election?
In fact, many people who had an axe to grind with NADD began to spread the
rumour that my nomination papers were fraudulently filled even though I had
about 6000 people supporting my nomination.
Before taking leave of the subject allow me to prove how ridiculous it is to
even hint that Halifa Sallah could ask anyone to impersonate an official to
enable him to acquire electoral advantage. First and foremost, I have never
canvassed a relative or a neighbour to vote for me so as not to violate their
free will to choose. I have written countless letters to the IEC to expose
corrupt registration practices so that we can have free and fair elections.
Although, I am a National Assembly member my earnings go mostly to render
services to others instead of wining and dining at state expense. I have tried
to make my wife to get the highest level of education so that she would be
completely independent in getting what she wants in life rather than depend on
loot from a state to live in prosperity. What temptation is there that Halifa
Sallah could be subjected to, to the point of motivating a young man who is
an extremely famous football player in his area, who is known to both young
and old, to go to an area where he is well known to impersonate an IEC
official, just to fill my nomination forms. This notion is absurd to say the least.
Notwithstanding, the broadcast is the chief event which had a devastating
impact on the electorate. I cannot say how many people were convinced by the
broadcast that NADD could not win and either decided to vote for another party
or abstained entirely from voting. I cannot tell how many youths in Kombo
East were intimidated. What is evident to me is that when I visited Buba Sanyang’
s family many of his friends had been seen by people in the community or
their families and advised to stay clear of politics.
The television and radio broadcast on Buba did not reduce the climate of
uncertainty, if anything one should expect the situation to have been worsened.
The truth however is that before the people went to fill my nomination
forms, I was invited by Mrs. Amie Sillah who was in charge of the operation to
inspire them. As a civic educator I gave them an inspiring speech and asked each
of them to be given a cassette to play for the people to listen before being
asked to nominate me.
I therefore wish to call on all youths not to support me unless they are
ready to defend their principles at all times. Anybody who makes the mistake to
tarnish my image no matter under what pressure would be disowned and pressure
be put for ones prosecution. We will not allow again such simplistic
disinformation tactics to affect our progress. After lessons are drawn from Buba’s
experience any NADD militant who abandoned the message and proceeded to claim
to do a criminal act under NADD’s auspices could only be a common criminal
implanted to do something else other than to serve NADD. When Amie Sillah was
put into contact with Buba while he was in detention he had confessed that he
mentioned her name because of fear.
Suffice it to say that when Mrs. Sillah finished her discussion with the NIA
I was informed. I did not take the matter lightly. I decided to wage a
battle of integrity by requesting the IEC chairman to post all the names of the
people registered under Kombo East and request for scrutiny of the list. I
volunteered that if any person’s name is found to be featured under false
pretence I would be willing to subtract it from the 6000 or so names I had
submitted and would withdraw my candidature if the number fell short of the 5000
persons required to be qualified to stand as a presidential candidate. The
chairman of the IEC indicated that this was unnecessary. I further made the
proposal that he should give me photocopies of the names from Kombo East so that I
would proceed to do my independent investigation and subtract any name found
to have been acquired through dubious means. The chairman of the IEC indicated
that it was not necessary. This was proposed few days after nomination. It
is therefore amazing that nothing was done until the end of the campaign
period to try to attack my integrity.
I therefore saw the move by the GRTS management as a deliberate tactic to
erode the confidence of the voters in me. Taking the margin of victory, I
cannot sincerely claim that this unprofessional conduct of the GRTS management
barred me from being elected. However, it stands to reason that I cannot have
respect for an electoral system which could not protect any integrity at the
most relevant period of an electoral process.
In this respect, I can only observe that when it came to the battle for mass
support NADD was disadvantaged at a time when people had little time to make
a decision on to what to do with their votes.
I cannot honestly say what the number of votes would have been if the GRTS
did not broadcast a farcical picture that NADD was in complicity with corrupt
electoral practices which was orchestrated by the Daily Observer newspaper.
History will therefore record the tragic-comical scene which should earn GRTS
an award in outdoing all broadcasting stations in the world in
misrepresenting a Presidential candidate.
Notwithstanding my inability to combat the scheme of the GRTS management at
the right time, the GRTS team that covered our meeting in the country have
enough evidence that NADD is in the heart and minds of the Gambian people
irrespective of the attempt to tarnish its image.
Let me now focus on the results and the lessons to be derived from them. We
are informed by the IEC that Gambia has 670, 336 registered voters. Out of
this 392, 685 voted in the 2006 presidential elections. This amounts to 58% of
the registered voters. I have 23, 473 votes or 6%, President Jammeh had 264,
404 votes or 67% and Ousainou Darboe has 104, 808 votes or 27%.
Interestingly enough in the 2001 presidential elections there were 504, 301
registered voters. 457, 484 voters voted comprising 89.83% of the votes.
President Jammeh had 242,304 votes, Ousainou Darboe had 149, 448 votes.
Compared to 2001, there is an increase of 166,035 registered voters in 2006.
However the number of voters who voted in 2006 as compared to 2001 fell by
64, 799 votes.
It is also evident that the number of votes received by President Jammeh
increased by 22, 104 votes as compared to 2001 even though there is a rise in
number of voters by 166, 000 votes. In the same vein, Ousainou Darboe’s vote
decreased from 149, 448 in 2001 to 104,808 in 2006. This is a decline of 44,640
votes. Needless to say, the UDP/NRP/GPDP alliance was based on the premise
that if the UDP served as the vanguard of the opposition parties it will
accumulate the votes of the NRP leader of 35, 671 in 2001 as well as the votes of
other parties to win the election.
However, instead of Ousainou Darboe adding 35, 671 votes to his 149,448 he
had in 2001 there is a decrease of 80,000 votes from the coalition votes. What
is responsible for this? What is responsible for a voter turn out of 392,
685 out of a 670, 336 registered voters. Are the figures realistic or does this
mean that all parties in the Gambia are rejected, that the Gambia is a
failed democracy? Should all parties resign and allow for a new breed of
representatives to emerge or is the country demanding new institutions and approaches
to politics that can earn the confidence and trust of the voters in the
system? Is the result a strategic victory or a tactical error for the opposition?
To be continued
UDP SUPPORTERS’ TRIAL ADJOURNED
By Modou Jonga
The trial of the five supporters of the United Democracy Party at the
Brikama Magistrate Court has been adjourned till 12th October 2006, due to the
absence of the Presiding Magistrate S.B Tabally who was said to be sick.
The five UDP supporters namely Jarreh Fatty, Lamin R. Darboe (the UDP
candidate in the recently contested Kombo East by-election), Buba Darboe, Maimuna
Jobarteh and Momodou Demba, were all arraigned previously on Monday 7th August
2006. All the accused pleaded not guilty to the preferred charge of assault
against them. The accused persons were represented by lawyer Jorbateh.
According to the particulars of the offence, the assaults were committed at
Pirang village in the Western Division. The Prosecutor was ASP Badjie. The
complainants include Lamin Secka, Kawsu Gibba, Sainabou Touray and Awa Jatta.
CUBANS PAY HOMAGE TO THEIR COMRADES
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba and Gambian friends together with the
Cuban Health Personnel on Friday 6th October 2006, rendered due homage and
tribute to those who fought for peace and outlawed terrorism.
The event was to mark the 30th anniversary of the explosion in midair of a
commercial Cuban Airliner flight, caused by a bomb planted by confessed
terrorists that killed seventy three (73) persons on board. The anniversary was
also intended to demonstrate solidarity to the Cuban five who were serving jail
terms in the United Stats of America, USA. The Cuban five were acting against
the organizers of the explosion of the said Airliner on 6th October 1976.
The Cuban five were accused by the US Government for allegedly being spies
and members of a secret agency. They were also accused of not being legally
registered in the United States. The Cuban five are Gerado Hermandez who got
double life sentences, Antonio Gurrero and Ramon Labanino sentenced to life
imprisonment both. The other two, Rene Gonzalez and Fernando Gonzalez, got 19
and 15 years respectively. According to the Cuban ambassador, Mr. Carlos M.
Salsamendi, there is an on going world wide anti terrorism campaign, for
solidarity with the Cuban five and the struggle for their liberation. That this
meeting could serve that purpose,” he concluded.
KASSA JAATA RE-ARRESTED, RELEASED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay and Babucarr K Sowe
Dudu Kassa Jaata, who is standing trial alongside seven others, has been
re-arrested at the premises of the Kanifing Magistrate Court. He was supposed to
appear before Magistrate A. Mbacke on Thursday, 5th October 2006.
Mr. Jaata, was approached by S.O Mam Jarra Bittaye of the Kairaba Police
Station, while he was standing at the court’s veranda. “Are you Kassa Jaata,”
the S.O asked. Kassa replied, “Yes I am.” “You are under arrest,” S.O
Bittaye said to him. Kassa replied, “Let me give my items to my friend.” The S.O
replied: “Let’s just go to the station, you are a Gambian like me.” Kassa
said, “Yes, but I must handover my materials to a friend, you know I used to
walk into the station and surrender myself to the police.” He was then whisked
away at 10.55 am in a waiting police car, with registration number GPF8KP.
Mr. Jaata was later released on bail late in the evening, the same day at
6.30 pm. According to Mr. Jaata, upon his arrival at the Kairaba Police
Station, he was interrogated by S.O Mam Jarra Bittaye. He said that, he was asked
whether he is a Gambian, and to which political party he belonged and whether
he has a connection with councilor Ousman Jatta (Rambo). According to him, he
replied that he is a solid and patriotic Gambian, a staunch member of the UDP
and that councilor Ousman Jatta (Rambo) is his blood brother. Kassa noted
that, he was later put in a cell and that the S.O ordered that nobody should
talk to him. He was later released on bail but asked to report the following
day, Friday, without being charged. He said that upon reporting on Friday
morning, he was detained until at 1:00pm, but he was not put in the cell. “The S.O
told me that, they can extend my bail, revoke it or even set me free. One
thing I don’t understand is that I was not charged but asked to be reporting
frequently,” he lamented. Mr. Jaata emphasised that, his arrest is politically
motivated, but that he shall remain in the opposition as long as he lives. “I
will die with my principles, because belonging to an opposition party is not
a privilege but a right,” he emphasised.
It could be recalled that, Dudu Kassa Jaata, is standing trial alongside
seven others for allegedly uttering abusive words in public. The incident is
alleged to have happened at Bakau, on the 27th of June 2006.
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