Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 12/2008, 28 – 29 January 2008
Editorial
DID WE HEAR THE PRESIDENT SAY THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA BELONGS TO
HIM?
The Chairperson of the Council of the University of the Gambia and its Vice
Chancellor paid a visit to the Chancellor, the president of the Republic, to
inform him of the preparation for the convocation, which the council intended
to hold to confer degrees to some graduands. To the surprise of the viewers,
the GRTS cameras focused on an agitated Chancellor claiming that the
University belongs to him and further threatening that if certain academic Staff are
not purged by the University authorities he will do so himself. This was a
terrible embarrassment to anyone who understands how the University of the
Gambia should function. Why is this so? The answer is simple.
However, before going on to state the facts, it is necessary to recall that
Foroyaa did expose the shortcomings of appointing a chief as a National
Assembly member in contravention of the constitutional provisions only to witness
the reversal of the appointment. State administration should not be conducted
in such a haphazard manner. It is therefore important for the Attorney
general to be consulted before any visit where the President intends to deal with
procedural matters to avoid embarrassment. Take the threat of the President
to purge the University of some lecturers and his claim that the University
belongs to him. The president has accented to a bill passed by the National
Assembly to bring it into law which states in very unequivocal terms that he
should not interfere with the Academic life of the University.
Section 15 of the University of the Gambia Act states that:
“The Academic Staff of the University shall be appointed by the council on
the recommendation of the Senate.”
Section 5 subsection (2) empowers the University Council to prescribe its
by-laws, disciplinary provisions for staff and students of the University...”
In short, “The governing body of the University shall be the University
council.” The Senate serves as its advisory body.
A university is a Corpus. It is a depository of the intellectual treasures
of human kind. It should also be the school of democratic governance. It
should be the last haven for civility and refined thinking and conduct. Once the
law of the jungle invades the university and might is made right, academic
freedom would be ousted and the rationale for maintaining a University shall be
negated. A university cannot be partisan and sectarian and still remain a
centre of learning and excellence. An Academic writes to address research
questions arising from the problematics posed for Research. She or he has to rely
on facts to prove or disprove a given hypothesis. An Academic must not invent
facts. Those who do will earn themselves disrepute. Secretary Generals of
political parties, like Abdoulie Batchilly of Senegal, are professors in the
university in Senegal. Academics are required to follow regulations established
for the course of instruction prepared by academic boards or senates and
approved by governing boards. Hence if the president has read the work of any
University lecturer which is erroneous he should get his Secretary of Higher
Education to Launch a rebuttal and invite the Governing council to review the
competence of the lecturer. Allegation of saboteurs infiltrating the University
can only bring the university into disrepute.
Section 7 of the Act only seeks to give the president a ceremonial role not
a governing one. Subsection (3) reads:
“The Chancellor has no function with respect to any matter concerning the
affairs of the University other than matters involving the exercise of
ceremonial functions.”
Hence, if the President wants a genuine University, he should have faith in
the Governing council and the Senate to run a University.
Finally, section 18 of the Act states that: “The funds of the University
shall consist of:
a) subvention from government
b) grants, donations and endowments that may be received from sources within
or outside the country
c) any monies that may become payable to the University in the discharge of
its function
Subvention to the University of The Gambia amounted to 7.9 million in 2007
and 8.2 million in 2008. Subvention for Open Scholarship University of the
Gambia amounted to 6 million in 2007 and 6.5 million in 2008.
In fact the subvention given to the Ex president, which amounts to 5 million
for 2007 and 5 million for 2008, is almost equivalent to the scholarship
award. The funds of the University are coming from tax payers’ money. The
University is a public institution and not the property of the president. The
lecturers are making tremendous sacrifices and need to be encouraged and not
demonized.
Election Observers Present Their Reports
By Amie Sanneh
Various observers of January 24th Local Government Elections, yesterday,
presented their reports to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) at the
Paradise Suites Hotel.
The observer teams included the Coalition of Civil Society organisations,
the International Society for Human Rights in Africa, Africa in Democracy and
Good Governance, National Youth Parliament and National Youth Council.
Observers were able to critically analyse their observations on election
day. They also made recommendations. The observers described the election as
freely and fairly conducted. They also described the IEC agents and security
personnel as cooperative and friendly to voters.
However, they also noted some shortcomings which included the late opening
of polling stations. “Polls were expected to open at 7 am, but most polls
started after seven or even half past seven”, one of the reports observed. They
also observed the transparency of some polling booths which were covered with
light curtains affecting the secrecy that should characterize the booths. It
is observed that at some polling stations, only the APRC polling agents were
present during the opening of the polls.
The NYC noted that the final results compiled for each polling station were
not announced at the counting centres; that at polling stations ballot tokens
were not counted by the Presiding Officers but only announced; that at some
polling stations, some party polling agents wore apparels bearing party
symbols, such as hangers for mobile phones;that at the Latrikunda Sabiji counting
centre, space was lacking and proper lighting was absent.
Observers also observed the low turnout despite the intensive sensitization
of the public. They described this election as the worst in Gambian history,
in terms of voter turnout.
The National Youth Council also raised specific issues of concern. They
observed that at polling station B50 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, a
ballot box was sealed with a chewing gum which was discovered by a voter. They
also observed that certain data supplied by Presiding Officers in their reports
do not tally with the results at the counting.
The Youth Council also reports that some results do not tally with the
reports by the Presiding Officers.
The National Youth Parliament (NYP) observed the occasional interruption and
display of party materials and symbols at certain polling stations, such as
Tallinding Bantaba, Tanji and Sareh Soffie.
Some polling stations, the NYP report observed, were located on highways
making it difficult for road users to pass and that some counting centres were
too congested.
The Africa in Democracy and Good Governance (ADG), on its part observed that
posters of some candidates were pasted near polling stations which were
readily addressed by the Presiding Officers. It is the view of the ADG that
political parties and candidates did not sensitize the electorate enough which led
to the worst voter turnout in Gambian history.
Recommendations
The National Youth Council made the following recommendations:
(1) A base line survey to know the issues related to the low turnout as
witnessed in recent elections.
(2) Provide adequate training for IEC Polling Officers and party agents on
their roles and responsibilities during polling.
(3) Intensify the voter education programme by using the peer to peer
approach, the media and the involvement of youth serving organization, NGOs and
community based organisation.
The National Youth Parliament (NYP) on its part recommended that:
(1) Prior to elections, lists of voters should be published at each polling
station to enable the voter, before the start of the polls, to establish the
right polling station where he/she should vote.
(2) Improvement of logistic arrangements, e.g. the provision of enough
vehicles for the transportation of the ballot boxes to counting centres on time.
(3) To strengthen the voter education programmes to remedy the low turnout
of voters at polls, especially among young people.
All the election observers concluded that the Local Government Elections
were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
They also concluded that voting materials were sufficiently supplied to
various polling stations.
The observers also concluded in their reports that security personnel were
dispatched to all the polling stations and counting centres across the country
and did their duties accordingly, as expected.
Half Die Residents Given Ultimatum To Vacate
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
At least 36 compounds within Banjul South, commonly known as “Half Die”,
were given one month notice by the Gambia Ports Authority to vacate their
compounds or face forceful eviction by February 29. The 36 compounds were among
the compounds that were listed by the ports authority to annex them for the
extension of the port. However the situation did not go down well with the
residents of the said place, who expressed their worries over the newly allocated
plots for them at Cape Point, which they said is far from being habitable.
The residents the said plots, which are 20 by 25 metres, are small and
described the amounts offered to them as cheat. They added that they are yet to be
given the title deeds of the said plots.
According to the residents, they were surprised with the short notice given
by the ports management. They said they have agreed on a six months period
with the ports authorities before they would vacate and transfer to the new
place allocated to them; that the new site should be well prepared by the ports
before they can erect their structures. They said the agreement entails that
the ports should provide necessary facilities like electricity, water and
telephone services to the area before they could move to erect structures. They
complained that none of the above have been fulfilled; that they cannot move
to such a place without those basic facilities.
Some residents complained that the eviction order has created a nightmare
for them; that they are desperately searching for a place to house themselves
and their families. An old woman narrated how her grand parents suffered to
transform the place into a residential place, which she said was swampy and
water logged during the rains. She said her family had gone through lots of
hardship to transform the place for human habitation. She noted that their family
has been the owner of the place for almost two centuries now. She pointed
out that the idea of moving out of the place had created a fracture within
their extended family structure. An elderly sister who is very proud to be a
Banjulian, said they do not oppose the idea of vacating the place but the amount
offered by the ports is a cheat on them, compared to plots sold in Banjul.
She said she prefers to be re-located to another part of Banjul like in the
swamps behind Tobacco road. She emphasised that it will be very difficult for
them to relocate in the Kombos when their every day life is connected to
Banjul; that many of them are poor and cannot provide for the school fees, lunch
and transport for their school going children every day.
Some families who refused to accept the monies offered by the ports said,
they have an extended family and that the property is owned in common. They
said it is still a problem for some family members to accept the offer which
they deem as very small. They welcome the idea of the ports development, but
stressed that the ports should have given them more than what has been offered.
The eviction notice which was dated 21 January signed by the Managing
Director of GPA and copied to the Deputy Director and all the Directors and Task
force members, reads as follows.
“Following the successful negotiation and acquisition of captioned property
by government, you are hereby notified and requested to vacate the said
property latest Friday 29 February 2008.
Please be advised that failure to vacate the property after the expiry of
this deadline will leave government with no other alternative but to resort to
forceful eviction.
Please be guarded accordingly.”
Foroyaa will get in touch with the GPA for their opinion on the matter.
Arrests in Essau
By Abdoulie Dibba
Information reaching this paper has it that four supporters of the United
Democratic Party were arrested by the Barra Police on Saturday 26th January
2006.
According to our source, the following persons were arrested; Sima Sonko,
Sally Jawara, Joy Koka Sonko and Fatou Sonko all of whom are residing in Essau.
A relative of one of the arrestees told this reporter that his sister was
part of a group that went to show solidarity to their defeated candidate and to
their surprise the police came to arrest his sister and others.
Asked whether the arrestees were charged, he said he would not know because
the police sent them out of the station, while the arrestees were there. As
to whether there was a row in Essau prior to the arrest, the man responded in
the negative.
Violence Mars Rambo’s Victory
6 Injured, 3 Arrested
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The family members of the newly elected councillor for Bakau, Ousman Jatta,
alias Rambo, said their victory resulted in a violent confrontation that
involved UDP sympathizers and their opponents .They said the brawl resulted in
the arrest of three members of their family by the police and six sustained
injuries. They alleged that as they were celebrating at around 10:00pm on the
election night, stones started raining into their compound from the compound of
a prominent APRC Member (name withheld).
They said they reported the matter to the police, but the police failed to
take action. They lamented on the arrests of three of their family members, n
amely Yama Fatty, Ebrima Jatta and Jai Bojang. They said that the three were
taken to Bakau police station but were immediately moved to Kairaba police
station. They said the arrests were carried out by two senior police officers,
namely one Kemeta Sambou, officer commanding Kanifing Division and one
Kanjura, with some PIU personnel in riot gears. They said six of them were injured
and none of their adversaries was arrested in connection to it. They said
those who sustained injuries are; Nancy Cham, Mabintu Manjang,, Sulayman Jatta,
Fudia Camara, Isatou Jawara, and Fatou Dibba . They alleged that dozens of
stones dropped in their compound. Councillor Jatta explained that it was the
intervention of the personnel of the Gambia National Guards that arrested the
situation. He noted that he could not tell who called the GNG, but noted that
their intervention was timely. He called on both parties to maintain calm for
the sake of peace in their town.
According to honorable Kalipha Jammeh, he was informed by his relatives that
members of a certain family (name withheld) that supports the UDP were
celebrating their victory by throwing stones in their compound to provoke them. He
also alleged that one of his relatives, one Modou Lamin Jammeh was hit by a
stone on his shoulder and is still in agony. He added that most parts of the
roofs of their houses were covered with stones. Mr. Jammeh also urged the
people of Bakau to maintain peace.
On Friday 25 January, heavily armed soldiers and police in riot gears were
seen patrolling the streets of Bakau. A group of police in riot gears were
stationed in and outside Mr Kalipha Jammeh’s compound, while armed soldiers were
stationed at all sides of Councillor Jatta’s compound. Both parties welcomed
the presence of the security to keep the peace.
When contacted, the Police Spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka could not
confirm the arrest of the three family members. He said that he has been
making frantic efforts to confirm the said incident but because of the weekend he
could not speak to the officials in charge of the said stations.
However, the family members of the arrested supporters confirmed the release
of the three. They said that they are not aware of any charge made against
their relatives but that they were asked to report to the police station today.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Divorce or Destruction
Part 4
With Amie Sillah
At The Village
Mom branched off to visit her sister. Her mom has passed away. Her brother
has relocated to the city. Dad proceeded to his homestead. He met his brothers
and cousin brothers. He learnt that his first cousin is very sick with
paralysis and is in bed. He decided to visit him on his way out. After his meeting
with his clan he exactly did that. He asked his driver to tell mama to meet
him at uncle Andy’s house.
Mama Comes Out
Mama came out and found no one. She enquired from Musa. “Where are the men?”
“Papa said you meet him at uncle Andys. He is very sick. He has gone to pay
him a visit.” “Let’s go!” She ordered. As Musa tried to curve to go to
uncle Andy’s house she asked him to drive straight. “But Mama! Dad said to
collect him from uncle Andy’s house.” “Nonsense! I am not going anywhere. The
roads are bad and bumpy. I’ll not risk a night travel.” Musa got frustrated
and sad. He pitied dad’s situation. Mama instructed him to drive home leaving
her husband behind.
Mama Comes Home
Mama came home without her husband. Reuben came in time and asked after his
dad. “Musa! Where is my father. You went to the village with him. Where is he
now?” Musa explained what happened. Reuben pulled his ear and asked him to
drive back to the village to collect his dad with immediacy. Reuben was mad
with rage. “What a cheek?” He exclaimed. “Things are getting out of hand!” He
roared.
Ani Asks After Dad
When mom came in as she Ani came out of her room. She was worried. She asked
after dad. Mom refused to answer. Reuben protested. “Mom! Why? Why did you
leave dad in the village? Why are you bent on tormenting our dad?” Mom became
rude and arrogant. “It is none of your business. You can bark for all that I
ear! Now is my turn. He/she who laughs last laughs the londest.
Dad Comes Back
Dad came back very calm. He refused to be provoked. Emma was seated at the
verandah. He ignored him. Dad cautioned him. “Emmanuel! Have you not seen me?
Your mom has succeeded to turn you against me? It’s a curse. Its not good for
the you or the family.” Emma ignored and hissed at him. Dad shook his head
and entered the house.
Mama Disturbs Dad
Mama disturbed dad in the bedroom. She scattered his clothes on he bed and
refused him to lie on the bed. He enquired. “Alice! What is it again? Why did
you make it a duty to torment me all the time? I can react you know. You have
tried my patience for long. Why are you this spiteful? Divorce was a better
option. You are destroying our family. You have succeeded in poisoning Emma’s
mind against me! You know Emma have a delinquent tendency poisoning his mind
can cause doom to the family.” “Do I care? You were trying to get him to
your side. Reuben and Anita are on your side. They refuse to see my side of the
story. Instead of seeing you as the villain you are, they are empathising
with you. I’ll not allow you turn my kids against me. Emma has eaten my bait. He
has seen the truth. He now hates you with a passion.” Dad left the room and
went to sleep at the guest room. Mom gleed. She is very happy when dad is
made uncomfortable.
The Next Day
Dad wanted to go out to transact some business. He was having the car keys.
Mom came out and tried to take the keys from him. He refused and warned Aunty
Alice. “You are trying to provoke me all the time. You are trying my
patience to the hilt. Leave me alone! Leave me!” Mom refused to bulge. Anita came
out to intervene. She asked mom to restrain and allow dad to drive the car. “
No! I’ll not. I am going to work and he is going to idle.” “But mom! Use the
other car. Leave him with this.” “No! I’ll not. He tried to reap where he did
not sow.” Emma came out and took side. He asked dad to give the keys to mom.
Anita scolded him and called him stupid and rude. Reuben came in time and
enquired. “What is happening here?” Dad explained to him. “Alice is denying me
access to the car you allocated to me.” “But why mom? There are two cars
here. Why can’t you use the other car?” “I can’t. This is the car I want. My
son bought the car. It is not his.” Reuben was furious. “It is my car. I
allocated it to dad. Give me the keys!” She refused. Reuben pulled it out of
her grip. She wanted to hit Reuben. He held her hand tightly. “Don’t mom! I’ll
not allow you. I am no longer a kid!” The contradiction was too much for dad.
He had an attack and collapsed. The family got panicked. He was rushed to
hospital. The family is concerned.
UTG Convoke 176 Graduands
By Gibairu Janneh
The University of the Gambia on Saturday, January 26th, held its graduation
ceremony for the class of 2007 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. 176
graduands, graduated which gives a total of 657 graduates since the inception of
the university.
In his speech, the chairman of the University Board of Governors, Mr.
Abdoulie Touray, said the ceremony is a historic milestone for the university. Mr.
Touray said the university must respond to the challenges faced by the
country. He added that the university strives to deliver quality education, train
and develop physical awareness. Mr. Touray noted that the university will
strive to increase student access and build a committed mass of knowledgeable
people and continue to develop outstanding students. Mr. Touray further said
that the university will complete the systematic integration process of tertiary
institutions. He urged the people to resolve to emulate the president who is
the Chancellor of the university and embrace UTG.
He noted that the council and management of UTG have the capacity to develop
a world class university and will strive to make the dream come through.
Mr. Touray urged the graduands to perform excellence in their endeavours and
always have a positive mindset. He further urged them to continue reading
and serve their country and contribute their quota to ensure that other
graduates trained, that in that way they can contribute to the development of the
Gambia.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary of State for Higher Education,
Research, Science and Technology, Mr. Abdoulie Sallah, said that the university
has achieve something in providing degrees of international standard.
Mr. Sallah said it is the duty of every Gambian to continue to honour the
president’s dream for the university. He said his department is concerned with
its beneficiaries and UTG must play a vital role in the education program.
Mr. Sallah added that the university should reflect on and respond to vision
2020.
He noted that the integration of tertiary institutions will play a pivotal
role in higher education.
He urged the graduands to imbuild a strong service to the country.
Mr. Sallah said the university must prepare the people to be versatile and
knowledgeable. He told the graduands that this degree marks one stage in
enhancing their capacity in life.
In his statement, the Chancellor and President of the Gambia, Dr.Yahya
A.J.J. Jammeh, said the university is very central to our development aspiration.
President Jammeh added that every Gambian is encouraged to join and
consolidate the development of UTG. He said the new education policy provide for UTG
to work with other institutions to develop higher education in The Gambia. He
commended everybody for efforts made in this achievement. The Chancellor
stated that the university has a special responsibility and mandate in society.
He further said that UTG has already demonstrated its capacity to contribute
to the development of The Gambia.
He said education continues to be of very high priority and thus it is the
only solution to Africa’s problem. He reiterated that Africa’s problem and
suffering today is as a result of ignorance and urged the graduands to work
hard for the country’s development.
In his message to the graduands, the vice Chancellor of UTG, Professor
Andreas Steigen said there are experiences in life and convocation day is part of
those experiences. Professor Steigen said that the convocation marks the end
of four years of hard work at UTG, with difficulties but also with joy and
enthusiasm.
The UTG Vice-Chancellor noted that knowledge, understanding, insight and
skills do not come easy and the graduands have had many hard nights and have
learnt that diligent work. He told graduands that each of them is an investment
for the future, for themselves and family and also for the nation and
university. He said education has its cost and most of the graduands have been
helped by their families and the government.
He added that as a graduate, an alumnus, you become a member of the network
of helpers, expected to willingly facilitate others to reach your skills,
distant and target than you do yourself. Professor Steigen noted that this is
the epitome of being a member of academia and that helping others to get beyond
the horizon of your own wisdom in a never ending quest for knowledge,
understanding and excellence is what constitute the core of the university idea
itself. He added that it is also the essence of being a good citizen.
The validictorian student of this class of 2007 graduands is Mr. Abdou Kadir
Ceesay in the department of Economic and Management. He is also the best
student in his department.
Fatou Jaw Manneh Elected GPU-USA Deputy Secretary General
Fatou Jaw Manneh, a female US-based Gambian journalist, currently undergoing
trial on flimsy charges brought against her by the Jammeh regime, has been
elected Deputy Secretary General of the Gambia Press Union, United States
branch (GPU-USA), a press release issued by the GPU-USA announced. Manneh’s
unanimous nomination and election to the Union’s new executive comes at a time
when her case has attracted a lot of international media and human rights
attention. The release noted that calls by many bodies around the world, including
the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, the Media
Foundation for West Africa, Save The Gambia Democracy Project, and the Gambia
Press Union have not received a positive response from the Gambian
authorities. According to the release, Manneh’s election represents a renewed vote of
confidence in her and a clear message of solidarity with her by members of the
GPU-USA.
The press release also mentioned the names of the following members of the
new executive committee: Baba Galleh Jallow (Secretary General), Demba Baldeh
(Public Relations Officer), Madi Ceesay Jr. (Social Secretary), Joe Sambou
(Treasurer), and Emuran Saidy (Auditor). The union also invoked a provision in
its constitution to nominate and elect outgoing Secretary General Pa Samba
Jow and Ya Soffie Ceesay as honorary members of the new executive. The election
process was coordinated by Ya Soffie Ceesay after she was unanimously
nominated to serve as volunteer Electoral Commissioner by members of the union.
In handing over the affairs of the union to the new executive, outgoing
Secretary General Pa Samba Jow thanked members for their enthusiastic
participation in the elections and expressed confidence in the new executive: “There is
no doubt that we have very competent and dedicated members in the new
executive body capable of leading this group to new heights,” Mr. Jow said.
Responding to Pa Samba’s words, incoming Secretary General, Baba Galleh Jallow, said
that the new executive feels inspired by Pa Samba’s example of dedication. “
We will try to fill in your very big shoes,” he said. Calling on his newly
elected colleagues to rise up to the great challenges ahead, the new Secretary
General added, “We are challenged to make a difference. Let’s do it.”
Baba Galleh also took the opportunity to thank the union’s Treasurer, Joe
Sambou, a professional accountant (CPA), for so kindly accepting his
re-nomination to handle the group’s finances.
Independent Candidates Win Under Difficult Circumstances
By Modou Jonga
Two independent candidates in the Western Region of the country have
defeated their opponents amidst difficult circumstances.
The victorious independent candidates are Mr. Lamin Jarju for Marakissa ward
in Kombo Central and Mr. Ismaila Badjie for Bullock ward in the Foni Brefet
District.
In an interview with this reporter, Mr. Badjie, said his victory is the
verdict of the people and that it is irreversible. Mr. Badjie urged his
supporters to remain calm and to celebrate in peace. Mr. Badjie, said barely days
after his nomination was endorsed by the IEC, he was approached by a Governor and
a Secretary of State, but he refused to heed their appeal for him to
withdraw his candidature .He said the heavy presence of the APRC bigwigs in his ward
in the run-up to the elections did not shake his sympathizers.
Mr. Lamin Jarju, the victorious independent for Marakissa ward in the Kombo
Central, who caught up with this reporter at the counting centre at Gambia
College, commended his supporters for voting him into the council. He
reiterated his resolve to serve the best interest of his people while in council. Mr.
Jarju called on the electorate in his ward to unite regardless of their
political differences.
Readers could recall that Mr. Jarju was on Monday, 21 January, 2008
questioned by personnel of the Brikama police station.
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