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Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.  46/2007, 23 - 24 April, 2007

Editorial
THE PRESS RELEASE IS  UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNLAWFUL
ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD GIVE  ADVICE!!
According to Section 6 of the Constitution, it is the duty of every  citizen 
to defend the Constitution. Infact Section 207 subsection (3) indicates  very 
clearly that “The press and other information media shall at all times be  
free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of the Constitution,  
and the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of the 
 Gambia.”
The Executive has sworn to defend the Constitution without fear or  favour, 
affection or ill will. Section 193 subsection (1) of the Constitution  states 
that “Local government administration in the Gambia shall be based on a  system 
of democratically elected councils with a high degree of local  autonomy.”
Section 193 subsection (4) adds that “It shall be the object of  the local 
government system that as far as possible, issues of local policy and  
administration shall be decided at a local level and that local government  authorities 
shall cooperate with the central government in adopting a policy of  
decentralisation.”
Section 194 of the Constitution makes it mandatory for the  Local Government 
Act to have a provision for the “direct election of the Mayor  or Chairman 
(chairperson) of the authority”
Section 12 of the Local  Government Act states that “The Chairperson of a 
City Council or Municipal  Council shall be known as the Mayor or Mayoress, as 
the case may be.”
Section  13 adds that “A Chairperson shall be elected by Universal adult 
suffrage of all  eligible voters in the local government area.” According to 
Section 11 of the  Act the Councils comprise elected and nominated members. 
According to subsection  (2) of Section 11 “The nominated members are supposed to be 
proposed by civil  organisations or interest groups they represent, and 
appointed by the  Chairperson with the approval of the Secretary of State.”
What is strange  with the two municipalities is that the elected Mayors have 
been pushed aside  and were replaced with Acting Mayors who are nominated 
members of  Council.
Furthermore, the nominated member who had been acting as Mayor in  the KMC 
has now been removed and replaced with a person whose nomination as a  member is 
yet to be announced and who was up to the time of his appointment a  member 
of the IEC. The question now arises. Has he been removed as an IEC  
Commissioner or has he resigned. If both had not happened then Section 17  subsection 3 
(1) disqualifies him to be a member.
In short, Section 17  subsection (3)(i) of the Local Government Act states 
that “A person shall not  qualify to be elected or nominated as a member of a 
Council if he or she is a  member of the Independent Electoral Commission.”
It is also an irony that the  two elected Mayors must still be holding office 
and should be paid incomes if  the situation is considered objectively.
In short, Section 20(1) of the Local  Government Act makes provision for 
removal for abuse of office, corruption,  misconduct, physical or mental 
incapacity for discharging duties.
The amended  version provides for suspension pending a commission of enquiry. 
However, if the  Chairperson is suspended it is the deputy who should act or “
a councillor,  appointed by the members of the council from among the elected 
councillors shall  act as Deputy Chairperson.”
Hence if the first and second Mayors of the KMC  are still under suspension 
then what has happened to the requirement of the law  for the Deputy 
Chairperson to act? 
If they are removed then where does  Section 23 of the Local Government Act 
stand? This section states “Where an  elected member of a council ceases to 
hold office under Sections 19 to 22 of  this Act, a by election shall be held 
within two months to elect another person  to replace him or her, except that 
where he or she ceased to hold office within  six months before the end of 
his/her tenure of office no by election shall be  held.”
Foroyaa holds that the Constitution and the Local Government Act are  being 
flouted by the Executive with regards to the administration of Banjul and  
Kanifing municipalities. The newly commissioned Acting Mayor of KMC should  
contact the Attorney General for advice if he is still a member of the IEC and  if 
he is not nominated as a member of the council in accordance with the Local  
Government Act.
What may have been in line with the amendment of the Local  Government Act 
which weakened the autonomy of the councils is to create the post  of Local 
administrator and appoint Mr. Njie to perform such oversight role. As  it stands 
much confusion looms over the mandate for his appointment.
The  Attorney General should either make public comments to rectify us if we 
are  wrong or step in to guide the actions of the Executive and make the 
necessary  public announcements with speed. 

AIDS Treatment
UNAIDS and WHO  underline importance of evidence based approaches to 
treatment in response to  HIV/AIDS
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
Geneva, 16 March 2007 – The Joint  United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 
(UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization  (WHO) reiterate the importance of 
evidence based approaches to AIDS treatment as  part of a comprehensive response to 
the epidemic.
According to UNAIDS and  WHO, Sub-Saharan Africa carries the highest burden 
of HIV infections and  AIDS-related mortality in the world. No cure for AIDS 
exists. Once a person has  been infected with HIV, he or she remains infected 
for life. Countries and  partners are therefore working together to accelerate 
access to HIV prevention,  treatment and care to mitigate the impact of the 
epidemic in the African  region.
Herbal remedies cannot take the place of comprehensive treatment and  care 
for people living with HIV (including prophylaxis and treatment for  
opportunistic infections, and highly active antiretroviral therapy where  indicated). 
These treatments should not be stopped in favour of any such remedy.  
Discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy, once people have commenced their  treatment 
programmes, will lead to very serious adverse effects, and even death.  HIV drug 
resistance is also more likely to occur.
UNAIDS and WHO are  promoting and supporting the use of combination 
antiretroviral therapy.  Antiretroviral treatment is an important component in the 
response to AIDS––for  people living with HIV and who are in need of 
antiretroviral treatment––it can  both prolong life and improve quality of life. In low- 
and middle-income  countries over 1.6 million people are receiving 
antiretroviral treatment. With  increased resources and global commitment to scale up 
access to antiretroviral  treatment, coverage increased in sub-Saharan Africa 
from less than 2% in 2003 to  23% in June 2006. These gains must be sustained.
UNAIDS and WHO recommend  that on no account should patients on 
antiretroviral therapy interrupt their  treatment unless advised to do so on medical 
grounds by their treating  physicians or health care workers.
Comment
Foroyaa attempted to fix an  appointment with Dr. Mbowe, in order to find out 
his opinion on the possible  collaboration with international experts to 
assess the safety of the therapeutic  intervention of the Gambia according to 
standards of best practice. We are still  unable to track him down. He may contact 
Foroyaa as soon as he reads this issue.  Messages have been left for him at 
the office without any response.  

BRIKAMABA POLICE OFFICERS DETAINED
By Yaya Dampha
Reports  have it that last week the police officers at Brikama Police Station 
in Central  River Region were arrested and taken straight to Janjangbureh 
Prison, where they  are currently detained. The officers are laid to eight in 
number and they  include the station officer.
According to the reports, the police officers  arrested one man from Senegal 
in relation to cattle theft but that the suspect  escaped from custody.
Station Officer Sowe is said to have been arrested at  Janjangbureh while 
Lance Corporal Mballow is said to have been arrested at his  home village, 
Fulabantang where he is the Alkalo.
When this reporter visited  Brikamaba Police Station last Wednesday, he found 
that a unit of paramilitary  officers have now taken over the station.
When Police Public Relations  Officer was contacted he said he was not aware 
of anything like  that.
Editor’s Comment
We will contact the Public Relations Officer again  for police confirmation 
of the report.

CHIEF MANNEH’S WHEREABOUTS  NOT KNOWN
Chief Ebrima Manneh, a journalist working with the Daily Observer,  was 
arrested by the two agents of the National Intelligence Agency at his work  place 
early July 2006. He was since been detained at the NIA headquarters in  Banjul 
before being transferred to Gunjur, Sare Ngai and Fatoto Police  Stations.
When this reporter last saw him it was in Fatoto in January 2007.  However 
this time this reporter went to all these stations but could not  establish his 
whereabouts.
Sources at Fatoto have it that Mr. Manneh was  transferred to an unknown 
destination sometime in February. Many believe that he  is taken to a station in 
Kombo. Others say the NIA collected him and took him to  Banjul.
When contacted, the police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Jobarteh  said he 
did know anything about Chief Manneh.

MASTER TAMBA DETAINED  AT FATOTO
Mr. Tamba Fofana, the headmaster of Kudang Lower Basic School, who  was 
arrested on 16 September 2006 (8 months ago) by Inspector Omar Jawo of  Bansang 
Police Station, is being detained at Fatoto. Mr. Fofana who has been  detained at 
several other police stations was brought to Fatoto from Sare Ngai  Police 
Station where he has spent about five months.
When this reporter  visited the station he saw Master Tamba in cell and 
called him “uncle.” Mr.  Tamba’s face looked pale and bony.
According to sources, Mr. Tamba was  brought there when Foroyaa published 
that he was at Sare Ngai. He was taken to  Fatoto over a month ago.
When contacted Mrs. Fofana said since her husband’s  arrest she was given 
information that her husband was there and that he was  sick. She said the police 
came and told her that she should leave the station  since the person she saw 
was not Tamba Fofana. It is said that medicaments and  food she gave to the 
Police were returned to her even though she asked them to  give the foods to 
any other person(s) they might have with them. 
Readers  could recall that in December last year the high court in Banjul 
gave orders for  the release of Master Tamba Fofana on bail. The state has since 
then not  honoured this court order.
Master Tamba and many people have been under  detention for over the (72) 
seventy-two hours required by the constitution of  The Gambia.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector  Jobarteh said 
he does not know anything about Master Tamba. This reporter  further told him 
about the high court order of last December for Tamba to be  released on 
bail; the PRO said he did not know about that  too.

DOCKWORKERS CALL OFF STRIKE THREAT
By Fabakary B.  Ceesay
The Secretary General of The Gambia Dock and Marine Workers’ Union,  Mr. 
Landing Sanyang, told Foroyaa that they had called off their sit down strike  
after one of their main demands had been met. He said further that the other  main 
demand will be tabled tomorrow, Tuesday 24 April. He said their decision to  
call off the strike followed the intervention of the Permanent Secretary,  
Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment.
Mr. Sanyang told  Foroyaa that their first major demand which has been met is 
to fill the gangs by  promoting dockworkers to unfilled positions. He went on 
to say that in this  regard the Permanent Secretary had instructed the 
Commissioner of Labour to  immediately fill all the vacant positions. He added that 
dockworkers who do not  belong to gangs will be registered to become part of a 
gang. He noted that all  this will be done by tomorrow.
According to Mr. Sanyang, their second demand,  which will be tabled tomorrow 
concerns the payment mechanism. He said that it is  the Gambia Ports 
Authority which controls their payment and bonus system. He  indicated that the bonus 
system which used to apply no longer applies. He added  that they are “not 
allowed to work on board vessels, at the wharf and at the  wharehouses.” He 
informed Foroyaa that the GPA though not part last meeting,  will be present at 
tomorrow’s meeting. Efforts to talk the GPA was unsuccessful.  Foroyaa could not 
also get the views of the Permanent Secretary, Trade, Industry  and Employment 
because he had travelled while the Deputy Permanent Secretary  declined to 
speak.

SCHOOL GIRL AND KOMBO EAST MP’S FRACAS
By  Suwaibou & Modou Jonga
A case is building up at the Mandinaba Post to  which the attention of the 
media has been called to prevent such fracas.
It  is reported that it has been on since 16 April 2007. Abibatou Sanyang, a 
student  of Muslim High School was taken to the Brikama health centre and was 
later  directed to go to the RVTH after allegedly receiving a severe beating 
from the  MP of Kombo East, Hon. Lamin M.M. Bojang and his son.
Flabbergasted by the  whole incident Abibatou’s step-mother claimed that she 
could not understand how  conflict between children could drive the MP to such 
rage as to ignore her  pleading for mercy as he gave her daughter severe 
beating in their own compound.  She could not understand why the MP gave her 
repeated slaps to the point of  deafening her ear for some time.
It is reported that another by stander  reported the incident to the police 
through a phone call; that the police asked  them to give their statements.
Apparently, the school girl, the mother and  the woman who reported the case 
and the MP have given their statements. When  Foroyaa contacted the NAM for 
Kombo East Mr. Lamin M.M. Bojang, he declined to  comment noting that such 
incident is a family issue. The Kombo East NAM further  opined that some unknown 
elements are bent on gaining some political dividends  from this little, non 
political family issue, thereby tarnishing his  image.

FATOU JAW MANNEH’S TRIAL
“PRESIDENT JAMMEH DID NOT LACK  DIRECTION,” 
Says Witness
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The NIA officer (name  withheld) testifying in the sedition trial of 
journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh has  said that President Jammeh is not somebody who 
totally lacks direction. He was  responding to the article alleged to be an 
interview with Fatou Jaw Manneh,  while in U.S.A. 
He said that he had seen the said article on the Freedom  online newspaper. 
He said that the accused person was a subscriber to that  online newspaper. He 
noted that the Freedom Newspaper is owned by a Gambian  based in the United 
States. He added that the article was published on 23rd  October 2005 and that 
he saw the article in the first week of its publication.  He asserted that he 
saw the said article on the internet on many occasions and  that many people 
could have also read it on the net. He stressed that the  internet is for 
universal coverage and that it does not go directly to anybody  but to the whole 
world. At this point, he was asked by the state counsel E. O  Fagbenle to read 
paragraph three of the said article. He read as thus:  “Betrayal, Jammeh is 
tearing our beloved country into shreds, he debunked our  hopes and became a thorn 
into every issue that is related to progress in The  Gambia; be it social, 
political and economical. Worst of all he is a bundle of  terror.” Continuing, 
the witness opined that Jammeh became president in 1994 and  was elected to 
office on term-basis but he (the witness) did not know any act of  betrayal done 
by Jammeh. He opined that he could not say from 1994 to date where  Jammeh has 
torn our country into shreds. He added that he did not know of any  issue or 
fact where Jammeh has been a thorn in every issue that leads to  progress in 
The Gambia, be it social, political or economic. “I do not know of  any fact or 
incident where Jammeh could be branded as a bundle of terror.” He  said in 
his opinion those allegations are not true. He said when he read that  article, 
he felt very bad. The accusations labelled against the President is not  true,”
 he said. The state counsel asked him to read out paragraph four on the  same 
article. He read it thus: “If you look around in The Gambia, particularly  at 
the conditions people lived in, you will see what I mean; that Gambians are  
desperately in need of an alternative to this egoistic frosty Imam of APRC  
Jammeh is full of energy and totally lacks  direction, all he needs is to  come 
clear to the Gambian people that he has failed us all miserably; that he  will 
be doing everything to revitalise his promises to The Gambian people,  excuse 
his ten years in officer rather than forcing us to like him or forcing us  to 
recognise the developments that do not exist.” 
The witness stated that  his opinion is that President Jammeh is not an 
egoistic frosty Imam of APRC and  that since 1994 he does not know of any negative 
energy of him. “President  Jammeh did not totally lack direction and did not 
fail Gambians miserably” he  opined. He never forced anybody to like him but 
what can force Gambians to like  him is that he is development oriented, that 
anybody who sees that will like  him” he said. He opined that, Jammeh brought 
many developments in The Gambia,  such as university, good road networks, new 
airport building, numerous  hospitals, numerous schools, from lower to upper 
levels. He also opined that  earning capacity of Gambians has increased between 
1994 to date. He said that  there are street lights which were not there 
before, adding “I did not agree  with the accused person’s comments on the article 
and as far as I know they are  not true. The NIA officer concluded that there 
are three (3) arms of The Gambia  government that is the executive, judiciary 
and legislature. He said that  members of the legislature are elected through 
elections or by nomination. He  added that such procedures are contained in 
the Constitution of The Gambia. “The  constitution is a legal and a public 
document,” he said.
During cross  examination by defence counsel Lamin Jobarteh, the witness 
indicated that he is  an O’level product with six grades, adding that he has a 
certificate and will be  in a position to produce it in court if necessary. He 
said that he graduated in  1995 and joined the NIA in 2003. Jobarteh asked him 
whether he had travelled  from Banjul to Koina and seen the state of the 
development there. The witness  replied that he never travelled beyond Basse and may 
not know the state of  development beyond that. Jobarteh asked him about the 
state of the road between  Barra and Amdalai and whether there is any 
electricity there. He said that there  was no electricity but that in his opinion the 
road condition there is as good  as between Banjul and Serrekunda. “I’m 
putting it to you that, the road between  Barra and Amdalai is as bad as the road 
between Mandinaba and Soma and that you  are not telling the truth,” said 
Jobarteh. He replied, “I’m speaking the truth  and that the road is not as bad as 
that.” “Can you define the word frosty, asked  Jobarteh. The NIA officer 
replied “No.” At that juncture the case was adjourned  till Friday 4th May 2007. 
The case was heard at Kanifing Magistrates’ Court,  presided over by 
Magistrate Buba Jawo.

ADG CALLS FOR GOOD  GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
By Amie Sanneh
The Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner,  Obase B. Okonger, has described good 
governance as a democratic system where  people have human rights, freedom of 
association and there is  transparency.
Mr. Okonger pointed out that to be a champion of democracy one  must be 
educated as, only educated people can make informed decisions and  choices. The 
Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner made these remarks at the  launching of a 
biannual magazine and the first anniversary of Africa in  Democracy and Good 
Governance (ADG).
Mr. Okonger added that both men and  women must be equal in terms of 
education. Empowerment of women, he said, is  part of good governance and democracy.
The Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner  also commented on the rights of 
children. He said children need to be empowered  noting that the future lies in 
their hands. He said if children are not given a  good start they would not be 
able to have a good future.
Mr. Okonger urged  governments to be transparent and objective to their 
people. The Director of  Programs ADG, Edwin Nebolisa Nwakaeme, said his 
Association was founded to  contribute to the growing efforts to promote and inculcate 
democratic values and  principles. He pointed out that his Association is 
characterised by a strong and  vibrant society.

LACK OF MEDICAL REPORT DELAYS TABARA SAMBA’S  MURDER TRIAL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The unavailability of a medical report to  the prosecution in the ongoing 
murder trial of Tabara Samba has affected the  proceedings of the case on Monday.
Presiding Magistrate, Pa Harry Jammeh of  the Kanifing Magistrate Court said 
the police are trying to get a medical report  regarding the circumstances of 
the case.
He also said that the brother of the  Lawyer defending the accused person had 
a funeral and could not be in  court.
The magistrate therefore adjourned the trial to a fortnight for  continuation.
Mrs. Samba was dragged to court for allegedly murdering her  husband.

FOCUS ON POLITICS
SIGNS OF CORRUPTION EVIDENT
“STOP  ROBBING THE NATION,” 
Says Honourable Kemo Sanneh
With Suwaibou  Touray
We have been rewriting our history, The Gambian history from  pre-colonial to 
post-independence era. We have dealt with the 1977 elections and  its 
aftermath. We have stopped where we said; the future at the time could not  be 
predicted. Beneath the pomp and self-aggrandizement lay a blooming official  
corruption.
The parliamentary opposition led by Honourable Sheriff Dibba  continued with 
their work in organizing their meetings, holding rallies,  criticizing 
government etc. The PPP during this period 1978 appeared to be in  disarray. The 
exposures in the Newspapers on the allegations of corruption among  his own 
cabinet ministers and within the civil service must have motivated  President Jawara 
to reshuffle his cabinet. He put pressure on two ministers  either to resign 
or be terminated. Alhagie Yaya Ceesay was terminated as  Minister of State for 
Agriculture and Natural Resources in 1978 A.B. Njie was  also removed through 
pressure to resign which he did. Mr. Kebba Nyama Leigh was  also removed as 
Minister of Local Government and Lands.
According to the  Nation Newspaper the action of the president is a 
continuous process of purging  the PPP of what he called “Dissident elements” noting 
that the split within the  PPP was between the radicals and the pragmatists. 
According to the Nation, it  was the radicals who were being purged. These 
people were added to the list of  original party leadership meant to have been 
politically frozen, commented the  Nation.
It was said that supporters had made efforts to convince the  president to 
reinstate them but also demanded explanation..
After a long  period of exposure, the president himself on Koriteh day 
September 4th 1978,  called on the Muslim elders and prevailed on them to condemn 
very strongly the  menace of corruption and to remind their congregations of the 
laws of  Islam.
Sir Dawda reshuffled his cabinet and made cabinet changes as follows;  Mr. 
Assan Musa Camara – Vice President, Alh. M.C Cham – Minister of Finance and  
Trade, Alh J.L.B Daffeh – Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr.  
Landing Jallow Sonko – Minster of Economic Planning and Industrial Development;  
Alh. Yaya Ceesay – Minister of State, H.O. Semega Janneh – Retained the 
Ministry  of Information and Tourism, Mr. Kuti Sanyang – Minister of Works and  
Communication, Mr. M.C Jallow – Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Alh.  
Lamin Saho – Retained Post of Attorney General. 
Many people began to wonder  why he removed Alh. Yaya Ceesay as Minister of 
Agriculture, only to re-instate  him as Minister of State. Was it done to 
appease the supporters who prevailed on  him to do so or was it done because Alh. 
Yaya Ceesay remained an influential  figure within the P.P.P ranks?
The president went on a country –wide tour and  according to the Nation, he 
discovered to his surprise that some projects were  on a standstill. Projects 
such as the Wassu Stone Circles, a Museum and Kiosk  which had been stopped for 
the last two years.
When he came back from the  tour, the press met with him and asked questions 
relating to corruption. Sir  Dawda also asked the press what they thought 
could have been a solution to the  menace. According to the Nation, it was 
suggested to him to establish an enquiry  into the Assets of M.Ps and public officers 
but Sir Dawda said “I am not sure  whether that was the best way of dealing 
with the acquisition of properties.” He  also said he would not like to see 
revenge or witch hunt of any kind.
But  pressure continued to mount on the president. Mr. M. Taal of the U.P 
said in the  house that he was ready to prove that the Minister of Local 
Government gave out  plots on the condition that the applicant bribes him, but Mr. M.C 
Cham stood up  to demand proof otherwise to withdraw his statement. The 
Speaker Sir Alieu  Sulayman Jack then asked him to withdraw which he did but 
insisted that he would  meet the minister responsible.
Mr. Kemo Sanneh also in his reaction to the  president’s speech called on the 
ministers to stop robbing the Nation, by  building what he called “luxurious 
buildings” when their earnings could not meet  the costs. According to the 
Nation Newspaper, he then called on government to  set up a commission on Assets 
to look into the assets of everyone in the  Government, including public 
officers. He further suggested that where the  acquisition could not be explained 
such property be confiscated by the  state.
A further embarrassment for the government was when the country had  
celebrated the 13th anniversary of independence, Sir Dawda opened a new  Banjul/Barra 
Ferry Terminal with the coming into operation of a new super ferry  boat, 
named “Banjul.” The first iron ferry in The Gambia.
According to the  Nation, less than three months, the ferry was temporarily 
withdrawn from service  owing to a major fault in one of the engines. This had 
given amble reason to the  opposition to show all the more how corruption had 
made development  difficult.
But some good news came for the country when on September 18th  1978, a new 
boat which could carry over 700 tons was named after the president’s  second 
wife “The Lady Chilel.” It was built at Ferguson Yard, Port Glasgow in UK  at 
the cost of £1.5 million pounds. Two thirds of the cost was provided under  the 
UK aids funds. “Lady Chilel” had its maiden voyage from Banjul to Basse,  
taking passengers. According to the Nation and the Outlook, Mr. B.L.K Sanyang,  
Minister of Works was on board. So was the acting British High Commissioner, 
Mr.  Holiday. Captain Sallah of the boat was also on board as well as a well 
known  local businessman and father of Lady Chilel. According to the Nation, 
Alh.  Momodou Musa Njie opened a full sack of coins and notes on the quay which 
was  distributed among the people for what he called his appreciation of the 
name of  the boat “Lady Chilel” his daughter.
For the opposition, a tragic news struck  the whole country. The death of Mr. 
Bakary Camara in a tragic road accident, the  dynamic Bakau M.P who was well 
liked by his people. His life came to an end on  March 19th 1978. On 5th June, 
a bye election ensued. But Mr. Camara’s death  galvanized the support for the 
NCP. So they did not only win but increased their  margin by 638 votes. The 
defeat was so devastating to the ruling party that The  Gambia News Bulletin 
carried what the Nation described as only a drab reporting  of the event. The 
Radio Gambia as well did exactly the same. Two Bojangs  contested against each 
other, one Famara Bojang for the PPP and Mr. Demba Bojang  of the NCP who won 
and earned himself the alias Demba (by-force). The NCP also  seemingly beefed 
up the executive committee by including the Sabach Sanjal  popular Independent 
candidate into their fold, Mr. Lamin Waa Juwara. In all the  meetings held by 
the NCP, Lamin would be heard attacking the Jawara  regime.
For example at the NCP Sukuta rally, Mr. Juwara said in a situation  which 
Sir Dawda himself admits that his government included thieves and the  
dishonest, it would be honourable to hand over the government to others.  According to 
the Nation Newspaper, Mr. Juwara criticized Sir Dawda as being  indifferent, 
neglectful and careless. He also charged that tons of rice given as  gift to 
the people had been sold instead. He called on the Minister responsible  Mr. 
Kebba Leigh to resign.
What were however becoming evident at the time  were the signs of discontent, 
evident in 1977 to only close observers. But by  1978, it was glaring to even 
those who were slumbering. This was why the Outlook  observed in their 
editorial, that “For the first time, there are some  intellectuals who felt left out 
without being offered any part to perform in the  advancement of the country.
See the next issue for more on the signs of  discontent in the country. 

GFA League: Wallidan Stay  Top
By Modou Nyang
Pa Modou Ngum’s first half strike ensured Wallidan stay  top of the division 
1 league table at the utter dismay of defending  champions,  Gambia Ports 
Authority FC.
Ngum’s 44th minute header at  Banjul on Saturday was enough to earn the 2005 
champions all three points to  keep them going for the top prize in Gambian 
club football midway of the  competition. The win however, was not without 
controversy as Ports were left  fuming when Ebrima Drammeh was fouled by Wallidan 
keeper Ansumana Sanneh inside  the penalty area in the final minute of 
regulation time and his goal bound  effort cleared by the defence. The Ports Authority 
bench complained claiming  that the referee should have awarded a penalty.
The top of the table clash at  the Banjul playing grounds provided a tough 
first half where most of the goal  scoring opportunities fall to Wallidan as 
both side employed strong tackles to  maintain command of the game. Strike pair 
Amadou Gaye and Pa Modou Ngum were  always at it and in the 24th minute Gaye’s 
header narrowly went out when he was  setup by Ngum. And when Ngum had already 
given his side the lead through, he  missed another opportunity to double the 
score just before the break.
Ports  responded with a double substitution in the second period bringing in  
Abdourahman Dampha and Alagi Musa Kamara for more attacking options and in 
the  58th minute Pa Modou Jange nearly cancelled out Wallidan’s lead when he 
headed  from close range, but was denied by Sanneh who timed well to block his 
effort.  As the game intensified Ports brought in Ebrima Drammeh in place of 
Gibou  Drammeh in the 64th minute and two minutes later Hagi Tunkara’s cross was 
also  blocked by the keeper before his strikers could connect. Wallidan 
introduced  Sainey Touray and Alagie Sanneh in place of Ngum and Wuyeh Sey to 
maintain their  advantage.
And as the Wallidan struggled to keep out the growing attack of  Ports Amadou 
Gaye received his marching orders when he knocked down Demba Jange.  Sanna 
Nyassi too was always at the receiving end of the Wallidan as they fought  to 
keep him from running the ball on to them. And as Ports hope that they could  
have salvaged a point from the game inside injury time, the referee blew offside 
 when Kamara was clearly through.

Hawks Fall Again, Gamtel Win
By  Musa Barrow
Armed forces FC inflicted a narrow 1-0 defeat to Hawks on  Saturday at 
Serrekunda West, forcing the FA cup defending champions into their  second defeat in 
a row.
A 58th minute strike by Abdou Darboe gave the  soldiers vital win extending 
their unbeaten run to three consecutive games since  resuming battles in the 
division 1 league. The first 45 minutes witnessed a  rather titanic affair as 
both teams fought hard to establish their supremacy.  Hawks was however the 
better side doing most of the attacking and in turn missed  a lot of goal scoring 
opportunities. And when they managed to put the ball into  the Armed Forces 
net, the referee ruled it offside. 
Armed Forces maintained  a strong defense line closing on Hawks when they got 
hold of the ball and also  capitalized to run on to their opponents from the 
break.
The first half ended  in a deadlock and when they returned for the second 
period and 13 minutes into  the half, Darboe struck in to put his side in the 
lead. The goal triggered an  intense and pulsating football as Hawks pushed 
forward to avenge the score. But  just as in the first half they failed to convert 
their chances.
Steadfast and  defending patiently Armed Forces maintained their slender lead 
to the waves of  attacks by Hawks as they struggled to at least salvage a 
point.
Elsewhere at  the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Gamtel defeated Sait Matty 
by a lone goal to  also maintain their unbeaten run five games.

Basketball: Wallidan  Win YMCA
By Modou Nyang
Wallidan defeated YMCA 59 to 49 on Saturday at the  Manneh Sillah memorial 
lawn to clinch the basketball league title.
The first  quarter ended 16 all before Wallidan lead 29 -25 for the first 
break. In the  third quarter Wallidan extended their lead to 37 – 30 and by the 
second break  the score stood at 40 – 33 in favour of Wallidan.
At the call of the final  whistle Wallidan won by a margin of ten points.

Real de Banjul’s  Coach Resign
By Modou Nyang
Sira Ndoye coach of division 1 club side Real  de Banjul has quit the club.
Ndoye joined Real before the start of the  current season and his exit midway 
in the campaign may destabilise the club.  
Real currently sits in the middle of the league table.




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