Culled from allafrica.com


FJC Accuses Opposition of Sinister Plans


The Daily Observer (Banjul)

September 26, 2001
Posted to the web September 26, 2001

By Sait Ceesay


The director of press and public relations at State House, Mrs. Fatoumata
Jahumpa Ceesay has divulged plans,reportedly concocted by the opposition in
the run up to the October Presidential election.

Speaking recently at a rally organised by the "Gikko Nyima" group on Tobaco
Road Banjul, Mrs. Jahumpha said the opposition had already "succumbed,"
accusing them of using unscrupulous means to "woo APRC stalwarts". "Even me,
they (the opposition) have assigned the Independent newspaper to ask me if
President Jammeh had sacked me, so that I would be angry and call it a quit
with the APRC and join them," she revealed.

She accused the opposition of instigating or influencing some youths to hang
around the British Embassy in the quest for visas. She charged that this was
in most cases motivated by the opposition's desire to paint a negative image
of the country by creating the impression that a state of insecurity or
panic loomed over the country ahead of the election. "We the greater
percentage of the Gambian population (the women), are calling on the British
Embassy at Fajara not to accept such a situation.

However, such moves by the opposition would be contrary to the youth
empowerment policy of the APRC Government. More so, President Jammeh is also
currently sponsoring over 800 students, regardless of political
affiliation".

The SoS for Justice, Hon. Joseph Joof, urged APRC militants to give a deaf
ear to what he called "detractors" who were bent on instigating violence.

Hon. Joof also challenged Omar Amadou Jallow (OJ), whom he referred to as
"East Timor," to be mute and respect constitutional provisions. "The repeal
of Decree 89 is not the problem. 'East Timor' has to satisfy sections 52, 9
and 90 in order to be eligible," observed SoS Joof. He also added, "the
constitution states that for eligibility, you must be in the country for at
least 5 years," which OJ does not satisfy. "Who asked him to go to East
Timor?," he questioned.

"Among those that barred OJ from contesting are the findings of the
commission of inquiry, ranging from abuse of office, failure to declare his
total earnings and property and several others," said Joof.

He also observed that the projects and aspirations of President Jammeh, were
magnanimous enough to speak for themselves as within a span of seven years,
Jammeh had accomplished projects neglected for the past thirty years. "Vote
Jammeh and the APRC and you will see progress and development. The whole
country will be electrified, roads will be constructed and many other
projects embarked upon," SoS Joof promised. On behalf of the president, SoS
Joof expressed gratitude for the support and loyalty accorded to him by
Gambians, especially the women.

Other speakers at the rally included Aji Fatou Sallah, Mayor Samba Faal,
NAM, Saihou Omar and NAM Suku Singhateh, the adopted 'father' of "Gikko
Nyima", who all hailed Jammeh's government. "If you want to experience
another half decade of absolute progress and development, Jammeh is the
answer," they concurred.

It was also attended by Nyimasata Sanneh-Bojang, deputy mayor Biri Njie,
NAM, David Jones, Aji Yam Jobe-Jeng, the adopted 'mother' of "Gikko Nyima'
and other dignitaries.





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