From the Observer,
Halifa clarifies Blames reporters for improper coverage
Following reports of hostilities against the PDOIS in the Fonis,
Halifa Sallah, the party publicity secretary has emphatically
asserted that PDOIS had no problem with the people of Foni,
saying, the incident in Bwiam was orchestrated by a few thugs and not the
decent people of Foni.
Mr Sallah made this assertion at a press conference on Thursday, October 11,
at the party's information centre in Churchills Town. He said their
experience in Bwiam was proceeded by a successful meeting in Sibanor where
he said PDOIS militants came out in their large numbers to grace the
occasion. He therefore expressed doubt over the
failure of the Daily Observer and the Point reporters to cover such a
positive move. Halifa cautioned all journalists to be objective in their
coverage.
Mr Sallah further explained that the demographic characteristic of Foni was
such that it comprised all ethnic groups ranging from Jola, Mandinka,
Wollof, Fula to Sarahule among others. He therefore described Foni as a
multi-lingual region. “Consequently, to associate the incident with tribal
sentiments would constitute an erroneous claim.” He said the people
of Foni had known the nature of PDOIS as a party which did not contest for
political position. Sallah said PDOIS always adhered to its fundamental
principles by preaching political tolerance, peace and unity and would
continue to do so as long as they remained in the political game.
Mr Sallah stated there were few thugs who were trying to give a bad image to
Foni, noting that the idea behind such a conduct was to intimidate their
militants and prevent their meetings. He explained that most of the people
who obstructed their convoy were children. Mr Sallah blamed reporters for
failing to ‘show their strength” during the hostilities. He said the thugs’
tactic of provoking was
defeated by ignoring them.
During the hostilities, one child picked up a stone and threw it at our
convoy which broke one of the vehicles window glasses and not the wind
screen as allegedly reported.” Sallah further explained that after they had
communicated the matter to the Kalaji Police Station, the station officer
with his team came to the scene to contain
the situation. He said the police advised them to postpone their scheduled
meetings for the day because it was getting dark and they could not
guarantee their security. He said the reason advanced by the police were
relevant, adding that the next day, they returned to Kalagi and other
remaining villages and successfully held their meetings without
interruption. Sallah revealed that a village alkalo
name withheld for security reason) told them that one of his brothers was
supporting PDOIS. He added that the said alkalo then permitted them to go
ahead with their meeting noting that they had no problem with the people
residing in Foni.
Our message is not to antagonise the Gambian people but to enlighten them,”
he emphasised. He said during their tour of Foni, people stood by the road
side waving and raising the PDOIS presidential candidate’s photos which he
said was an indication of solidarity with the party.
He therefore said the D1.3 billion budget estimate of our country could not
be utilised by any president to develop his or her own region and neglect
others. Sallah posited that if thugs can mislead our little children against
humanity, transform them into hostile animals, any party leader or president
entertaining such irresponsible acts was not fit to ule a country.
PEACE
Tombong
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