News circulating around Banjul and its environs centered on Imam Fatty's
terse criticism against president Yahya Jammeh over the veil controversy,
which was recently banned by the Kanilai born president.   Sources close to
state House intimated that the state House Imam Alhagie Abdoulie fatty
launched an attacked against the president for its stance over the veil
issue.   The imam defended the veil dressing and questioned whether the
Gambian leader is a true muslim believer.   The muslim congregation burst
into tears, while they keenly listen to the controversial imam.  The
government control media, which usually cover the imam's sermons were
ordered not to broadcast the imam's preachings, as sources say it was
perceived as critical and embarassing to the head of state.

The Imam's recorded tape is the talk of the town and muslims across the
country are listening to it.  Many people feared if the imam would not be
arrested.  Some Sources say there were orders for his arrest but only to be
cancelled.   The imam according to my sources  urged the president to lower
himself and to know that he created  by god.   He also reminded him about
the day of judgement.   The imam has publicly ignored the presidential
decree banning veil dressing, as he advocated  for it.

Many obervers say the imam's open defiance to Jammeh's decree will encourage
other muslims across the country to join him. The imam told worshippers that
the Gambia is a secular state and both muslims and christians are free
follow the teaching of their faith.   While the president is enjoying his
annual leave in Kanilai, muslims are voicing their support for the Imam.
Some sources quoted the imam of having said that he doesn't mind to go to
jail in the cause of islam.  He mentioned the president's name in his
preaching, apparently announcing his opposition to his decree against veil
dressing.

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