In part1 of "why I can support the APRC government despite...", I made it
very clear in the last paragraph of the intro that, as well as explaining
why I can still support the APRC government despite all that has been said
about it, I will also explain WHY NONE OF THE EXISTING OPPOSITION PARTIES
HAS ANY CHANCE OF BEATING THE APRC COME THE NEXT ELECTIONS. For that reason
I will refrain from answering some of the questions that are asked or may be
asked until then.
Some answers.
SANUSI OWENS.
You wrote:
“This man "KBJOBE" has gone deep down in my estimation.
Having spent so many years in University, one would
have expected him to be honest with his analysis”.
Sanusi, I have been very honest with my analysis. But for the sake of
clarification, I will answer your questions to the best of my ability.
You then wrote:
“Mr. Jobe,
I am going to ask some questions as part of my
contribution to the debate. Please note that I will
ask you some further questions in my next postings.
(1)Are you telling me that the constant killings of
innocent Gambians by APRC Security Forces are
irrelevant in your analysis.”
No Sanusi. I am not saying that and I am not implying that. In the second
paragraph of the intro, I promised to the deal with the blunders of the
government at a later stage. This will be dealt with when I come to deal
with the issues the economy, governance and human rights.
You asked:
“(2) Are you happy with Yahya's system of hiring and firing Civil and Public
Servants?”
Ans: No, I am not happy about it.
“Remember, that Yahya cares less about mankind and you could be next on his
list.”
Ans: I will take my sacking in good faith or fight it if it is unjustified.
“Where is Pap Cheyassin today, Was he not humiliated by the moron. How about
the likes of Dr Saja Taal, Bishop Johnson, Serign Jobe and many others.
Having highlighted the "achivements" of APRC, one would have expected you to
list the setbacks.
Ans: I care less about their plight as they have all chosen to stay mute
about their sacking of their own volition. The setbacks will be dealt with
adequately.
“It is only through this system of evaluation that one can decide whether
APRC is a success or not. At present, the events of November 11 1994(-The
summary execution of Lt Basirou Barrow and Co), January 28 1995( The
Sana Sabally and Saidubou ambush),June 1995- the death of Koro Sisay April
10/11 2000 are just one of the many examples which should take note of
before supporting this ruthless regime.”
Ans: Yes I agree with you entirely and as promised, I will soon get to that.
“(3) Can you honestly tell us the Gambia's official exchange rate to the
pound? Compare it to the Jawara era.”
Ans: No, it will be unreasonable to compare the Gambia’s official rate of
the pound during the “Jawara era”, which is very vague, and now.
“(4)Are you happy with the political violence orchestrated by the APRC youth
movement under the command of Co- President Baba Jobe?”
Ans: Nope!
“For God's sake lets be honest with the situation.Although I remain
sceptical about your comments, I respect your position for supporting the
APRC. There are so many people like your type working as Civil Servants who
would like to give a deaf ear to the political situation in the Gambia. I
only hope you live long to see the effects of supporting a ruthless regime
like APRC.
Best wishes
Sanusi”
Sanusi, expect nothing less and thank you.
Saul, wrote:
“Mr. Jobe,
I commend you for coming out plainly to state your case for supporting the
APRC. This is simply the best case that anyone has advanced for the APRC
here, as far as I know. I wish you were doing so under your real name -but
that's your choice.”
Saul, thanks and wish I could too.
You wrote:
”On the facts you've stated, I don't have any major problems there. The
record of the PPP in terms of overall national development is indeed
shameful, and you're spot on about what obtained in the various sectors
you've browsed through.
I do have some suggestions, and questions though:
”1. Please -if you can- provide some concrete stats that we can verify if
needs be (pre-1994 v. now.)”
I am trying sort out the references that I have and I will post them as soon
as possible. If you are however in a hurry, reference for the construction
projects especially the schools and clinics, are available from Gamworks
agency (the executing agency in most cases), the relevant departments of
state, www.unescostat.unesco.org/en/stats/stats0.htm, www.imf.org, and
www.un.org/Depts/unsd/health.htm.
“2. Given that Finance SOS Famara Jatta has in his last Budget Speech
admitted that poverty -despite all the developments you've cited- has been
on the increase since '94, could you please take a stab at explaining to us
why things continue on this downward spiral inspite of the APRC's
"progressive" agenda.”
I will answer this one when dealing with the economy.
”3. How does the enormous brain drain (which is tied directly to the
incessant flagrant violation of civic liberties) currently being experienced
by the Gambia factor into the overall picture? In other words, how does your
govt hope to develop the country when the smartest citizens are forced into
exile because of autocracy? If you don't get what I'm driving at, I'll put
it this way: Why is Hong Kong more advanced than mainland China? The people
are all Chinese -same genetic material. What factors spur human creativity
and inguinuity, and how does that correlate with the APRC's modus operandi?”
My answer to this question will be coming soon.
”4. Can you name me ONE nation/society in modern human history where people
have been able to truly develop themselves and their society without
freedom? Just one will do.”
China comes to mind. What do you think?
”5. You wrote: "In short my allegiance is to “The Gambia and its diverse
Peoples” and ANY PARTY THAT IS IN POWER... "(your words, my emphasis.). Do
you mean to say that you don't have any personal principles or core values
as thresholds for your support of a government? Will you jump on the band
wagon should the APRC be kicked out in the next elections by say NRP without
any compunction?”
Please re-read the full sentence. What I wrote was “In short my allegiance
is to “The Gambia and its diverse Peoples” and any party that is in power
and puts the aspirations of our peoples first, ahead of self or party will
get my support.”
”6. Because I'm out of time, I have to ask you this: Do you consider a govt
that has murdered little boys and girls, blamed them for it, ignored the
recommendations of Investigative bodies that it had setup itself, and
formally indemnifies itself against prosecution, to be one that "puts the
aspirations of our peoples first, ahead of self or party" which is worthy of
your support?”
The answer to the first part of your question is an EMPHATIC NO!The answer
to the second part of your question will become absolutely clear by the time
am finished. I promise.
Dampha, I did not have a lot of time today but rest assured I'll respond to
all your queries.
Have a good day & bye 4Now, KB Jobe.
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