Gambia: Editorial: Gambian Intellectuals Where Do You Stand? 
Editorial:  Gambian Intellectuals Where Do You Stand?
For so long Gambia’s elite population, known here in Banjul as ( intellectuals)  both at home, and abroad have been blaming the status quo for virtually almost all the social, and political ills that had taken place under Jammeh’s watch. Some cannot hide their “guilt” to a point that they have to shift the blame to the system in a bid to win public confidence.  This is the height of intellectual hypocrisy, and dishonesty to say the least.

While some of the critics have been an active “alibi”  to some of the very societal ills that we all lament as a nation, some tend to be over carried by the fray—thus clouding their honest judgment on issues pertaining to one’s  duties, and responsibilities as a citizen of a given country.  

During the early days of the July 22nd coup, that saw the  disgraceful  departure of the 30 year PPP rule, the former military rulers under the leadership of President Yahya Jammeh extended an open invitation to the country’s “honest” elites both home, and abroad to come join his regime to develop the nation. Some responded with ulterior motives, while others snubbed Jammeh’s invitation.

Mr. Jammeh emerged as Gambia’s President with barely an impressive High School Diploma. This to some extent brought him to the chopping board of  some of our pompous elites, who thought that the wrong person is presiding over the affairs of the state. They tend to underestimate Jammeh because of his lack of higher education. 

Generally speaking, many Africans are of the view that without a recognized Western degree, one cannot effectively lead a nation. In short, leaders are judged based on how many degrees they bagged, and their family background. This is a deep rooted societal belief in many parts of Africa, including The Gambia.

Intellectuals who aligned themselves to such school of thought, or philosophy often disrespect their leaders. They treat them with contempt to a point—that they don’t feel answerable to the Government that appointed them.  That’s how they often found themselves engulfed into power abuse, official corruption, and nepotism. They believe that they can perpetrate graft without the unlettered leader(s) knowing. Many a time they are caught red-handed by anti graft police.

Admitted, Africa’s underdevelopment could be largely attributable to bad governance, gross rights abuses, tyranny, and lawlessness. But in most cases, the elite population also served as an accomplice to the growing menace. The Gambia is a classical example, where the majority of the intellectual population has remained aloof all this while. Some aligned themselves with the status quo, just for the sake of financial aggrandizement, while others had given their back to their home country The Gambia, to the expense of bagging highly paid Western jobs.  Some have been forced to stay overseas due to political reasons. There are varying factors responsible for the problem of brain drain in Africa.

The main purpose of acquiring higher education is to be able to effectively contribute to a given society. One does not need to work for a government to contribute his,  or her quota in nation building. There are different ways that one could serve his country—without becoming a disservice to his or her people.  Writing educational civic materials, setting up skill training centers, radio talk host show, farming, teaching, just to name a few.

In order for Gambia’s elite population to win the trust, and respect of our people, they must humble themselves.  They must treat our people with respect, and humility. Forget about how many degrees you bagged in the Americas, England, and elsewhere around the world when relating with the poor farmer in Basse.  After all, education without discipline,  sense of national heritage, and responsibility to a given society is counterproductive. 

Our intellectuals should depart from the culture of Africa being “indebted” to them.  Africa do not owe you a dime. Instead, they owe it to our people—for without the moral support of our benevolent parents; they wouldn’t have achieved what they bragged to have attained today.   

While, we do not want to generalize  the theme of this editorial, it is imperative to note that there are decent, honest, and patriotic Gambian elites, who maintained strong ties with Africa, including The Gambia. This is evident on their active engagement on the ailing democratic process.  They speak their mind on issues without prejudice. 

Of late, we have witnessed some half-baked so called intellectuals hiding in the name of reconciling with President Jammeh to antagonize innocent folks associated with the opposition overseas.  They displayed their CVS both online, and offline like a prostitute trying to woe a potential client. These are characters destroying The Gambia today. They pretend to be supporters, or sympathizers of the status quo, but in reality they are  worst than the very people they are trying mortgage online to secure their own personal agendas.

The unsuspecting President Jammeh often fall victim of such “unquestionable” characters, who want to have it in both ways.  Some even lied about their qualifications, and past job responsibilities in the United States, England, and elsewhere overseas.  They go home with an agenda. These are the type of people Jammeh needs to watch. They can sell their own soul for money, position, and fame.

Today, what should be the pre-occupation of our so called intellectuals is about Gambia’s future, and not  how much wealth they could amass if availed with a Government job. They should be able to engage Mr. Jammeh into a mature, and thought provoking debate to shape the affairs of this country, we called The Gambia without ulterior motives.

We do not want to see a replica of what happened  in Freetown, and Liberia, where intellectuals congregate to loot their ailing coffers. Corruption breeds instability. Gambian intellectuals where do you stand? Only God knows! Greed, selfishness, and egoism is retarding the continent’s development.  One Gambia,  one  nation, one people.  Forward with The Gambia, backwards never.  It is time for our intellectuals to come out from the closet.

 

 


Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 (Archive on Monday, February 28, 2011)
Posted by PNMBAI  Contributed by PNMBAI
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