To many Gambians, within and without the country, the purchase of the Daily
Observer newspaper by local business tycoon, Amadou Samba, was a rapturous
spasm of self-righteousness and a visible sense of belonging. But to others,
conversant with the dirty tactics of politics, the move was nothing but a
calculated attempt at muzzling one of West Africa's most vibrant independent
papers.
Whatever a line of thinking one takes, the truth would surely remain that
the relationship between the AFPRC/APRC and the independent press has not
been very smooth. Albeit the infancy of most of the local newspapers and the
logistical problems they mostly live with, their sense of maturity,
responsibility and independence, is a trait that has endeared them to the
whims of many prominent Gambians in the diaspora.
In the recent past the struggle by the APRC to harbour power and influence
over the nation on one hand, and the Daily Observer's ambition executing its
noble task of digging and developing news worthy of public consumption, has
invidiously created a relationship that is not as romantic as Dodi and
Diana.
Since Jammeh came to power, he had in most occasion lambasted and lampooned
the Daily Observer, calling their reporters liars, unpatriots and at one
time exhorted people to boycott buying the paper. But more was yet to come
as journalists came under fire, some deported, others detained, while a
large number continue to receive Hitler-style threats. Obviously all these
unfortunate and painful happenings that cascaded on the paper aggravated an
already down cast ambience. But here we must salute Baba Galleh Jallow (now
resigned)DA Jawo (recently sacked), Sheriff Bojang (now acting
Editor-in-Chief) and ofcourse Cherno Baba Jallow and Ebrima Ceesay(now
exiled), for their sense of decorum, stoicism and maturity. these are people
whose patriotism cannot be questioned. They laboured every inch of their
lives to instil and propel a model of statemanship and razor sharp vision,
which helped in averting a potentially volatile moment during the days of
the military junta.
Now theDaily Observer, a long time vanguard oof truth and objectivity is
bought by a Gambian tycoon who is apparently a close associate of Jammeh.
Above all he is a business man scouting for government contracts. Naturally,
no matter what the paper's reporters do, Amadou Samba will not tolerate
front page headlines critical of Jammeh. Recognising this, what he first did
aws to sack DA Jawo, one of the most principled Gambian journalists. Next
Baba Galleh resigned leaving Sheriff alone qwith a skeletal staff. The
strongest editorial board is now paralysed. And Cherno Baba Jallow, in an
email sent to me prophesised that the "Observer is on its way to the
slammer. Might as well be the end of history - of Observer's credibility and
dependability as an independent and iconoclastic paper in the vanguard of
good governance and social change in the Gambia."
However sour the relationship of the Government and the Daily Observer is,
the elevation of the Gambia to higher heights is a responsibility for all
irrespective of tribal, religious or political affiliation. We cannot,
should not and must not allow an invaluable independent paper of Daily
Observer calibre be flushed into the thrashbin of insignificance. The wind
of change blowing across Africa bears some speck of lessions that history is
always ready to share: "Heed the voices of desperation; for they must be
heard".If not, His HIGHNESS MR HISTORY is patiently waiting!
On a more personal note, I must express my sincere thanks and appreciation
to Momodou Camara (Djembe sub-editor) for facilitating my enlisting of
Gambia-l. He is a brother and a friend who has shown me love and care,
values that are eternal entrenched clauses in Gambia's diverse cultural mug.
Indeed for Gambians all over the world to have a readily accessible
electronic "Bantaba" to discuss common issues, largely signify that we are
one ,and cemented shall we be till the atrophy of Bob's emancipation lyrics.
In the meantime, let us remain a united people, always sharing and caring.
I'm deeply impressed by Gambia-l for the past couple of days, but only that
we all uphold the values of objectivity and respect, so that "Gambia mother
Gambia, ever be our pride, in pain and joy all must bear, peace and love on
we ride, state and press all on sight, freedom and justice is our kite, for
duties of state cannot be a fright".
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