Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 118/2007, 8 – 9 October 2007
Editorial
A Nation Without A Vibrant Civil Society Who Advises the Executive?
Power which is unchecked becomes absolute. Absolute Power becomes
centralised. Such Power also becomes alienated as those around it do and say what it
wants instead of doing and saying what should be done and said. The end result
is quantitative growth of anomalies which gives rise to a stupendous
escalation in the depreciation of national integrity.
Foroyaa has been documenting the steady recurrence of impunity as people in
public offices, political figures, media practitioners, members of the
disciplined forces and common citizens at large leave their smiling children and
family members at home in the morning only to find themselves marooned in a
maximum security wing for weeks and months without trial or charge.
Radio stations have been closed down and some people have disappeared from
the public eye but not from the memories of their loved ones who continue to
lament in secret.
The repeated advice of the paper have been honoured with disregard. Those in
authority seem to take the incidents as minor, and their repeated
highlighting, as political ploy to discredit the government. Some considered the advice
to be a waste of time while others see them as embodiment of the conscience
of the nation, which should have driven the traditional and religious leaders
as well as civil society organisations to exercise influence over the
executive to bar excesses in the use of power and thus preserve good governance and
National integrity.
Unfortunately all these institutions have been emasculated, even trade
Unions are marginalised while the executive even takes pride in being referred to
as a dictatorship at its own peril.
The Gambian courts which, should be the protector of the rights of the
people and the provider of redress, are confronted with material cases without the
people who matter to give protection and redress. Sermons have been given on
pulpits and families have been asked to see the stalwarts of the party to
plead for mercy. All avenues have been tried but the doors still remain shut.
Now, desperate situations are leading to desperate actions and the government
is poised to defy the principle of collective sovereignty which embodies
membership to a sub-regional or continental organisation. Instead of refining
action to comply with sub-regional conventions and protocols, the temptation is
to attribute the problem to the design of the enemies of the government to
promote its isolation.
The responsible people in the society should tell the executive that those
who have the might to win elections and control executive power amidst
international recognition can only face international isolation because of failure
to adhere to the sub-regional, continental and international norms of
governance.
Institutions such as multiparty committees which originated from talks
between the ruling party and the opposition in the Gambia are now flourishing in
Sierra Leone and elsewhere.
There is no indication that the government is listening to anyone. The old
dictum is that one person cannot fight a dozen. The executive cannot be an
Island on to itself and still remain viable. There is need to listen to the
dictates of justice and common sense. The new Attorney General should be mandated
by the executive to have a free hand to file nolle prosequi and discharge
all journalists on trial; review files that are pending because of political
reasons such as the assault and willful damage to property case involving the
NADD candidate, Foday Sanyang, against the Chief of Sandu District; name and
the ensure the location and release of all persons who have disappeared and
review cases for pardon and amnesty and give assurance to combat impunity.
The attitude of the proverbial Ostrich with head buried in sand will just
not do. The world is changing rapidly and those who cannot cope will be left
behind
Amnesty International Personnel and Another Arrested
On Saturday 6 October, just before 6 pm, two personnel of Amnesty
International were arrested in Basse together with their contact Yaya Dampha who works
for Foroyaa newspaper. They had just returned from Sare Ngai where they saw
Ousman (Rambo) Jatta.
The two Amnesty International personnel are Tania Bernath of
British/American citizenship and Bashir Ayodele Ameen, a Nigerian. Tania Bernath is the
Acting Director, African Affairs while Bashir Ayodele Ameen is the campaigner for
Amnesty’s African Programme for Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia. They were
arrested on suspicion of spying, though at the time of going to press no
formal charge had been levied against them.
The arrest was effected by the National Intelligence Agency who took them to
the Governor’s residence where they were interrogated.
Shortly after that they were transferred to Basse Police Station where they
spent the night. On Sunday they were taken to Banjul Police station. They
were refused bail. The driver of the vehicle they hired was allowed to leave
upon arrival in Banjul.
Tania and Ameen who arrived in Gambia last Tuesday conducted a two day
workshop on human rights on Thursday and Friday.
Interview with Halifa Sallah
On his engagements abroad; his books; the dalasi; the sale of public
enterprises; the ECOWAS Court on Ebrima Manneh and other burning issues
Foroyaa: You left the Gambia since the 21st o September and were in Benin
up to the 27TH .What for?
Halifa: I received the following invitation from the COUNCIL FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH IN AFRICA and had to present two papers
mainly to throw more light on the crucial question they raised for discussion,
partly to restore my link with academia and partly to enhance the integrity of
the People’s Centre for Social Science Research, Civic Awareness and Community
Initiative.
Dear Hon. Halifa Sallah:
Greetings from CODESRIA! Kindly find attached an invitation to participate
in an Advanced Research and Policy Dialogue on the subject of “The Politics of
Succession in West Africa’s Democracies”. The proposed Dialogue is
scheduled for 24-25 September in Cotonou, Benin Republic. We would appreciate if you
can confirm your availability to attend by sending back the attached
registration form. We look forward to hearing from you.
Office of the Executive Secretary
Foroyaa: Who were the participants?
Halifa: The dialogue attracted University professors; Former Heads of
transitional governments such as Colonel Elly Ould Vall of Mauritania;
Chairpersons of National Conferences in Benin, Cote D’ Ivoire, Chairpersons of
Constitutional Commissions; Chairpersons of Electoral Commissions, which presided
over successful transitions; Jurists; Prominent academics involved in party
politics, like Professor Batchilly of Senegal; heads of Unions like OATU and
other Civil Society Segments such as Women Organisations and personnel from
the UN system and ECOWAS.
Foroyaa: Can we get a copy of your presentations for publication?
Halifa: Unfortunately, this cannot be done until CODESRIA publishes them
since they and the Open Society Initiative paid the air tickets, hotel bills and
per diems. However, I can wet the appetite of the readers by allowing you to
publish the introductions;
THE POLITICS OF SUCCESSION IN WEST AFRICA
LAW, DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE
CASE STUDY, THE GAMBIA
1. Introduction:
Statecraft in the 21st Century requires adherence to core principles and
values of political, economic, social and cultural governance which are
translated into juridical instruments to guarantee legitimacy to constituted
authority and ensure the governability of a geo-political entity. Once these core
principles and values are honoured with total disregard the legitimacy of
constituted authority is imperiled and governability risked being the casualty.
Governance in the 21st century is therefore predicated upon the
establishment of a regulatory environment as guards and fences for the exercise of
executive, legislative and judicial authority and the discharge of public services
for the common good. Such a democratic regulatory framework ensures
governance by popular consent or conversely, facilitates change by popular consent,
should the public good be subverted.
It is becoming increasingly evident that government by force yields change
by force. Suffice it to say, the ultimate aim of democratic political
succession in West Africa is to guarantee assumption and vacation of political office
by popular consent.
This paper interrogates the concept of democracy in order to put into proper
perspective what is meant by “West Africa’s Democracies.” It argues that
the nomenclature should not be taken at its face value but should be examined
to determine the nature and characteristics of the democratic governance
environment which is capable of engendering Democratic political succession on a
permanent and sustainable basis. The paper gives a brief history of political
succession in the Gambia, sheds light on the adequacy or inadequacy of the
regulatory framework for a managed transition from military rule to the
restoration of universal suffrage and constitutional rule. It states the outcome;
identifies the challenges of political succession in the country today and
projects the lessons it offers to West Africa.
Foroyaa: That is the gist of the first paper, What about the second?
Halifa: The second is as follows:
The Opposition in West African Democracies
ROLE SIGNIFICANCE AND CHALLENGES
Halifa Sallah
1. Introduction:
In conventional political parlance opposition is equated with dissent.
Dissent, however, connotes unequal power relations. Is a democracy characterised
by the tolerance of dissent or the negation of unequal power relation that
creates dissidents? Are opposition parties’ dissident groups? Should there be
unequal power relation between a party in government and parties in the
opposition? Should party and State be equated or should there be delineation
between the two? These are fundamental questions which require epistemological
inquiry in order to identify the role and significance of the opposition under
West African Democracies and map out the challenges and prospects for
repositioning them on the contemporary political landscape of the continent. This
paper interrogates the term dissident in juxtaposition to the term opposition. It
contextualises the place of a party in government and the one in the
opposition in relation to the State. It explores the fundamentals of a democratic
society in relation to political parties. It weighs practice against
fundamentals, reviews the challenges and projects the prospects for the opposition in
evolving West African Democracies.
Foroyaa: You are currently in Europe; What for?
Halifa: THE TREATISE ON FOUNDING A FEDERATION OF AFRICAN REPUBLICS is
ready. I should have launched it in the Gambia since the middle of September.
Unfortunately my printers wanted to do a good job and the delay led to a mix up
in my schedules. I had to leave to honour the invitation to Benin. I am also
invited to deliver a paper at De Montfort University in the UK in November and
I decided to come to Europe earlier to launch the book in Sweden; France,
Germany and finally the UK in October and November.
Foroyaa: What is the topic of the Conference in the UK?
Halifa: The following letter explains the details
Europe and its Established & Emerging Immigrant Communities: Assimilation,
Multiculturalism or Integration?
10th – 11th November 2007, Leicester, UK
Dear Halifa
Thank you for agreeing to speak at the forthcoming conference. So we have
the correct contact details. Please could you complete the attached booking
form and either e-mail it back, fax it back on 0116 257 7982 or send it in the
post.
The conference is being run on a very tight budget. We do however have a
small budget for contributors fees, travel and expenses. What would your fee be
for this event?
We would very much like to feature short biographies of all our
contributors.. If you would like to have a biography included in the brochure, please
e-mail it to me before 28th September 2007 of no more than 120 words. In
addition, please check your abstracts carefully for accuracy.
Full details about the conference can be found on the conference website -
www.dmu.ac.uk/euimmigrationconf.
Finally, thank you again for agreeing to speak at the conference. We look
forward to personally welcoming you to De Montfort University in November 2007.
Kind Regards
Short Course and Conference Co-ordinator
De Montfort Expertise Ltd
De Montfort University
Innovation Centre
49 Oxford Street
Foroyaa: Can you give the introduction of your paper?
Halifa: The paper deals with the following:
Clash of Civilisations or Peaceful Co existence of Peoples
Rethinking the Challenges and Opportunities of Multiculturalism
Introduction:
The 21st century is a defining moment for Humanity. On one hand, Human
beings are confronted with life and death challenges. On the other, they are
accorded greater opportunities today, than ever before, to address the major
problems facing the world, that is, poverty, impunity in state administration and
unbridled hostility among peoples of diverse linguistic, socio-economic and
cultural backgrounds. The world is often described as a global village because
of the growing ease in communication. Conversely, neighbourhoods are being
torn asunder because of poverty and growing hostilities among people of
different backgrounds.
Casting a fleeting glance at everyday happenings tend to give the
impression that, even though, human beings are mastering the science and Technology
of communication they appear to be either incapable of mastering the art and
science of their own social organisation or are unwilling to do so. History
teaches that this incapacity or unwillingness to create a more inclusive
World has resulted in two devastating world wars and multifarious civil wars
which have wrecked the very fabric of many societies, rich and poor.
This gave birth to a post second world war architecture for world peace
founded on six cardinal principles , that is, good neighbourliness; peaceful
resolution of disputes; right to self determination; sovereign equality of
peoples and states; respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and equality in
dignity and worth of all human beings irrespective of gender. These
principles, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations are further buttressed by
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights which is premised on the conception
that humanity belongs to one race; each being born free and equal in dignity
and rights and endowed with reason and conscience which should guarantee the
existence of all in the spirit of brotherhood and good neighbourliness.
However, these normative mental processes embodying reason and conscience or
the hypothetical id, to couch it in Freudian parlance, which should
presumably direct human behaviour everywhere, appears to be defied in the killing
fields of Iraq, Darfur, Palestine, Somalia, Afghanistan, Serbia, Croatia,
Apartheid South Africa, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Northern Ireland and the
streets of many countries where bombs kill neighbours with impunity and people
of different appearances and cultures are labelled and regarded with
suspicion, fear and contempt. The spirit of brotherhood and good neighbourliness
appears to be honoured with disregard. Distrust and suspicion, which is fuelling
Xenophobia, abound.
The post world war architecture for peace presupposes the universalisation
of freedom, Justice and development. It envisages the transformation of the
world into a universal home where all human beings can live in collective
liberty, dignity and prosperity. The regulatory mechanisms characterised by
statutory, institutional and normative measures, which should create the
environment and inculcate in the minds of the people that there should be no
discrimination on the basis of religion, gender, place of origin, colour and physical
appearance, are either not in existence or are disregarded because of
prejudices invoked by one form of loyalty or the other. What has gone wrong in the
creation of this universal space of freedom, justice and development? Have the
governments negated their responsibilities? Have the people created other
spaces of their own based on narrow nationalism and other ethnic, religious,
linguistic, racial and ideological peculiarities, with guards and fences to
restrict the loyalties of their members and keep others away? How have the
statutory, institutional and normative measures adopted so far impacted on the
peaceful co-existence of peoples? Where do we go from here? These questions
require epistemological intervention to be addressed. This is the precise object
of this paper.
Foroyaa: Now let us move to the Sales connected with GAMTEL and other public
corporations, the Dalasi, The ECOWAS Court, the current political
environment and the future of the country. How do you see the disposal or sale of
shares connected with GAMTEL?
To be cont’d
Eight Senegalese Nationals Charged With Felony
By Abdou Jeli Keita
The trial of eight Senegalese, all natives of the Cassamance region, will
commence today, before principle Magistrate B. Y. Camara of the Banjul
Magistrates’ Court.
The eight accused persons, Sidat Jobe, Ebrima ‘Vieux’ Colley, Nuha Jammeh,
Lamin Teww Sambou, Tamsir Badjie, Joseph Jaata, Ansumana Jarju and Abdou
Salam Jammeh will be facing trial on four counts of criminal charges namely,
conspiracy to commit felony, spying, receiving stolen properties and unlawfully
possessing Gambia national Identity Card. It could be recalled that when they
were first arraigned before the court, all the eight accused persons pleaded
not guilty to the charges on counts one, two, and three, but on count four,
all but the third accused (Nuha Jammeh) pleaded guilty. They were advised by
presiding magistrate B. Y Camara to seek the service of a legal counsel. The
accused persons said they would try and solicit for a counsel.
David Colley Denies Stealing
By Abdou Jeli Keita
David Colley, the former Director General of the Prison Services testified
before Magistrate B.Y Camara on Thursday 4 October. He said he did not steal
D27, 000.00 and a generator valued at D35, 000, property of the Prisons
Department. He added that Mr. Edrissa Camara, the sixth prosecution witness did not
at anytime give him D27, 000 or any other monies.
He said he knew about the tractor PW6 talked about. He said it was donated
by President Jammeh to the Prisons Department for farming at their farm at
Yundum. He said while under detention at the Police Headquarters, he met Edrissa
Camara there and the tractor issue came up. He said when Commissioner Dibba
questioned PW6 Edrissa Camara, Camara alleged giving him D27, 000 and he
denied this allegation in the presence of Commissioner Dibba. He said he never
wrote any statement accepting that Edrissa Camara gave him money.
When asked by Defence Counsel Antouman Gaye if he knew why Camara might have
leveled this allegation against him, he said while he was in detention at
Mile II, Edrissa Camara was brought by the Prison authorities and detained at
Mile 2 for three to four days at the remand wing in connection with the
tractor. He said he was thereby threatened as a witness. He said Camara did not
produce any paper showing that he (Colley) received money from him. He added
that there was no iota of truth in the evidence adduced by Camara. He admitted
taking the generator from Rose Klyn (PW1) and he never returned it to her.
David Colley said he used the generator on his marriage ceremony to cool the
soft drinks. He said the generator had a breakdown on that very day and the
parts disintegrated, and he took it to his mechanic, Lamin Camara (Alias RASTA),
at Ebo Town, who he said could have repaired it if money was available. He
said he did not steal the generator; that Rose Klyn lent it to him. He said he
could not return the generator in that broken down condition.
When cross-examined by prosecutor Touray, the accused David Colley, said he
used the tractor for the purpose it was meant (i.e. farming at Yundum Farm).
Prosecutor Touray put it to him that he had no intention of returning the
said generator to Rose Klyn, but David said that was not true. He said he
intended to return the generator. The case is adjourned to 16 October.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
BLACKMAIL, JUSTICE AND SENTIMENT
By Amie Sillah
Part 11
Case In Court
The murder case was read in court. Senior Advocate Adams stood for the
Justin family and Advocate Cynthia Adams stood for Mrs. Daado Johnson. Daado plea
was Not Guilty. The audience were surprised and amused to learn that father
and daughter stood at different camps. Cynthia stood up and appealed for bail.
“Your Honour, I wish to apply for bail. My client here, Mrs. Daado Johnson
is a lovely wife being missed by her husband and extended family. She is a
first offender and a responsible woman who is an Accountant by Profession”.
Senior Adams stood up and opposed bail. “Your Honour, the crime committed by the
accused Mrs. Daado Johnson is a felony. She should be refused bail”.
Cynthia stood up again and quoted a Human Right clause in the constitution
that supported bail. She refuted her dad’s referral of Mrs. Johnson as a
criminal. “My colleague here cannot refer to my client as a criminal. It is
legally wrong. Daado Johnson is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law”.
Senior Advocate Adams was angry and confused. He hated her only daughter
opposing him in a court of law. Cynthia went on in her argument. “ My client was
provoked and in self defense she committed manslaughter”. She cited a case
brought to the same court and was situated in a similar circumstance which was
bailable.
Senior Adams refuted her daughter’s claim. He also cited a case where an
accused murderess who was from a wealthy family was denied bail. “If granted
bail the lives of innocent citizens will be in jeopardy. I prayed Daado Johnson
be held in custody. She cannot use her family wealth to obstruct justice”. He
stood down. Cynthia stood up again. “I believe in the constitution where
human rights, democracy and freedom of speech is held in high esteem”. The trial
judge weighed the two arguments then pronounced her judgment. “After
listening to the two arguments and revisiting the constitution and the circumstances
surrounding the case based on human rights and democracy, I deem it fit and
proper to grant the accused bail in the sum of D1,000,000 (one million)”.
Greg rose a thumb for Cynthia and smiled. Daado was overwhelmed. Justin Senior’s
camp were disillusioned. Senior Adams was confused and sad, but he pretended
to be cheerful. Greg paid the sum, hugged his wife and drove her home.
The Media
The Media confronted Cynthia and her response was simple. “I am trying my
best to ensure my client receive a fair trial”. “Will you win this case?” They
asked. “Well I’ll fight to win. We have all the backup evidence. We shall
see”. She left in a jiffy. Senior Advocate Adams was equally confronted. “The
accused is granted bail. Don’t be too over confident. Your daughter is smart”
. They provoked him. “I am a Senior Advocate. I never lose a case and
certainly not this one. My daughter is disrespectful. I’ll teach her the lesson of
her life. I train her. She cannot challenge me,” he barked.
At Senior Justin’s House
Senior Justin was furious. He paced up and down his sitting room sweating
all over. Senior Adams arrived. “You have failed me!” he barked at him! “
Constitution! Bail! Bullshit! Disregard the constitution! Destroy the evidence!
Get your daughter on board you cannot! You have failed!” “Senior! Don’t say
that. The accused is granted bail because the law says so”. “What law?
Nonsense! My Son’s life is more important than the law”. “Senior take is easy.
This is nothing. We have not yet enter the matter. I have never lose a case. Don’
t you worry! I can handle it,” he boasted. Senior Justin cautioned him. “Don
’t be over confident. I am worried. Your daughter is smart and brilliant. Don
’t underestimate her. What is in that tape she is quoting?” “She said
Justin Junior raped the accused and was blackmailing her. But don’t worry. I can
handle it. The contents will be refuted item by item”. “Your daughter is
smart and you have failed to see it. She can spring up with more surprises”. “
Not with me. I train her. She is my daughter. I was in the profession before
she was born. Trust me!” Senior Justin became mean. He threatened. “I have my
way of having things done”. Senior Adam warned him. “No Senior! Take it
easy. I don’t want anything to happen to my daughter. I want a clean fight to
defeat her in a court of law,” he advised. “See you in court next week”.
Senior Admas left.
At Home, Father And Daughter
The ‘hot war’ opened up. The duo are not in speaking terms. Each stuck to
his/her guts. Mama was in the middle, caught in the crossfire either side
blaming her for biasness. Cynthia now distrusts her dad to the hilt. Senior Adams
found it unbearable. He became sentimental. “I educated you to the highest
level”. Cynthia answered back. “Your dad did the same for you”. “I am paid
heavily. I cannot afford to lose. Destroy all your evidence and save our
family face,” he beggad. “You are asking me to do the possible dad! I cannot, its
too late!” Cynthia argued. “You are stubborn, obstinate and disrespectful.
I regret having you as a daughter”. “But, dad you are the one who is
stubborn by asking me for the impossible. You are selfish”. Mama sprang up. “
Cynthia! Mind how you talk to your dad. He is not your companion. He is your father
for God’s sake. This is no law court or a legislative office. I am fed up
with all the contempt and rancour. Father and daughter, I don’t get it!” Mama
made a point. Dad rose up. “Forget about the father and daughter stuff. I
have cancelled the relationship. I’ll see you in court”. He left his breakfast
untouched. Mum went after him. “Please have your breakfast before you leave!”
he ignored her and hurriedly left for court. Mum is greatly worried. She
hated the case that is toring her once happy family apart.
In Court
Cynthia came later. She apologised. She begged for pardon and pleaded with
the court’s indulgence to play the tape as evidence. Everybody present was
shocked in disbelief including Justin Senior. Senior Adams was stunned. The late
Justin toyed with the accused. He mercilessly ravished her to pieces. He
raped and reaped her throughout the night throwing obscenities at her. The tape
was pornographic. Cynthia asked it to be stopped. She then argued on the
basis of the tape. “The barbaric animal with no conscience, lured my client to
visit him, pretending to be a harmless friend. He drugged my client and have a
carnal knowledge of her. The law is explicit on rape. Fourteen years
imprisonment without any option and so is blackmail. The late Justin extorted a sum
of twenty million from my client through blackmail using the porno tape as an
effective weapon when he realized my client marry a wealthy guy. The last
straw came when he now insisted to have sex with her. When she refused, he took
out a gun and tried to shoot her. In the scuffle, my client seized the gun and
shot him in self defence. Listen to that voice in the tape! That is the
voice of a desperate woman calling for help! Calling a rapist who have no
conscience or human feeling to desist but to no avail. What will you do in her
circumstances! I rest my case”. Some of the audience shed tears. Cynthia’s
arguments convinced everyone present in court. They pitied the accused. Senior
Adams took over to destroy the defence’s points. “Viewing the tape closely you’
ll see that the accused was enjoying the act. That put her in a position of
lust and sleepiness. It was the height of her ecstasy. She was his lover and
the sex was in full consent. No drug was seen being administered to her. How
did she get into Justin’s bedroom but with an agreement to have sex? The defence
’s arguments are baseless. It cannot hold water. I prayed the court dismiss
it. I rest my case”. Justin Senior smiled at Senior Adams. He thought he had
made a breakthrough.
The Judgment
Everybody was eager to hear the verdict. The courtroom was packed to
capacity with members of the two families, friends and the general public. There was
a thirty five minutes break to allow the judge prepare her judgment. It
reads: “Weighing all the arguments from both sides, beyond all reasonable doubt,
seeing the exerted pressure and self defence, I came to the conclusion that
Mrs. Daado Johnson is not guilty of murder. I hereby freed and discharged her”
. Then she left. There was joy and happiness. The crowd gave a sign of
relief. There was disappointment and disillusions on the other side. Senior
Advocate Adams was stunned. The Justin family left quickly. Senior Adams followed
suit. The other side were over joyous. Cynthia hugged Detect Desmond. They gave
the victory salute. Greg found Cynthia and gave her a big hug, likewise mama
and Daado. Daado cried over Cynthia’s shoulders. They shed tears of joy.
Finally, Greg gave his lovely wife a big hug. “Freedom at last! I’ll
forever protect you my sunshine! I love, respect and trust you”. They went home and
prepared a big thankgiving party.
All is well that ends well.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
POST-1987 GENERAL ELECTIONS
OPPOSITION PETITIONS STRUCK OUT
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column. We will re-emphasize again
that the reason why we are doing this is to help the people to have an
insight into our political history and be able to gauge how far we are faring with
our democratic system.
According to Barbara Goodwin, the democratic justification of political
power is essentially legalistic, being based on the legal idea of a contract;
that once the people have given their consent through the voting process, that
obliges them to obey the chosen government, but it should be clear to that
government that power and the right to exercise power belongs only to the people.
According to Goodwin, Hamilton however feared that after the people have
given their verdict they might be faced with mob rule, a danger, which should
not be acknowledged if the citizenry were active and intelligent.
Let us continue from where we stopped.
By May 13th, the election petitions filed by the NCP and the GPP were the
subject of much controversy. The two parties filed petitions against some of
the results of the March 11 1987 elections. One interesting thing about the
whole thing was that whilst the two parties filed petitions against some
parliamentary election results, they have not filed any objection against the
presidential election results.
Lawyers Drammeh and Harding who stood for the PPP members in the Supreme
Court opposed the motions put forward by Mr. Ousainou Darbo and Miss Ida
Drammeh who represented the petitioners of the two opposition parties.
By May 21st 1987, the Chief Justice, E.O Ayoola gave a ruling and struck out
4 petitions on the basis that they were not signed by the petitioners. On
top of that 16 other petitions were dismissed because according to the judge,
they did not comply with the petition rules. This included the petitions filed
by both Mr. Sheriff Mustapha Dibba, leader of the NCP and Mr. Assan Musa
Camara, leader of the GPP.
To the surprise of the staunch supporters of the two parties, it was
revealed in court that the two other cases left, sent notice of withdrawal, which
were filed but adjourned to June 8th 1987. It was left with a petition filed
against the Western Foni PPP candidate Mr. B.L.K. Sanyang that was not
mentioned at the time.
How did the various forces see this decision? The ruling PPP in their book “
THE STORY OF THE PPP, 1959-1989” opined that the two opposition parties had
their petitions thrown out with costs because it was meant only to invent
doubts, as a matter of expediency, on the conduct and fairness of the elections.
According to the book on the PPP, the leaders of the NCP and the GPP could
not be restrained by either conscience or common sense; that they were aware
that they owed an explanation to the country and the world and to that end,
the accusation of rigged elections, albeit, a figment of their imagination. The
PPP felt that the whole thing was based on what they called “concocted
falsehood, “ etc. They wondered why at this late stage, the two parties had to
sink their differences and closely collaborate in what they described as this
masquerade of a campaign. They argued that the so-called cooperation not only
came too late but also was doomed to fail because it lacked principle.
The Nation, however, observed the omission of the Sabach Sanjal NCP
candidate, Modou Gaye, from the list of opposition petitioners. Here was a candidate
who they said had a serious confrontation with the PPP militants to the
extent of not only beating him and his pregnant wife but also setting fire near
his compound during this very elections.
According to reports, this omission had aroused suspicions and raised the
question as to whether there was a deal between the Sabach Sanjal NCP candidate
and the PPP candidate, Mr. Saikou Sabally who was the then minister of
Agriculture.
The Nation, which followed the petition cases very closely, reported that it
was clear to all who had been watching the actions of the opposition
parties; that the much publicized election petitions before the Supreme Court had
quietly disappeared if not fooled away from the scene completely.
Some opposition members also expressed disquiet on the attitude of their
leaders who, they say, were not taking the matter seriously. They said their
leaders should have taken positive action accordingly if they did not want the
chief justice to hear their cases but instead were just whispering. Critics
within the opposition said that apart from the ample evidence of irregularities
during the election campaigns there was a valid complaint against
administrative error in the judicial department; that the necessary documents filed were
not served by the appropriate government officer.
The Nation opined that if it was true that the officer in question was
dismissed for not serving summons, then it could be an example of neglect of duty
or an obstruction to the petitions. The oppositions’ much publicized actions
in trying to annul the results eventually came to an end.
The Nation expressed hope that perhaps the pressure of the PDOIS may relieve
the strain.
The PPP, however opined that the PDOIS had chosen to stand by its honour and
accepted that the elections were free and the results fair. But the PDOIS
swiftly came out to denounce the PPP statement, which they knew was loaded with
sugar -coated bullets. The PDOIS maintained their position that the
elections had a lot of anomalies. They mentioned the clash between Halifa Sallah and
Jawara when the latter arrived at the Serrekunda Primary School Polling
Station with a large entourage with sirens blaring just to create the atmosphere
of fear and bravado, but as they said he was attacked by the former for not
abiding by the rules and was unceremoniously rushed away quicker than he had
arrived. The PDOIS maintained that they were going to spend the rest of the
period 1987-1992 to study the electoral system and come out with a tangible
well-researched document that would not only show the anomalies but also suggest
possible solutions to create a better electoral system for the country.
By about the 25 of July, wild unbelievable rumours spread like whirlwinds
surprisingly believed by many that Sir Dawda intended to abdicate or relinquish
power. The rumors did not stop there. The rumour mongers backed their
statement by asserting that this was why the president had moved from State House
to his own private residence on Atlantic road. Others in fact went on to even
suggest names of those in the race for the “throne” as the Nation dubbed it,
such as Messrs Omar Sey, M.B. Njie, the then speaker of parliament, and
Sheriff M. Dibba, NCP leader.
Another wild rumour came up at about October 3rd 1987 that Kukoi Samba
Sanyang was on his way to The Gambia. According to the Nation, this had alerted
the police to move to search baggages in vehicles, at junctions and check
points leading to Banjul from the Kombos.
The matter of Jawara abdicating his position came up again but this time it
was said that the speaker of the House of Representatives appeared before the
members of the cabinet and among the matters to be considered was the
president’s intending resignation from the office of presidency. The rumour said
the speaker was said to have informed the cabinet of this and proceeded to
propose a name of the successor but the minister of works Alh. Momodou Cadi Cham
was said to have interrupted to say such a procedure would be
unconstitutional because the speaker was a stranger to the cabinet.
People believed these wild rumours at the time because of two things.
First,. they were getting tired of the status quo.Secondly, the official news was
no more credible because at that time, radio Gambia always engaged in
announcing the so-called cross-carpeters from the opposition who according to the
Nation may have been their own members just to create psychological confusion
instead of informing the people about the true state of affairs of the country.
See next issue as we delve into the later 1987.
Amnesty Capacitise Journalists And Human
Rights Activists
By Bubacarr k. Sowe
Journalists, human rights activists and members of non-governmental
organizations have on Friday, October 5 ended a two day workshop on how to
effectively do their work in relation to human rights issues.
This training programme organised by Amnesty International at the Boabab
Hotel at Bijilo provided participants with basic knowledge on international
human rights, criminal and humanitarian laws. It also covered jurisprudence,
refugee law and other aspects of human rights such as investigation, monitoring,
evaluation, documentation, campaign and advocacy.
Speaking to reporters after the Session Bashir Ayodele Ameen, campaigner for
Amnesty’s African Programme said they have made frantic efforts to speak to
officials of The Gambia government but there are challenges in it, but he
hope that in the future they might have consultative meeting with government on
how to improve the Gambia’s human rights situation.
He said that Amnesty International is yet to have a position on the Gambia
since they are finding out what is happening which will be analyzed after
which they will make recommendations that would help the government overcome the
situation. Asked what he would advice the Minister of Justice or the
President, he said “There are international standards and treaties and any state
party needs to abide by it and that is the only thing we will be telling the
Gambia government”.
Mr. Ameen further said human rights campaigners in The Gambia need to be
committed and use all available tools to do their work effectively.
157 Gambians Deported From Morocco
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
About one hundred and fifty seven young Gambians who were based in the
Kingdom of Morocco for months and for some for over a year using it as a
springboard to get to Spain had finally returned home after the failure to sail to
Spain through the Canary Islands.
On Friday 5 October two batches arrived at the Banjul International Airport
on board a flight from Morocco. According to returnees, the first batch
arrived at the airport at around midday and the second batch arrived later in the
evening on the same day. The first flight came with 120 while the last one
came with 37 people. Two returnees told this reporter that they were stranded
in Morocco for three months. They said they were out of money and had to
resort to begging to feed themselves. The duo lamented that their problem was
later brought to the attention of The Gambian Embassy in Morocco, which
facilitated their return home. Another returnee who was in Morocco for almost two
years trying to get to Spain said their boat was caught in the Moroccan sea last
Wednesday. He said they were 37 in number and are all Gambian nationals. He
noted that they were escorted to a town called Layung and later moved to
Dakala Town on Thursday 4 October. He said their flight came through Guinea
Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal and then The Gambia. When contacted, Immigration
Spokeswoman Superintendent Olimatou Jammeh Sonko confirmed the story and said the
total number of those they confirmed on arrival is 148. She told Foroyaa that
all the returnees are Gambians. She said they were screened by the
authorities at the airport and later released to go home. Spokeswoman Jammeh Sonko
confirmed that all the returnees were in good condition of health.
Immigration PRO Speaks
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The first ever female Public Relations Officer of The Gambia Immigration
Department, Superintendent Olimatou Jammeh Sonko said that the general public
should see themselves as partners of immigration officers as far as state
security is concerned.
Superintendent Jammeh Sonko explained that the task they shoulder is so
heavy and that they need the full cooperation of the general public. She said
they are bound to protect the integrity of the country and her people and to
make sure that whoever enters the country or is residing here is known to them.
She said that the immigration officials cannot work effectively without the
public helping them. Spokesperson Jammeh Sonko said that there are incidents
were bonafide Gambians nationals will conceal information from them concerning
aliens living in their compounds. She said that not every body that enters
the country is a good person and that their role is to identify and distinguish
such people. She also noted that her Department’s doors are open to the
public to lodge complaints about any mistreatment that might have be perpetrated
against them by an immigration officer. PRO Jammeh Sonko disclosed that they
have a Disciplinary Officer (DO) who handles such cases. She said the public
can lodge complaints of such nature to her office which she would be refer to
the Disciplinary Unit. Mrs. Jammeh Sonko also spoke on the issue of
foreigners who try to acquire Gambian documents. She said that anybody found guilty
of such offences will be prosecuted according to the Immigration act; that
when the accused person is found guilty by the court he or she may be fined
D2000 and or imprisoned and or deported to their countries of nationality. She
lamented that the two thousand dalasis fine is very small and that they are
working on ways to increase the amount.
Superintendent Olimatou Jammeh Sonko was born in Bundung on 6 February 1974.
She attended Nusrat High School up to her O’levels (between 1988 to 1993).
She later proceeded to St. Augustine’s High School for her advance level
(sixth form) from 1993 to 1995. She was enlisted with the Immigration Department
in May 1996 and was promoted to Cardet Inspector in May 1997. She rose to the
rank of Inspector in June 1998. She served as the station officer and second
in command at the Immigration branch of the Banjul International Airport from
November 2000 to 2004. She obtained a diploma in Gender and Development from
the Management Development Institute (MDI) in 2002, In October 2004, she was
promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector and moved to the passport print room
as officer incharge. Consequently in January 2006, she was promoted to
Assistance Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) and later served the African
Mission in war torn Darfur between January 2006 to 2007.
At Darfur she serves as the Women Desk Officer responsible for gender based
violence issues. In February 2007, she rose to the rank of superintendent and
eventually appointed as the Public Relations Officer of the Immigration
Department in May 2007, a position she is still occupying. She is married and a
mother of three, two girls and a boy.
2009 US Visa Lottery Opens
Consular Advises The Public
By Amie Sanneh
The United States Consular in The Gambia, Wendy A. Kennedy, has said entry
forms for the 2009 US Diversity Visa (CV) or green card lottery is now open.
She said anyone who wishes to apply could do so from now on to the 2 December
2007. The US Consular made these remarks on Friday at a Press briefing held
at the US Embassy’s conference hall.
Madam Kennedy pointed out that no fee is involved in the application
process. She said the only time a fee is required is when one receives a
notification through mail that one has won the lottery, which will be between May and
July 2008. The minimum qualification for one to succeed in this process she
noted is a High School education and two years working or training experience.
This lottery programme she said, is intended to give people around the world
travelling opportunities. She added that if one happens to win he/ she is
expected to stay permanently in the US with his or her family, which will include
a wife and children below 21 years, legally or adopted ones.
She also added that if the person wishes he or she can maintain his/her
citizenship while staying there or can even naturalize later. Madam Kennedy noted
that once one receives a notification through mail, he/she will be asked to
apply for immigrant visa and for one to qualify, he or she should be able to
take care of him/herself while staying there and also his/her extended family
back home. The US Consul revealed that 55,000 entries worldwide would be
selected.
She remarked that the US Government does not employ or hire any individual
or organisation in this programme. She warned Gambians not to apply through,
or send money to any individual or website, on the Internet for this
programme, which people are fond of doing. She added that they should not also answer
to any mail on the Internet or phone call where some people claim to be
agents or officials designated to handle such matters, as such pretensions are
false and swindling. The US consular noted that the only way one can get correct
information is on the website. www. Dvlottery.state.gov
She advised prospective applicants to apply immediately rather than wait
till the last minute.
UNESCO Donates To Gambia College
By Modou Jonga & Madiba Singhateh
The Gambia National Commission for UNESCO-NATCOM, on Wednesday 3 October,
2007 presented teaching and learning materials to the Gambia College School of
Education, worth twenty-five thousand dollars $25,000. The donated materials
were officially handed over to the Principal, Dr. Badou Senghore, at the main
hall by Mr. Yahya Al-Matarr Jobe, Programme Officer for Education and
Science at NATCOM.
In his welcoming remark, the Gambia College Principal, Dr. Senghore noted
that the donation was a result of a proposal by the Gambia College, School of
Education to the National Commission for UNESCO under its 2006-2007 Biennium
participation programme. Dr. Senghore said that the support provided by NATCOM
–UNESCO will enhance the setting up of a language laboratory for national
and indegenous languages and strengthen the capacity of the college library.
The College’s Principal commended NATCOM-UNESCO for the magnificent donation on
behalf of the staff and students and assured that the materials would be put
to good use.
On her part, Madam Isatou Ndow, Head of the School of Education, expressed
delight for the donation and hoped that such partnership between them will
continue thereby enhancing capacity for the training of teachers for our school
system. In his presentation statement, the representative of the NATCOM
Secretary General, Mr. Yahya Al-Matarr Jobe, reiterated that the donation was as a
result of a project proposal submitted by the Gambia College, Brikama,
Campus in 2006 to the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO under its 2006-2007
participation programme. Mr. Jobe said that the proposal was approved in
January 2007 and funding to the tune of $ 25,000 was provided by UNESCO through
the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO for the strengthening of the
Teacher Training Programme at The Gambia College. While noting that such donation
would improve the quality of teaching and learning activities within the
college and enhance practical skills, the NATCOM Programme Office urged for the
effective use of the donated materials. He further commended the college
principal and the Head of the School of Education for the proper and timely
implementation of the project.
The Office Manager and Deputy team leader of BESPOR (the Basic Education
Support for Poverty Reduction) Mariama Chow, said that her programme is
currently capacitising The Gambia College through its PTC extention programme in
Region five. Madam Chow noted that BESPOR is funded by the United Kingdom
Department for International Development (DFID) as a grant to the Government of The
Gambia through the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education. She
said that her organisation has over the years up-graded the Information
Technology Systems of the college and has donated teaching and learning
materials; that BESPOR has offered management training the management of The Gambia
College.
Madam Princess Touray, a lecturer at The Gambia College, delivered the vote
of thanks. The presentation ceremony was chaired by Mr. Demba Ceesay, the
Registrar of Gambia College.
Red Cross Volunteers Trained On Hygiene Education And Promotion
By Yaya Bajo
The Gambia Red Cross Society Volunteers around Kanifing Municipality,
Wednesday 3rd October converged at the KMC for a one day training workshop on
Hygiene Education and Promotion. The session was organised by the Department of
State for Health with funding from UNICEF.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Amadou Sowe, head of Health Education Unit
at DOSH, said the training of Red Cross Volunteers on Hygiene Education and
Promotion is aimed at improving their knowledge on the issue. He said the
volunteers are trained exclusively to go out in the Community of Ebo Town to
sensitise them about the imminent outbreak of diarrhoeal diseases, notably
cholera. He reminded the participants about the recent flood that hit Ebo-Town,
noting that latrines were being submerged and bedrooms inundated with flood
waters. He said such a situation encourages outbreak of diarrhoeal diseases.
Mr. Sowe spoke about the need for the affected community to be empowered
through sound health education and resources. He told the volunteers: “At the
end of this forum we expect you to be in the field at Ebo-Town to sensitise
them on their hygiene condition”. He added that the exercise is a pure
voluntary work and the life they saved may be their own lives. “If one individual is
infected with cholera, it could be a source to affect over 1000 people due to
its contagious nature, he pointed out.
For his part, Mr. Adama Jeng of Kanifing Municipality who deputized for the
Mayor expressed the council happiness for the municipality to be associated
with such a laudable initiative. “We appreciated the move and we will continue
to support your undertakings”, he reassured. He told the participants that
last year the cholera outbreak started at Ebo-Town but later spread to other
parts of the country, particularly the North Bank Region. He added that in
such a situation prevention is better than cure.
Pa Modou Faal, President of the Association of Health Journalists, spoke
about the importance of the training as it involves sensitisation on diarhoeal
diseases. “Health is everybody’s business and we at the media, our role is to
report health issues accurately and objectively,” he posited. To achieve
this, he added “We have to collaborate with the health authorities for health
information dissemination.” He called for a massive sensitization of the
exercise on the radio, TV and other print media outlets so that the message can be
received by all and sundry. At the end of the training, participants will be
deployed around Ebo-Town for a massive sensitization campaign on diarrhoeal
diseases for a period of ten days.
SoS Tourism And Culture Meets Tourism Stakeholders
By Yaya Dampha
The Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, Angela Colley, met with
tourism stakeholders starting with craft market shop owners and designers at the
Bakau Market Craft Market. The meeting was also said to be the SoS’s first
tour of the tourism industry area since she took office. She was accompanied
by Mr. Kaliba Senghore, the Director General of Gambia Tourism Authority
(GTA), the acting Permanent Secretary at Tourism and Tourism officials.
The president of the Bakau Craft Market workers, Mr. Sainey Singhateh,
commended the SoS for her visit. He said the Bakau Craft Market is not in a hotel
but in a town and that they need to be exposed to the tourists. He finally
urged his colleagues to have fixed prices for their products because certain
unreasonable differences in the prices of products can make tourists feel
cheated.
Mrs. Anchar Sarr said they are faced with several problems like electricity,
lack of security and the deplorable state of their canteens; that during the
raining season, they always find it hard to operate.
The Director of GTA on his part told them that many of their problems will
soon be tackled; that a Malaysian investor had offered to construct the Bakau
Craft Market and that a temporal market is identified for them. He emphasised
their plans to assist the Bakau and BB Hotel Craft Markets. He called on
craft designers to be innovative in their designing and not to be making the
same products every time. He said The Gambia has what he called repeated
tourists and these tourists will not buy the same kind of products each time they
come. On the security of the market, the Director said he would consult with
security providers and that some guards will be there to secure their wares. He
concluded by promising that the security issue will be addressed.
For her part, SoS Colley said she had observed an environment of cordial
relation and cooperation amongst the people in Bakau Craft Market and that is
why they were able to select two speakers to articulate all their problems and
visions. She advised them to maintain the cleanliness of the vicinity for
both themselves and the tourists. She further told them to plant flower trees in
the area to make it look beautiful. SoS Colley finally asked them to write
to her ministry and tell them what their needs are.
The meeting ended with a conducted tour of the market by the SoS and her
delegation before they left for Sunwing Craft Market where a similar meeting was
held.
Nine Youths Acquitted And Discharged
By Modou Jonga
Nine Gambian Youths who were standing trial for allegedly entering the prem
ises of the Banjul International Airport without lawful authority on 12 June
2007, were acquitted and discharged by Magistrate E. F. M’bai.
In delivering his judgment, the presiding magistrate recalled that the
accused persons are charged with criminal trespass and that the prosecution has
called four witnesses. He said the witnesses included two police officers and
two Aviation Security Personnel.
Dilating on the testimonies of the said witnesses, Magistrate M’bai noted
that all of them have testified that the accused persons were warned not to
loiter around or mingle with passengers. He stated that two prosecution
witnesses have told the court that a bag belonging to a newly arrived passenger was
stolen by the accused persons, especially the first accused. He noted that the
prosecution has not adduced enough evidence to prove that the accused
persons have committed trespass at the said premises and that the owner of the
alleged stolen bag was not called to testify.
While noting that it is without doubt that some of the accused persons were
engaged in uncertified activities at the Airport, magistrate M’bai stated
that the court is not satisfied that the prosecution has proven its case beyond
reasonable doubt.
He said the evidence of the prosecution is inconsistent with the charges
against the accused persons because the accused persons were charged with
trespass, but the evidence adduced by the prosecution suggested that there was an
allegation of theft. He said the accused persons should have been charged with
theft. He said all the accused persons have testified. Magistrate M’bai
concluded that the evidence of the prosecution is weak and incomprehensible and
had accordingly acquitted and discharged the accused persons.
He however urged the acquitted youths that his verdict should not be a
license for them to engage in similar offences. The prosecution was Corporal 413
Sanyang. The nine acquitted youths are Mustapha Touray, Bakary Gomez, Lamin
Janneh, Musa Camara, Lamin Bojang, Omar Tiyana, Ebrima Tiyana, Essa Camara and
Youba Kruabally.
Teacher Seeks Medical Assistance
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A thirty-six year old teacher, Mr. Kebba Mbye, is seeking assistance from
philanthropists to enable him undergo further medical examination of his eyes
and ear.
According to a medical report from the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital
(RVTH), Mr. Mbye’s visual problem is due to either functional visual loss,
dietary visual loss or macula degeneration. “He will need further investigations
such as fundus fluorescence angiography and electrophysiological evaluation of
the fundus such as ERG/EOG; unfortunately, these facilities are not available
in the country,” states the Medical Board report.
Mr. Mbye has established contacts with the Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Infirmary in the United States since December 2006, nine months after the medical
report was prepared, but he is still unable to meet the medical charges. A
letter sent to Mr. Mbye from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary states that
the estimated physician and hospital charges for an evaluation amounted to
4,000 US dollars. The letter further states, “This estimate does not include
additional consultations, procedures, or surgical intervention. Please note
this is an estimate only and not the actual charges since each case may vary
according to your clinical needs”.
However, Mbye is partly lucky to get a medical loan of 60,000 dalasis from
the Department of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, but this amount is
not enough to pay the high medical costs required to carry out the medical
examination in the United States
The young and dynamic Mr. Mbye has worked as a teachers’ since 1992 after
graduating from The Gambia College with a Primary Teacher Certificate (PTC). He
developed the unfortunate illness while pursueing a Bachelors of Education
degree at the University of The Gambia. Through painstaking and hard studies,
he managed to pass all his courses but Information Technology due to
inability to look at powered computer screens. Any good Samaritan who wants to
support this good cause of Mr. Mbye, can call him on (220) 7901772 or 9943659.
In Nfamara Bojang’s Trial
Certified Case File Tendered
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving the state and the UDP Bakau candidate in the last
National Assembly Election, Nfamara Bojang, proceeded on Tuesday, 2 October with
the tendering of exhibits and cross examination of the second prosecution
witness, Haddy Joof, Registrar at the Brikama Magistrate Court.
When the case was called before Magistrate E. F. M’bai, the police
prosecutor, sub-Inspector Saine, stood up and applied to tender the typed case file
certified by the previous presiding Magistrate Jawo. The said case file was
admitted by the court as exhibits without objection by the defence counsel
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe. The case file is said to contain records of the amount of
alleged forged Gambian currencies found in the possession of the accused
person.
During cross examination, the court registrar noted that Exhibits A1 and A2
were not handed over to her and that there was no written application by the
state for the return of the said exhibits. She told the court that the
exhibits were requested from her by the prosecution and she was not issued with a
receipt to that effect. The court Registrar noted that, she had recorded the
return of the said exhibits to the prosecution and that the latter had signed
for them.
When asked by Lawyer Darboe as to when she returned the said exhibits, the
witness said that she could not remember the date but that it was recorded in
the file. While being further cross examined, the court registrar said that
the said exhibits which contain fifty-four (54) notes in fifty dalasi (D50)
denomination and thirty-five (35) notes in fifty dalasis (D50) denominations
were handed over to the prosecution. At this juncture, prosecutor Saine applied
for an adjournment and which was granted by the presiding magistrate. The
accused person who pleaded not guilty is dragged to court by the state few days
after being nominated by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to
contest in the January 25 National Assembly Election. He was arrested and detained
for a few days before being subsequently arraigned at the said court.
On count one, the accused is alleged to have committed conspiracy with one
Abubacarr Suwa at Busumbala in the Kombo North District, sometime in 2005. As
for Count two, the accused is alleged to be found in possession of forged
Gambian currency notes at the Coastal Road Junction. The first prosecution
witness was Mr. Nfansu Saho, a Senior Criminal Investigation Personnel attached to
the Yundum Police Station (II) Unit.
Edrissa Sonko Score 1st Goal for Club
By Modou Nyang
Edrissa Sonko scored his first goal in a Walsall shirt since he joined the
English League 1 side this summer. Walsall defeated Huddersfield 4-0 on
Saturday.
Sonko scored the Saddlers’ second goal to put them 2-nil up at half. The
Gambian export sent in a wild volley when Tommy Mooney set him up with a perfect
flick pass. Anthony Gerrard set the Saddlers on their first home win with a
glancing header in the 31st minute before fetched another to end the first
half in style.
And when play resumed for the second period the home side showed no sign of
satisfaction with their first half result, with teenage star Mark Bradley
scoring his first goal to make it three. And any hope for a Huddersfield
comeback in the match was dashed when Frank Sinclair was sent off, before Tommy
Mooney rounded-up the day with the fourth in the 67th minute.
The victory has propelled Walsall from the bottom rungs of the league table
to tenth. This win is their third win in a row after picking up all three
points away to Doncaster in midweek and at Hartlepool late last month.
Tijan’s Brann Reach UEFA Cup Group Stage
By Modou Nyang
SK Brann Bergen has made it to the group stage of the UEFA Cup competition
after pulling a shook away win over Club Brugge.
Brann won 2-1 to go through to the group stage on the away goal rule. Club
Brugge a fortnight ago defeated Brann 1-0 at home to Brann. But the Norwegian
league leaders took their host by surprise scoring twice in the first half.
Brann’s top scorer Thorstein Helstad opened the visitors account in the 14th
minute before strike partner Robbie Winters made double before the break.
Tijan Jaiteh who returned from injury recently, was an unused substitute.
The draw for the group stages of UEFA Cup will be held tomorrow at UEFA
headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Forty teams will be drawn into eight groups of
five, each side playing a two home and two away matches.
Brann progressed to this level of the UEFA Cup competition, Europe’s second
biggest club competition by brushing off Carmarthen Town FC and FK Suduva.
However their away win at Belgium is the club’s biggest achievement in Europe
so far. Club Brugge were two times finalist in European competition having
lost to Liverpool on both occasions. They now quietly wait to know their group
opponents.
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