Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.008/2007, 19-21 January, 2007
Editorial
ADVICE TO THE PRESIDENT ON THE DANGERS OF BEING A TRADITIONAL HEALER
The reports issued over GRTS that the President shall begin treatment of
Asthma and HIV/AIDS patients came as a surprise to many people.
The task of giving cure goes hand in hand with responsibility for
professional misconduct.
Under the constitution the president is immune to prosecution. Section 69
subsection (1) states that “Except as provided in subsection (2), no civil or
criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against any person while
holding or performing the functions of office of President in respect of
anything done or omitted to be done by him or her whether in an official or
private capacity.”
The exception deals with taking the President to court for a declaration as
to whether the action of the President is constitutional or not.
It is therefore necessary for the president to recognise his unique status
as a head of state who is immune to any action for any problem caused by the
treatment he puts into effect.
At the moment, medical science holds that the opportunistic infections
associated with HIV/AIDS can be treated but that the illness is incurable.
Hence the eyes of the whole world will be turned on the Gambia for any
claims to be able to cure HIV/AIDS. Any failure could lead to ridiculing and
international outcry. Those around the President should not hesitate to speak
their minds before the actions are undertaken.
Halifa Exposes D500M Unauthorised Expenditure
By Modou Nyang
About D500 million (Five hundred million Dalasi) of unauthorised payments
have been made by the APRC government, revealed Halifa Sallah.
Making the claim before a huge crowd of supporters at a political rally in
Bundung, Halifa indicated that he uncovered the allocation for payments of
millions of unauthorized government expenditure during the recently ended budget
session at the National Assembly. He said that when he asked the Secretary of
State for Finance, Musa Gibril Bala Gaye, for explanation, the SoS for
Finance said such type of payments are too many, revealing that the total sum
involved is about D500 million. “The amount involved is about D500 million and
every year we allocate some amount for payment,” said SoS Gaye, revealed
Halifa. He added that the SOS further told the Assembly that the sums have been
incurred through the purchase of various materials such as vehicles by different
people and that the recipients of the Gambian millions have not been
specified in the budget estimates.
Touching on the functions of a National Assembly Member contrary to what his
opponents are campaigning against him, the NADD candidate for the Serekunda
Central Constituency seat said that it is because of the diligence in the
performance of his duties as a NAM that he was able to dig into such
unauthorisations. “They say Halifa Sallah only scrutinises but brings in no development”
he remarked. If you cannot scrutinize don’t go to the Assembly, because you
have to scrutinise or else remain mute as some have been doing in the house
for the past ten years” Halifa added.
On the reason why they are struggling to avoid him coming back to the
Assembly, he said, is to enable the cover-ups of such type of scams. “If ministers
campaign for a candidate, do you think such a person will dare to ask that
minister such type of questions?” Halifa asked the gathering. He explained that
the functions of a NAM are to check on the executive, give approval when
they are right and censor them when they go wrong; that it is left to people to
decide who is to represent them; that for him representation is not a career.”
If you decide that I should rest, I will gladly go into something else” he
stated. Concluding, Halifa warned: “If you allow The Gambia to be a one party
state, the country will be isolated.”
APRC ISSUES PRESS RELEASE
INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES REACT
By Modou Jonga
The Independent Candidates for Foni Bintang Constituency, Mr. Ebrima Sollo
Jammeh and Abdou Colley of Kombo South Constituency, have reacted to a recent
press release issued by the APRC leadership.
Reacting to his expulsion, Abdou Colley, described his expulsion from the
ruling APRC Party as irrelevant and a political gimmick that is calculated to
derail his chances of victory.
Mr. Colley made this remark on Thursday in an interview with this reporter
at Kartong Village. The press release, said to have emanated from the APRC,
which was recently relayed over GRTS, warned the two Independent Candidates and
their supporters to desist from using APRC Party symbols and materials.
The Kombo South Independent Candidate, who brands himself as the choice of
the people of Kombo South Constituency, has strongly denied using symbols
linked to the ruling party.
On his plan for his constituency, Mr. Colley said he would provide a Skills
Training Centre and empower youth and women groups in partnership with
Non-Governmental Organizations and philanthropic bodies.
Mr. Colley advised the electorate of Kombo South to be law abiding and
desist from violent politicking. Mr. Colley expressed optimism that he would win
come 25th January. The Independent Candidate stated his resolve to critically
scrutinize bills and agreements brought before the National Assembly so that
they would serve the best interest of the people of his constituency and the
Gambian people in general.
According to Mr. Colley, being a critical voice in the Assembly should not
be perceived as anti-government, rather it should be seen as a duty owed to
the electorate.
On his reaction, the Foni Bintang Constituency Independent Candidate Mr.
Ebrima Sollo Jammeh, expressed similar sentiments. “My expulsion from the APRC
is expected” he remarked. On whether his recent expulsion could affect his
chance of winning, Mr. Jammeh replied that his expulsion would rather maximise
his chances of victory in the January 25th polls.
He further stated that his candidacy on an independent platform is motivated
by the will of the people of his constituency. Mr. Jammeh made this remark
on Thursday in an interview with this reporter at his native village of
Bulanjorr.
According to Mr. Jammeh, he has issued a press release by fax yesterday to
G.R.T.S to counter the statements contained in the said APRC press release.
Asked whether G.R.T.S has broadcast his press release, Mr. Jammeh opined that
he is yet to hear it.
Mr. Jammeh is the only candidate contesting against the APRC in Foni. He has
urged the electorate to maintain peace and order throughout the campaign.
AT THE TREASON TRIAL DETECTIVE DENIES CLAIMS OF ELECTRIC SHOCKS
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Lamin Cham, a Police Detective, who appeared before the court martial on
Thursday, has denied that the fourth accused person had been electrolocuted at
the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Cham’s denial came in the wake of a
vigorous cross examination by Lawyer Lamin Mboge.
Cham said that the fourth accused person, 2nd Lieutenant Pharing Sanyang was
not forced to write a statement. Cham also denied that 2nd Lt. Sanyang was
subjected to electrolocution while he was handcuffed before his statement was
obtained. When it was put to him by the defence that Sanyang was punched with
lighted cigarette butts by military officers while being taken to the NIA,
the Police detectives said he is not aware of that. Cham also denied that 2nd
Lt. Sanyang had blood stains, adding that he did not notice any cut on his
hands caused by a bayonet. He refuted the claim that the fourth accused person
had broken teeth and added that he did not see blood oozing from his head.
Cham told the court that he could not remember all the accused persons who
appeared in a video cassette recovered from Modou Sanyang of GRTS. On a micro
cassette tendered in court, he said he knew the content, but could not tell
the content of a bigger cassette shown to him. Asked about an Arabic text
found in Omar Faal Keita’s house, Cham said there are twelve names in the text
and among them are Manlafie Corr, Famara Jammeh and Sainey Mendy who he said are
not part of the accused persons. Asked to read the writings in Arabic, he
read only one line. He said he could not read anything else and denied that he
was told the names in the text by somebody else. He also said he had no
mistakes in his interpretation of the first line in the text.
Cham, earlier on, told the court that the fourth accused person was brought
before the investigation panel during the day and not at the middle of the
night as the defence put it to him. He said that it happened in the presence of
Babou Loum, an independent witness, who was called from Barra by Sergeant
Ndure. He added that 2nd Lt. Sanyang was in uniform when he was brought before
them and that he filled in his name in the cautionary statement.
In a cross-examination, earlier on, with the prosecutor, Mr. Cham said
himself, Abdoulie Sowe and Boto Keita recovered a video tape from Modou Sanyang at
the GRTS who formally handed it to the Director of the NIA. He said a paper
written in Arabic was discovered at Omar Faal Keita’s house and another paper
meant to be read after the success of the plot was found in Captain Bunja
Darboe’s office by Sowe and Keita. He said a micro cassette and a tape recorder
were also recovered from the present Chief of Defence Staff Col. Lang
Tombong Tamba. Cham read in court part of the Arabic text and names in it. The
names are Bunja Darboe, Famara Jammeh, Yaya Darboe, Abdoukarim Jah, Sainey Mendy,
Pharing Sanyang, Momodou Alieu Bah and Wassa Camara. He said the rest of the
text could either be read by the author or an expert. The police detective
said that Omar Faal Keita who is facing a treason trial at the High Court was
approached by Alieu Jobe (also facing the same charges) to work for them on
the success of the foiled coup.
According to him, Keita is a marabout residing in Kerr Serign. Another text
he said listed the number of charities Keita assigned them to give out.
He concluded his evidence in chief by saying that after all their
investigations; they compiled a report and filed a case at the Attorney General
Chambers for legal proceedings.
Hearing continuous today, Friday, at the General Court Martial, at the
Yundum Military Barracks.
CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF TESTIFIES
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Colonel Lang Tombong Tamba, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed
Forces, was cross-examined on Wednesday at the High Court on the treason
trial involving Tamsir Jasseh, Alieu Jobe, Omar Keita and Demba Dem.
Colonel Tamba told the court that he wrote a statement on the 22nd of March.
Asked by the defence whether what he gave in his evidence in chief was based
on what he was told, Tamba said it was based on what he knew. He also denied
that it is not what Corporal Mbye told him. He Said he was not present when
Mbye met the ex-CDS, Colonel Ndure Cham, and was not there when Mbye recorded
their conversation. CDS Tamba also said it was not in his presence when
Corporal Mbye and Captain Bunja Darboe met.
DETECTIVE CHAM’S TESTIMONY
Also appearing before Justice Anin Yeboah, Lamin Cham, a police detective,
said he knows both accused persons in court. He testified that on the 21st of
March, he was called by the authorities to report to work and upon arrival;
he was told to join his colleagues at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
He said he was to be part of a panel investigating the March 21st foiled
coup, adding that they were thirteen panelists from the Army, police and
intelligence agency.
According to him, Tamsir Jasseh appeared before them on March 25th and
explained his involvement in the coup plot. Cham said he then took a statement
from Jasseh, but before taking the cautionary statement, he cautioned him that
he is not obliged to say anything but whatever he say may he used as evidence
against him in court. He said Jasseh understood it, signed it and agreed to
make a statement. Cham said that an independent witness was present who signed
it and he (Cham) also countersigned as the officer. Boto Keita and Abdoulie
Sowe, both police detectives were also present when Jasseh was writing his
statement, according to Cham.
He told the court that an additional statement was also obtained from Jasseh
which was witnessed by an independent witness and his detective colleagues.
On March 28th, he said, one Omar Faal Keita appeared before the panel and
was asked to explain his role in the plot. Cham added that Keita accepted to
give a statement, after which he cautioned him that he is not forced to say
anything, but any statement made may be used against him in court He said Babou
Loum who was taken again as an independent witness signed the statement and
the accused also signed it. After obtaining a statement from Keita, the Police
detective said he read it to him about twice or thrice and the accused thumb
printed it and the witness and himself signed it. On the 2nd of April, Cham
added that he took two additional statements from Keita, again signed by both
of them and the independent witness. Testifying further, Cham said National
Assembly Member, Demba Dem, also appeared before the panel on the 30th of
March and explained all what he knew about the foiled coup. Cham added that Dem
agreed to give a statement, but preferred speaking in English whilst the
detective wrote it down. He told the Court that he cautioned him as he did with
all the accused persons before him, that the statement he was to take would be
on his own free will and could be used against him as evidence.
He said that Babou Loum was present, and all three of them signed it.
The police detective narrated that on April 19th, he obtained three
voluntary statements from Tamsir Jasseh, three voluntary statements from Demba Dem
and three voluntary statements from Omar Faal Keita which were witnessed by the
same Babou Loum.
Quizzed by the prosecutor, Emmanuel Fagbenle on how many languages he can
speak, Cham said: “I speak and write English, I can speak Mandinka and Wollof.
I also read Arabic and The Qur’an.”
Hearing continues next Wednesday, 24th January at the High Court before
Justice Anin – Yeboah.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
We now open a column in which we will publish the profiles and views of all
the candidates in a constituency, so long as they are willing to talk.
APRC CANDIDATE FOR BANJUL SOUTH SPEAKS OUT
By Annia Gaye
Alhagie Babucarr Nyang, alias Leety, the APRC candidate for Banjul South in
an interview with this reporter has said that Banjul South, being the cradle
of politics in The Gambia, needs a good political representative, which he
feels he is the most suitable.
He said that he would create conditions where by the people of Banjul South
would be given opportunities to benefit from projects that The Gambia
Government has in place for the people. Mr. Nyang further promised that he will work
with the municipality of Banjul and bring projects approved by the National
Assembly Members for his people to benefit; that he will be involve the
private sector so that skill centres and other institutions that are useful to the
development of the people of Banjul South will be put in place.
He explained that the role of the National Assembly, involves the approval
of projects to benefit their people, ratify agreements between The Gambia and
other countries, legislate laws and approve loans given to The Gambia
Government by international institutions e.g., World Bank, IMF and other
institutions.
Papa Leety has this as his slogan “Purr Yumbal Leegay-E Borom Reewmi,”
Meaning to make the work of the “Owner of the country” easy.
UDP CANDIDATE CALLS FOR MASSIVE VOTES
By Annia Gaye
The United Democratic Party candidate for Banjul South, Mr. Aziz “Pa Boy”
Frazer, called on his supporters to vote for him massively in this National
Assembly Election slated for 25th January. Mr. Frazer was speaking with Foroyaa
at his home in Banjul. He said, Banjul South should vote for the youth so
that their problems could be solved. Pa Boy Frazer said that he wants to
deliver for the youths of Banjul South and the community by enhancing a cleaner
environment, better sanitation facilities, better neonatal health care and also
the acquisition of skills to enable them have job opportunities.
He promised that if elected to the National Assembly, he will use the
opportunity to solicit and coordinate support from donors outside.
He said that by being active in politics for almost a decade now he has
gained enough experience which has given him the courage to contest the seat.
Mr. Frazer explained that the role of the National Assembly Member is to
enact laws and to work with government hand-in-hand for a better nation. “I won’
t accept any bill that would not help my people,” he said.
He urged his supporters to “choose the person who can best deliver by being
a messenger who will convey their wishes such as job opportunities to the
house of parliament.” He called on his supporters to be calm and to abide by the
laws on the election in order to create a free and fair election.
APRC KOMBO NORTH RALLY
By Modou Jonga
The APRC candidate for Kombo North, Mr. Adama Cham, has urged the electorate
in his constituency to distance themselves from the politics of violence and
tribalism. The peace and stability, he said, should be safeguarded before,
during and after elections.
The APRC candidate, made this statements on Wednesday 17th January at
Banjulinding Village. On his plans, Mr. Cham stated that he will not make promises
but said he would complement the efforts of the president in ensuring
progress and development at his constituency. Mr. Cham has expressed optimism that
he would emerge victorious in the forthcoming National Assembly Election come
January 25th.
The APRC candidate called on the electorate to come out in their large
numbers and vote for him massively in a peaceful and an orderly manner.
APRC KOMBO SOUTH MEETING
By Modou Jonga
As the battle for the hearts and minds gain momentum in the run up to the
forthcoming National Assembly Elections, the APRC candidate for Kombo South
constituency, Mr. Paul L. Mendy, has dwelt on the need for peace and unity among
Gambians.
The APRC Kombo South candidate made this statement on Thursday in an
interview with this reporter at Sanyang village. Anything that derails the progress
and development of the country should be avoided.” He expressed his resolve
to complement the efforts of the APRC Government in developing his
constituency. Mr. Mendy urged the electorate in all the contested constituencies,
particularly those in Kombo South, to desist from violent forms of politics, and to
unite regardless of party affiliation.
According to Mr. Mendy his desire to serve the people of Kombo South has
motivated him to seek the mandate of his people for the third time. The APRC
candidate further expressed hope that he will win come 25th January.
UDP HOLD RALLY IN KOMBO CENTRAL
By Modou Jonga
As official campaign kicked off on Wednesday 10th January, the United
Democratic Party held a mass Rally at the Brikama Sanneh Kunda grounds.
In his speech, Mr. Ousman G.A Kebbeh, the UDP candidate for Kombo Central
constituency urged the electorate of Kombo Central to vote for him in the
forthcoming Parliamentary election as he is resolved to usher in meaningful
development in their constituency. Mr. Kebbeh further expressed optimism that he
will sweep the polls in the forthcoming National Assembly election. On his
plans Mr. Kebbeh said he would collaborate with development partners to bring
about development in Kombo Central if he is elected come January 25th.
The political rally which was attended by supporters of the UDP within
Brikama and its surroundings witnessed people claiming to have shifted their
allegiance of support to the UDP. Also speaking at the rally was the UDP Chairman
in Kombo Central, Bolong I Sanneh. Mr. Sanneh urged the electorate to vote
massively for Kebbeh in the forthcoming January 25th Parliamentary polls.
UDP RALLY IN SERREKUNDA WEST
By Amie Sanneh
Less than a week before the National Assembly Elections, The United
Democratic Party (UDP) on Wednesday evening held a meeting at Bakoteh Housing Estate.
Addressing supporters, Modou Sillah, a member of the party, said Sulayman
Joof has not done anything for Bakoteh for the past years. “If you vote for
Sulayman Joof for 10 years without development, the law has given you the right
to vote for someone else,” he remarked. He noted that they are tired of a
parliamentarian who does not discuss issues affecting the lives of his
constituents at the National Assembly, Mr. Sillah said that Baboucarr K Nyang will
have “sympathy” for the people of Serrekunda West and will contribute immensely
at the National Assembly. He expressed confidence that if Nyang goes to the
National Assembly, their problems will minimize. “The only voice one has is
one’s vote,” he said. Mr. Sillah urged them to vote for UDP.
Amie Sabally a Yai Compin urged the people to vote for Baboucarr stating
that if he fails to deliver, they can vote him out. Baboucarr Nyang promised the
people that he will serve them at the National Assembly and will raise issues
affecting their lives.
He commended those who nominated him and hoped that they will vote for him
come January 25th, 2007.
Meanwhile as the campaign heats up, the NADD candidate Halifa Sallah has
coined a counter political gimmick – “Al kuning deh!”(Be Awake!) “Al nya
yelleh deh!”(Open your eyes and don’t be fooled!) to that of the other opposing
candidates, “Alsamadeh.”
Addressing rallies in Bundung and London Corner on Sunday and Monday, and
Tallinding on Wednesday, Halifa Sallah said “a human being should strive to be
aware, otherwise, he/she will grope in the dark just as the frog helplessly
remained deep down in the well. He continued: “the frog was born in the well
during the rainy season amidst plenty of food; the frog was jumping up and
down feeding on its prey. The bird, that mastered the earth flew to the mouth of
the well and saw the frog jumping up and down merrily. And the bird called
on the frog, “come out let me show you the wonders of the earth.” The frog
looked up and said to the bird “Esamadeeh! Go away I do not need you.” The
bird responded, “Al kuning deh! Al nya yelleh deh!” It then flew away. The rains
ended and the well dried. The frog no longer had food to eat and looked up
to the sky in search of the bird, but it was no where to be found. The frog
starved to death, because of it’s refusal to adhere to wise counseling and
advice.”
JUDGMENT ON LAI CONTEH’S CASE DEFERRED
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The court of Appeal has adjourned the judgment on the criminal appeal
involving Abdoulie Conteh and the state. The judgment which was, expected last
Wednesday has been set for the 24th of January, as it is yet to be finalized. The
ex-Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) was dragged to the Court of
Appeal following his acquittal by Justice Haddy Roche on changes of economic
crime, fraud and resisting arrest. Following his acquittal by the High Court,
similar charges were preferred against him and the matter was assigned to
Justice Monageng. However, the case before Justice Monageng was later
discontinued and a criminal appeal was then filed at the court of Appeal.
A panel of three judges headed by Justice Agim is presiding over the matter.
Both the defence and the prosecution were present in court on Wednesday.
“Alkuningdeh” Takes On“Alsamadeh”
As the campaign heats up in the Serrekunda Central Constituency, the NADD
candidate Halifa Sallah, has coined a counter political gimmick – “Alkuningdeh!
” “Alnyayellehdeh!” to that of the other opposing candidates, “Alsamadeh.”
Addressing rallies in Bundung and London Corner on Sunday and Monday, and
Tallinding on Wednesday, Halifa Sallah said “a human being should strive to be
aware, otherwise, he/she will grope in the dark just as the frog helplessly
remained deep down in the well. He continued: “the frog was born in the well
during the rainy season amidst plenty of food; the frog was jumping up and
down feeding on its prey. The bird, that mastered the earth flew to the mouth of
the well and saw the frog jumping up and down merrily. And the bird called
on the frog, “come out let me show you the wonders of the earth.” The frog
looked up and said to the bird “Esamadeeh! Go away I do not need you.” The
bird responded, “Alkuningdeh! Alnyayellehdeh!” It then flew away. The rains
ended and the well dried. The frog no longer had food to eat and looked up to
the sky in search of the bird, but it was no where to be found. The frog starved
to death, because of it’s refusal to adhere to wise counseling and advice.”
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