Agitation, arguments and counter arguments within the APRC party over the
selection of candidate for the mayor of banjul show that all is not well
over the selection process. At the time of writing there is indication that
the APRC divisional have an appointment with the President to protest the
selection of Manu Kumba and there is a likely demonstration in the offing
against the selection process.
It is no news that Manu Kumba has had his eye on the seat from the time of
Samba faal but since the latter has always been more popular with the APRC
Divisional and the Banjulians themselves he (Manu)had to wait in the wings
all this time.
Word has it that the catholic(gurrmet) connection which is very strong in
the APRC/government ranks have been working strategically to place
christians in positions of power in todays government and despite the fact
that they form the minority of the population the same cannot be said of the
positions of power they occupy ie SOS Works, SOS Fisheries and Environment,
SOS Justice, SOS Education, Secretary General, P.S. Presidents
office,Accountant General, NAM Banjul South, NAM Banjul Central to name a
few.Word further has it that the gurrmet connection, just like the jola
connection make sure that their numbers will continue to increase and not
decrease, which is why you hardly hear of christian or a jola fired for that
matter. It is a subtle but effectively campaign which you will hardly notice
unless you look close enough.
Different ways were looked for to place Manu and various posts were offered
but he declined all and insisted that he wanted the mayorial, he found
support in Waffa Ogoo and Joseph Joof. The main obstacle was of course Samba
Faal and what to do with him in the face of his popularity with Banjulians.
The cabinet reshuffle presented the perfect opportunity and Samba Faal was
"promoted" to an SOS. This effectively got him out of the way despite
protests from the Divisional. What the connection was not prepared for was
the emergence of Mass Axi Gye as an aspirant. Axi did not present himself as
a candidate but was popularly selected by the people. The top ranks were
suddenly divided as to what to do. Waffa Ogoo and Joof wanted Manu Kumba
whilst Yankuba and Aji Fat Sallah were in support of Axi. The connection
were able to win over Yankuba and he switched over allegience.This was
apparently done in Dakar when they went for the independence state visit.
Yankuba was not part of the delegation and only went to the airport to see
off the President, but was called in afer the plane doors were closed and
opened again and he was asked to join them. The events that followed
explained why he had to go with them to Dakar. Yankuba from Dakar switched
over and declared his allegience to the gurrmet connection. Axi was later
called upon by a commitee comprising Joof, Waffa Ogoo, Singhatey,FJC etc, to
withdraw to which he instead suggested that they should request his
withdrawal from the Divisional who proposed him in the first place.Manu
Kumba was eventually selected, the connection had finally won.
As at now the Divisional are staging a peaceful protest outside the state
house grounds to register their dissapointment in the way the selection
process was done. They have also sought audience with Jammeh for them to
heed the voice of the masses. We will see how all this unfolds but it would
seem that the gurrmets already have the upper hand.
Sams
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