Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 47/2004, 14-16 June, 2004
Editorial
Imam Abdoulie Jobe’s Message To The Living
A Torch Of Tolerance, Reason And Modesty Has Ceased To Shine
People who came to pay their condolence did not go to a high storey building
to pay their last respect.
Imam Jobe was in a position to amass wealth but he did not. He was among the
first to go to the Arab world. He was literate in English and Arabic. He was
a very bright scholar. He took part in intellectual discussions very freely.
People who witnessed his discussions some fifteen years ago could hardly
take him for a religious scholar. He could discuss mundane issues as he did
spiritual issues. He was invited to every workshop where the opinions of
elders were sought. He continued to respond without hesitation until illness
made it impossible for him to move about freely. Imam Jobe could have the
oil wealth of the Arab world at the most advantageous period to be a multi
millionaire. He could have mystified himself as a writer and religious
scholar in order to receive money from followers. Imam Jobe only struggled
to have what was necessary to have self-respect and continued to live a
simple and good life.
Even though he became physically infirm he was mentally alert up to the day
that he was carried to his grave. Halifa Sallah had more than an hour’s
discussion with him when he could hardly utter audible words. One could read
in his shining eyes that he was concerned about the future of this country.
He emphasized that the nations leaders should have a national conference to
discuss peace and reconciliation. This was in line with his character. He
was a man of peace and tolerance. He worked for peace and tolerance to
prevail between Muslims and Christians. This is why he left a Mosque
standing opposite a Catholic Church not as a sign of rivalry but as a sign
of tolerance of religious diversity. We hope the lessons he has given on
religious tolerance will filter down to all levels of Gambian society so
that as a result of respect and tolerance of diversity peace can be built
and preserved. Foroyaa pays tribute to this great sy! mbol of modesty,
reason and tolerance.
Rest in peace!!
Halifa’s Letter to the Director GRTS
The media is a tool. How it is utilized will either enhance our fundamental
rights and freedom of expression or subject them to abuse. Very recently,
the media has been under great pressure in the name of combating
unprofessional conduct. The media however is a horse that robber barons or
the just may ride. Those who have the capacity to display maturity and
decency are those who are fit to utilize the media.
The purpose of addressing this letter to you is to caution you on the use of
the public media.
Section 208 of the Constitution states that
“All state owned newspapers, journals, radio and television shall afford
fair opportunities and facilities for the presentation of divergent views
and dissenting opinion”.
Section 207 subsection (3) adds that
“The press and other information media shall, at all times, be free to
uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution, and
the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of The
Gambia.”
You would agree with me that the quickest way to drive a government into a
state of disrepute is to convey messages that are at variance with the
truth. The media must ensure that it is not a collaborator in distorting
the truth.
For your information we have reliably learnt that the President had said
somewhere in Wuli that Sidia and my humble self did not take oath at the
National Assembly before taking our seats. This is utter fabrication.
Needless to say, if it is broadcast you must grant us the right to reply,
failing which I will be left with no option but to take GRTS to court to get
redress.
If the President had sought legal advice he would have been informed of
Standing Order No. 3 of the Procedures of the National Assembly, which
states categorically that
“No member of the Assembly shall sit or vote therein, save for the purpose
of electing a Speaker, until he or she has taken and subscribed the oath of
allegiance.”
All members of the National Assembly have taken oath: The President is in
error to state the contrary.
It is therefore hoped that you will not hesitate to grant us airtime to
state our opinion on his statements once they are broadcast over Radio and
TV.
While anticipating your maximum cooperation
I remain yours in the service of the nation.
Halifa Sallah.
AS NOMINATION DRAWS NEAR ANOTHER WAVE OF ARRESTS IN JARRA WEST CONSTITUENCY
As the date for the nomination of candidates for the Jarra West constituency
by elections draws near and the fact that the ruling APRC cannot convince
credible Jarrankas to apply on an APRC ticket, the people in the hometown of
the former majority leader Baba K. Jobe are facing Police arrest. Saturday
afternoon five men were arrested by the Police in Soma.
According to Seedy Jobe one of the arrestees, they were picked up by the
Police from their homes and taken to Soma Police Station were Mr. Kawsu
Fofana and Afang Buramanding Fofana were already detained unknowingly to
them. Upon arrival they were told to be the people behind the unpopularity
of the APRC and in this regard they were causing hardship for the party to
run in this coming by election. He said they are also accused of
discouraging those who had the intension of coming as a candidate. Mr. Kawsu
Fofana is accused of insulting the Minister and his delegation who were
going around many times from village to village. Also they are said to
accuse Kawsu of insulting the President.
The five arrested are Mr. Kawsu Fofana, Alpha Jarah Jobe, Seedy Jobe,
Nfamara Lang Jobe and Afang Buramanding Fofana. Kawsu is the only person who
is put behind bars. All the other four were asked to go home and later
report by 6:00 am the same day.
When I contacted the Police and asked for the offence or crime that this
people were charge of, they referred me to their P.R.O who could not be
reached for comments.
Kawsu Fofana who is a nephew of Baba Jobe is an out spoken person within
this community and he has never hide his support for the coalition comes
this by election.
Many other youths from other parts of Jarra West told me that even with this
arrest they will never cast their votes for the APRC. The wife and other
family members of the arrestees were seen around the Police Station in Soma.
Up to the time of reporting, Kawsu Fofana was still in Police custody in
Soma. And the others were also back to the station but they were told to sit
and wait.
According to unconfirmed reports those arrested are said to have threatened
to beat former commissioner Momodou Soma Jobe for speaking at the meeting in
Soma. Mr. Jobe spoke at the President’s dialogue with the people tour in
Soma where he was quoted to have said: “before one respects the Jammeh
government, you wait until you are appointed to a post and later dismissed”.
He said if president Jammeh dismisses anyone from his government that person
becomes useless in society. Those arrested were said to have confronted
Momodou Soma Jobe for his statement.
Many doubt if Soma Jobe could continue to live amicably with his families
and relatives after causing them to be locked in Police cells.
Floods Begin In KMC Again
The normal floods that had been occurring in compounds and streets along the
Westfield – Mandinaba road, for the past three years started again,
following the first major rain of the 2004 season on the 10th June.
Immediately after the rains this reporter went out and was able to see
people in compounds and streets laying blocks and old tyres as steps.
When Foroyaa spoke to them as to what forms of remedy they thought was best
to address the situation, the inhabitants first and foremost, accused the
directorate of technical services of abdicating their responsibility to the
society. They added that it has been three years since the start of the
Westfield – Mandinaba highway project; that year after year they have been
lamenting on the need for the creation of a better drainage system on the
west side of the road leading to the Westfield and Abuko end; that year
after year the Technical Services Department will promise to address the
situation. Foroyaa tried to talk to the Director of Technical Services but
he could not be reached.
NO PROVINCIAL BUS SERVICE FOR A WEEK NOW
Passengers travelling by GPTC buses are seriously stranded in town due to
lack of provincial services. The problem arose in the wake of the
President’s Dialogue With The People Tour, where most of the buses have been
deployed.
GPTC who claimed to have, and can provide enough bus service to every corner
of this country are today without bus services for the provinces. Passengers
who complained to this reporter said that the reason for their travelling by
GPTC buses is because of the bad condition of the road and the safety of the
journey. They indicated that it is very unsafe to travel by ‘Gele-Gele’ van
to Basse on such roads in bad condition.
Other passengers spoke about the surprise move; that such a move should have
been announced over the national media so that passengers will not waste
their time to come all the way to the depot only to be told that there is no
service for the provinces.
One Momodou Jallow, a businessman living in Brikama said since he was told
there is no bus on Monday he decided to go through Barra to Kuntaur and
cross to Barajally, then proceed to Brikama Ba. He said that this journey
cost him a lot of money; that despite this, he is on his second trip and he
will use the same route with many of his colleagues this time.
At the depot, our reporter met a young man from Janjangbureh. He indicated
that since 1988 he has been a regular traveller on GPTC buses until he was
officially recognised by the management; that he was recommended to have a
bus pass which he uses when travelling by GPTC buses and changes it every 3
months; that from 1992 to 1996 there were more than 15 services operating in
the provinces different from those in the Greater Banjul Area. He lamented
of the present poor services. That there is only one bus service operating
from different ends of the country.
The director was contacted for comment but it was indicated to the reporter
that he was on tour with the president. His assistant was also not available
for comment. According to the Financial Director GPTC Mr. Demba Ndow who
spoke on behalf of the Managing Director Mr. Jagne, said lack of buses for
the provinces is not the fault of GPTC, but the bad condition of the road;
that many passengers run away from Gele-Gele vans and join GPTC buses; that
presently many buses went for contract and others are deployed for
interstate services whilst some are running in the urban areas. Concerning
the provincial services, Mr. Ndow said he couldn’t tell because there are
people responsible for that area. He also highlighted that many buses are
under maintenance and they will soon be ready.
Mai Fatty Strikes Compromise With DPP
The treason trial involving Abdoulie Sonko and the state resumed at the
Banjul High Court before Justice M.A Paul with senior members of the Bar
(namely Surahata Janneh, Antouman Gaye, Musa Bittaye and Ousainou Darboe)
coming forward to defend Mai Fatty.
However, the legal row over Mai Fatty’s eligibility to continue to appear
for Abdoulie Sonko went into coma when the Director of Public Prosecution
(DPP), Akimoyae Agim told the court that he was not objecting to Mai’s
standing on the matter. The senior members of the Bar who were ready for a
legal debate were left speechless and they had to walk out of the court room
with some of them smiling.
“Our position remain the same as we have informed the court at the last
sitting. I would like to say that the appearance of learned counsel for the
defence, not minding my information, is his right. The situation as it is,
is optional for counsel to decide what to do. He has chosen to continue with
his case. He has not been convicted of any crime. I have no objection,” DPP
Agim remarked.
Mai Fatty stood up to say that he was ready to proceed with his submissions
in the light of his learned friends’ position.
For his part, Justice Paul posited that it was done in the interest of the
profession, noting that it was not anticipated that it would be blown out of
proportion.
Continuing his submissions on the judgment on the criminal code involving
Ballow Kanteh and others sought to be tendered by the DPP, Mr. Fatty averred
that Abdoulie Sonko is a stranger to the records sought to be tendered by
the prosecution, whilst noting that judgment against strangers is irrelevant
in a criminal proceeding. He said his client was not a party to that
judgment and therefore he could not be bound by it, stressing that judgment
is opinion evidence. Going further, the learned counsel noted that the
judgment against Ballow Kanteh is hearsay in the light of the current
proceedings. Continuing his submissions, counsel Fatty stated that the
honourable court is concerned with what happened in that court, noting the
records are extraneous before the issues in court. He said the material
sought to be tendered by the prosecution is conclusive whilst in the present
p! roceedings no determination has been made.
Buttressing his point, Fatty made reference to Justice Hassan Jallow’s book
on the law of evidence. He cited the penultimate paragraph of page 101. He
submitted that hearsay is not admitted at all, noting that the authorities
he cited has proven that hearsay is not admissible.
“Assuming without conceiving those persons are not before this court for
trial. It cannot be tendered for any purpose other than to show that accused
person should follow a similar faith,” he remarked.
He said the tendering of the documents is aimed at poisoning the mind of the
court, which he said should not be entertained at all. He argued that it is
prejudicial to admit such records as evidence in court. The case continues.
Issue No. 47/2004, 14-16 June, 2004
Editorial
Imam Abdoulie Jobe’s Message To The Living
A Torch Of Tolerance, Reason And Modesty Has Ceased To Shine
People who came to pay their condolence did not go to a high storey building
to pay their last respect.
Imam Jobe was in a position to amass wealth but he did not. He was among the
first to go to the Arab world. He was literate in English and Arabic. He was
a very bright scholar. He took part in intellectual discussions very freely.
People who witnessed his discussions some fifteen years ago could hardly
take him for a religious scholar. He could discuss mundane issues as he did
spiritual issues. He was invited to every workshop where the opinions of
elders were sought. He continued to respond without hesitation until illness
made it impossible for him to move about freely. Imam Jobe could have the
oil wealth of the Arab world at the most advantageous period to be a multi
millionaire. He could have mystified himself as a writer and religious
scholar in order to receive money from followers. Imam Jobe only struggled
to have what was necessary to have self-respect and continued to live a
simple and good life.
Even though he became physically infirm he was mentally alert up to the day
that he was carried to his grave. Halifa Sallah had more than an hour’s
discussion with him when he could hardly utter audible words. One could read
in his shining eyes that he was concerned about the future of this country.
He emphasized that the nations leaders should have a national conference to
discuss peace and reconciliation. This was in line with his character. He
was a man of peace and tolerance. He worked for peace and tolerance to
prevail between Muslims and Christians. This is why he left a Mosque
standing opposite a Catholic Church not as a sign of rivalry but as a sign
of tolerance of religious diversity. We hope the lessons he has given on
religious tolerance will filter down to all levels of Gambian society so
that as a result of respect and tolerance of diversity peace can be built
and preserved. Foroyaa pays tribute to this great sy! mbol of modesty,
reason and tolerance.
Rest in peace!!
Halifa’s Letter to the Director GRTS
The media is a tool. How it is utilized will either enhance our fundamental
rights and freedom of expression or subject them to abuse. Very recently,
the media has been under great pressure in the name of combating
unprofessional conduct. The media however is a horse that robber barons or
the just may ride. Those who have the capacity to display maturity and
decency are those who are fit to utilize the media.
The purpose of addressing this letter to you is to caution you on the use of
the public media.
Section 208 of the Constitution states that
“All state owned newspapers, journals, radio and television shall afford
fair opportunities and facilities for the presentation of divergent views
and dissenting opinion”.
Section 207 subsection (3) adds that
“The press and other information media shall, at all times, be free to
uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution, and
the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of The
Gambia.”
You would agree with me that the quickest way to drive a government into a
state of disrepute is to convey messages that are at variance with the
truth. The media must ensure that it is not a collaborator in distorting
the truth.
For your information we have reliably learnt that the President had said
somewhere in Wuli that Sidia and my humble self did not take oath at the
National Assembly before taking our seats. This is utter fabrication.
Needless to say, if it is broadcast you must grant us the right to reply,
failing which I will be left with no option but to take GRTS to court to get
redress.
If the President had sought legal advice he would have been informed of
Standing Order No. 3 of the Procedures of the National Assembly, which
states categorically that
“No member of the Assembly shall sit or vote therein, save for the purpose
of electing a Speaker, until he or she has taken and subscribed the oath of
allegiance.”
All members of the National Assembly have taken oath: The President is in
error to state the contrary.
It is therefore hoped that you will not hesitate to grant us airtime to
state our opinion on his statements once they are broadcast over Radio and
TV.
While anticipating your maximum cooperation
I remain yours in the service of the nation.
Halifa Sallah.
AS NOMINATION DRAWS NEAR ANOTHER WAVE OF ARRESTS IN JARRA WEST CONSTITUENCY
As the date for the nomination of candidates for the Jarra West constituency
by elections draws near and the fact that the ruling APRC cannot convince
credible Jarrankas to apply on an APRC ticket, the people in the hometown of
the former majority leader Baba K. Jobe are facing Police arrest. Saturday
afternoon five men were arrested by the Police in Soma.
According to Seedy Jobe one of the arrestees, they were picked up by the
Police from their homes and taken to Soma Police Station were Mr. Kawsu
Fofana and Afang Buramanding Fofana were already detained unknowingly to
them. Upon arrival they were told to be the people behind the unpopularity
of the APRC and in this regard they were causing hardship for the party to
run in this coming by election. He said they are also accused of
discouraging those who had the intension of coming as a candidate. Mr. Kawsu
Fofana is accused of insulting the Minister and his delegation who were
going around many times from village to village. Also they are said to
accuse Kawsu of insulting the President.
The five arrested are Mr. Kawsu Fofana, Alpha Jarah Jobe, Seedy Jobe,
Nfamara Lang Jobe and Afang Buramanding Fofana. Kawsu is the only person who
is put behind bars. All the other four were asked to go home and later
report by 6:00 am the same day.
When I contacted the Police and asked for the offence or crime that this
people were charge of, they referred me to their P.R.O who could not be
reached for comments.
Kawsu Fofana who is a nephew of Baba Jobe is an out spoken person within
this community and he has never hide his support for the coalition comes
this by election.
Many other youths from other parts of Jarra West told me that even with this
arrest they will never cast their votes for the APRC. The wife and other
family members of the arrestees were seen around the Police Station in Soma.
Up to the time of reporting, Kawsu Fofana was still in Police custody in
Soma. And the others were also back to the station but they were told to sit
and wait.
According to unconfirmed reports those arrested are said to have threatened
to beat former commissioner Momodou Soma Jobe for speaking at the meeting in
Soma. Mr. Jobe spoke at the President’s dialogue with the people tour in
Soma where he was quoted to have said: “before one respects the Jammeh
government, you wait until you are appointed to a post and later dismissed”.
He said if president Jammeh dismisses anyone from his government that person
becomes useless in society. Those arrested were said to have confronted
Momodou Soma Jobe for his statement.
Many doubt if Soma Jobe could continue to live amicably with his families
and relatives after causing them to be locked in Police cells.
Floods Begin In KMC Again
The normal floods that had been occurring in compounds and streets along the
Westfield – Mandinaba road, for the past three years started again,
following the first major rain of the 2004 season on the 10th June.
Immediately after the rains this reporter went out and was able to see
people in compounds and streets laying blocks and old tyres as steps.
When Foroyaa spoke to them as to what forms of remedy they thought was best
to address the situation, the inhabitants first and foremost, accused the
directorate of technical services of abdicating their responsibility to the
society. They added that it has been three years since the start of the
Westfield – Mandinaba highway project; that year after year they have been
lamenting on the need for the creation of a better drainage system on the
west side of the road leading to the Westfield and Abuko end; that year
after year the Technical Services Department will promise to address the
situation. Foroyaa tried to talk to the Director of Technical Services but
he could not be reached.
NO PROVINCIAL BUS SERVICE FOR A WEEK NOW
Passengers travelling by GPTC buses are seriously stranded in town due to
lack of provincial services. The problem arose in the wake of the
President’s Dialogue With The People Tour, where most of the buses have been
deployed.
GPTC who claimed to have, and can provide enough bus service to every corner
of this country are today without bus services for the provinces. Passengers
who complained to this reporter said that the reason for their travelling by
GPTC buses is because of the bad condition of the road and the safety of the
journey. They indicated that it is very unsafe to travel by ‘Gele-Gele’ van
to Basse on such roads in bad condition.
Other passengers spoke about the surprise move; that such a move should have
been announced over the national media so that passengers will not waste
their time to come all the way to the depot only to be told that there is no
service for the provinces.
One Momodou Jallow, a businessman living in Brikama said since he was told
there is no bus on Monday he decided to go through Barra to Kuntaur and
cross to Barajally, then proceed to Brikama Ba. He said that this journey
cost him a lot of money; that despite this, he is on his second trip and he
will use the same route with many of his colleagues this time.
At the depot, our reporter met a young man from Janjangbureh. He indicated
that since 1988 he has been a regular traveller on GPTC buses until he was
officially recognised by the management; that he was recommended to have a
bus pass which he uses when travelling by GPTC buses and changes it every 3
months; that from 1992 to 1996 there were more than 15 services operating in
the provinces different from those in the Greater Banjul Area. He lamented
of the present poor services. That there is only one bus service operating
from different ends of the country.
The director was contacted for comment but it was indicated to the reporter
that he was on tour with the president. His assistant was also not available
for comment. According to the Financial Director GPTC Mr. Demba Ndow who
spoke on behalf of the Managing Director Mr. Jagne, said lack of buses for
the provinces is not the fault of GPTC, but the bad condition of the road;
that many passengers run away from Gele-Gele vans and join GPTC buses; that
presently many buses went for contract and others are deployed for
interstate services whilst some are running in the urban areas. Concerning
the provincial services, Mr. Ndow said he couldn’t tell because there are
people responsible for that area. He also highlighted that many buses are
under maintenance and they will soon be ready.
Mai Fatty Strikes Compromise With DPP
The treason trial involving Abdoulie Sonko and the state resumed at the
Banjul High Court before Justice M.A Paul with senior members of the Bar
(namely Surahata Janneh, Antouman Gaye, Musa Bittaye and Ousainou Darboe)
coming forward to defend Mai Fatty.
However, the legal row over Mai Fatty’s eligibility to continue to appear
for Abdoulie Sonko went into coma when the Director of Public Prosecution
(DPP), Akimoyae Agim told the court that he was not objecting to Mai’s
standing on the matter. The senior members of the Bar who were ready for a
legal debate were left speechless and they had to walk out of the court room
with some of them smiling.
“Our position remain the same as we have informed the court at the last
sitting. I would like to say that the appearance of learned counsel for the
defence, not minding my information, is his right. The situation as it is,
is optional for counsel to decide what to do. He has chosen to continue with
his case. He has not been convicted of any crime. I have no objection,” DPP
Agim remarked.
Mai Fatty stood up to say that he was ready to proceed with his submissions
in the light of his learned friends’ position.
For his part, Justice Paul posited that it was done in the interest of the
profession, noting that it was not anticipated that it would be blown out of
proportion.
Continuing his submissions on the judgment on the criminal code involving
Ballow Kanteh and others sought to be tendered by the DPP, Mr. Fatty averred
that Abdoulie Sonko is a stranger to the records sought to be tendered by
the prosecution, whilst noting that judgment against strangers is irrelevant
in a criminal proceeding. He said his client was not a party to that
judgment and therefore he could not be bound by it, stressing that judgment
is opinion evidence. Going further, the learned counsel noted that the
judgment against Ballow Kanteh is hearsay in the light of the current
proceedings. Continuing his submissions, counsel Fatty stated that the
honourable court is concerned with what happened in that court, noting the
records are extraneous before the issues in court. He said the material
sought to be tendered by the prosecution is conclusive whilst in the present
p! roceedings no determination has been made.
Buttressing his point, Fatty made reference to Justice Hassan Jallow’s book
on the law of evidence. He cited the penultimate paragraph of page 101. He
submitted that hearsay is not admitted at all, noting that the authorities
he cited has proven that hearsay is not admissible.
“Assuming without conceiving those persons are not before this court for
trial. It cannot be tendered for any purpose other than to show that accused
person should follow a similar faith,” he remarked.
He said the tendering of the documents is aimed at poisoning the mind of the
court, which he said should not be entertained at all. He argued that it is
prejudicial to admit such records as evidence in court. The case continues.
_________________________________________________________________
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