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     EDITORIAL
   
   
   
  Today, we reported about the NADD leadership nomination, which seemingly gave PPP'S former agriculture Minister Omar Amdaou Jallow, the lead. OJ, as he is widely called was supported by three opposition parties to serve as NADD'S flag bearer. We received the said reports from credible sources and nobody can make us doubt the reliability of these well placed sources. Darboe, we learned had asked to be given time, to consult with his colleagues at the UDP. It is not yet clear, whether  the UDP leader will recognise the nomination of OJ or not. NADD is undergoing crucial moment and its leadership, should set aside the issue of  love for power. 
   
  We do not want to pass judgements now, since Darboe, is yet to make up  his mind on OJ'S nomination. We must point out that any attempt on Darboe or any member of the coalition to pull out at this hour from NADD, will cost the opposition dearly. The issue of identifying a leader should not have been a problem in the first place. We still cannot understand why NADD could not deal with this matter in one day. There is something wrong somewhere. The mere fact that Darboe, could not agree on the spot at the nomination ground, suggested that his dream of being a flag bearer had shattered. We expect Darboe and all NADD executive members to dance to the dictates of democracy. The choice of the people, should prevail at the end of the day, irrespective of one's political following and popularity. 
   
  Darboe, should team up with any political leader selected by the coalition. His request to be given time by the coalition to liaise with his party, is not only worrying but discouraging to say the least. Our political leaders should put the nation's interest at heart and do away with the issue of "MANSA" dream. Our country is at cross roads and we should not allow greed to undermine the growing demand for change.
   
   OJ'S nomination is greeted by mixed feelings. While, some people described him as a "spent force" others argued that he is one of the country's most charismatic politicians. Yes, the PPP, government to some extent were found wanting. But we must point out that this was the administration,  that brought The Gambia, on the world map. Thanks to Sir Dawda, our country, was ranked as one of most democratic countries on the continent. Under Yahya Jammeh's rule,  is the opposite. Under Jawara, people were free to speak their minds on national issues. People, were never subjected to the type of dehumanisation were facing today. People, openly criticised the old man, without having the fear of being arrested or monitored by the secret service.
   
  In order to restore the liberties and freedoms, we used to enjoy under Jawara's rule, NADD should put its house in order and stop the unnecessary bickering and power struggle. While, others doubted OJ's competence of being a main challenger to Jammeh, critics of Darboe, also argued that he should give chance to others, in view of his  two  failed Presidential bid. That he ran on two consecutive terms, without winning the Presidency. People are advancing all kinds of arguments these days to promote their candidate of choice. It is healthy to agree and disagree, but we should not lost track of the national interest, which overides individual interest.
   
  Having said this, we urge the NADD leadership to go ahead with their programs and avoid falling into Jammeh's prediction. Jammeh, will be more than happy to see NADD in disarray as reported by his paper,  the Observer, the other day. The whole world is watching at NADD. If its leadership, failed Gambians, our country is doomed politically. This will give Yahya Jammeh, the opportunity to rule our country for three decades, just like that of the  deposed PPP administration. If such a thing happens, we foresee a Gambia, where people will die in the streets because of starvation. We foresee a Gambia, where the prisons will be the homes for  the powerless and the under privileged, as it obtains today under Yahya's self perpetual rule. This will also pave way for Jammeh, to  further infringe on the rights and liberties of citizens.
   
  OJ, seems to be trusted by the three opposition parties. That they all rallied behind him. As Bob Marley said"WHO THE CAP FITS, LET HIM WEAR IT."  We are not suggesting that OJ is the right candidate, but the wishes of the people should come first. Despite the odds attributed to OJ, we can comfortably say that he is a true nationalist. Here is a man, who refused to toe to the line of Yahya's repressive regime. Earning himself as the most arrested politician, OJ, suffered torture and untold persecution under Yahya's watch. Because of his  love for the country, OJ, abandoned personal life,  just to defend the hijacked God given rights of Gambians. He is one of those politicians, who openly stood against Yahya's bully tactics.
   
  As far we are concerned the PPP is incomparable with the APRC.  They are far better than the APRC and people trying to blame them  for their past deeds should thoroughly compare the two, before making unfair judgements. As an independent Newspaper, we will not support the nomination of any candidate, for ethical reasons, but we have all rights to comment on the shortfalls of some of the candidates. We owe it to our readers to comment on the shortfalls and achievements of Darboe, OJ, Halifa, Hamat and Waa. We believe that such commentaries will help electorates to make informed decisions on their political leaders.
   
  This is not the time for Gambians to be economical  with the truth. This not the time for sycophancy. This is not the time to advocate politics of tribalism. We must address  issues without fair or favour. Since NADD said they came to rectify a corrupt and dictatorial system, it should not entertain praise singing. A good number of Gambians, prefer to speak behind the scenes and not in the open, even though they have reservations against what their leaders are doing. We must break the culture of silence, if we want to effect any meaningful change in our dear country. NADD belongs to the people and its leaders should encourage its followers to speak out. This will help NADD to make head way in their bid to effect democratic change. 
   
  Its leadership should also be opened to the Press to avoid speculations. NADD should be organising press briefings, on a weekly basis to inform Gambians about their programs. The Gambian voters, reserve the right to know what their political leaders are doing on their behalf.
   
  On a final note, we  want to reaffirm our last statement to Darboe, that it would be suicidal on his part to contemplate pulling out from NADD. NADD, is the popular demand for The Gambian people and we expect him to respect the wishes and aspirations of  Gambians. We say Ousainou "ESABARI" meaning cool down. We hope NADD will officially name  its flag bearer, Thursday, when Ousainou reports back to them. Until then. As for now, they say OJ is on the lead.  We rest our case.....
   
   
  The author is the former Secretary General of The Gambia press Union and also a former Voice of America radio Banjul Correspondent. Mr. M'Bai who now resides in the US State of North Carolina Raleigh was a leading political and crime reporter with the Point and Daily Observer newspapers respectively. He can be reached by email at the following addresses: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]   










		
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