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From:
panderry mbai <[log in to unmask]>
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Date:
Wed, 11 Jan 2006 15:18:19 +0000
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     EDITORIAL
   
   
  Killing journalist Dedya Hydara, was not enough for them. The Presidency in Banjul, this time around issued a  decree, banning the popular column, called "GOOD MORNING, MR.PRESIDENT." The management of the Point Newspaper, had complied to terminate the said column, which was operated by my late mentor and boss Deyda Hydara. State authorities claimed that the popular column borders on national security and therefore argued that they don't  see the relevance  of maintaining such a column, since according to state house sources" the President said  the author was gone for good."  We gathered that it was dictator Jammeh, who ordered for the suspension of Deyda's column. Jammeh, according to our informants is  disturbed by the revival of the said column and could not hide his opposition to it.
   
  Here we come again, Mr.President.  Deyda's column is here to stay, come what may. Go ahead and do whatever, you wanted to do, but we will not allow Deyda's legacy to die, because of your  own selfish interest. Your recent decree to terminate the said column, speak volumes of your hatrate towards  Deyda and press freedom in general. Your action had confirmed that Deyda,  was your main problem and you  were capable of killing him. If you should denied Gambian readers and the outside world to browse into the said famous column, what is going to stop you from taking his life? Let us address the issues. Jammeh, had blood stained on his hands. This is the reality. Jammeh, should be probed, with regards to Deyda's murder. As far as we are concerned, his hands are not the least clean. 
   
  As a  former close colleague of Deyda, I'm pleased to announce that,  The ALLGAMBIAN online Newspaper, will be publishing Deyda Hydara's column "GOOD MORNING, MR.PRESIDENT", on a weekly basis.  We want to inform Jammeh, that he can censor  the Point and not The ALLGAMBIAN. Let him try it and see.....  You will fail miserably and woefully. Our colleague, friend and brother journalist Lamin Jatta, of New York  City had been given the mandate to run the said column. Jatta, is a prolific writer and a poet. Welcome, Mr.Jatta to The ALLGAMBIAN, family. Lamin, used to work with me at the Daily Observer and was the anchor man of the famous column called "TOP CLASS."  The said column was meant to  expose students activities and Lamin succeeded in not only meeting the expectations of his readers, but his employers as well. 
   
  Having said this, We want to inform Jammeh, that the days of censorship are over. There are committed people on the ground and outside the country, who will do whatever it takes to preserve the hard earned legacy of Deyda Hydara. We must add that issues reported on this new column, will be inline with Deyda's thoughts for just and democratic Gambia. We will never, and I repeat never,  never, deviate from the principles of the former columnist, Deyda Hydara, who was all the time taking issues with dictator Jammeh, especially on matters, relating to national interest and the rule of law. We shall seek to expose atrocities committed by this government and any attempt on their side to trample on the God given rights and freedoms of Gambians.
   
  We are pretty sure that Jammeh, is being hunted by Deyda's demise and will continue to be hunted. Gambians should not be surprised, if  Jammeh,  will not issue another decree, asking "Koto" Pap Saine and folks at the Point, to remove the advertorial entitled "WHO KILLED, DEYDA HYDARA." from the paper. Jammeh, is kind of mad and will execute whatever comes to his mind. Deyda's blood will cost Jammeh, and  his government dearly. We know what we are talking about and just watch in days to come.
   
   The arguments advanced by the state to justify the termination of the said column is just ridiculous and outrageous. What national security are they talking about? Reminding Jammeh, about his atrocities and the need to respect the rights of Gambians? Come on Daba Marenah.....Tell Jammeh, that he is indicting himself by ordering for the suspension of the said column. The arguments doesn't make sense at all. It rather exposes Jammeh's evil schemes against the media.  
   
  Our colleagues at the Point, had decided not to make noise over the closure of the column. Even though their readers, deserved the right to know why the sudden suspension  of  Deyda's column, they went ahead to take it out from the news stance without explanation. We understand the situation our colleagues are faced with and we cannot blame them. We do know that,  no journalist is safe in The Gambia, and as such people should appreciate the good work of The Gambian media. 
   
  Despite Jammeh's  order to suspend Deyda's column, the Point refused to give up in their quest to be a leading and authoritative Newspaper, in The Gambia. This week, they announced to come out daily, which is a positive development, as far as media evolution is concerned in our country. The Point, will now be competing with the pro government Newspaper, Daily Observer, on the news stance. Many observers, believed that this move will affect the Daily Observer, which is running out of audience these days. "Many readers believe in the Point and their move to come out daily, will no doubt, affect the sales of the Observer. This is the reality."said a local observer.
   
  Perhaps, with the garbage editorials, published by failed and disgraced intellectual Saja Taal, others will buy the paper due to curiosity. Laugh... On a more serious note, we want Jammeh to know that this column will be published every Monday and will be shocked by Jatta's revelations. This is no bluff.....We have a lot of issues to take with Jammeh and god willing he will be taken to the cleaners.
   
  The ALLGAMBIAN, is growing day, by  the day and the hour. In few days  to come, we will publish another new column,  which will be authored by one of our readers and critic. The critic demanded to be heard and we will not deny him the right to be heard.  Free expression is a  right and not a  privilege. As far as his column is geared for the common good, we have no problem with it.  We will name the said critic, when the time arises, but just watch out for this  column. The ALLGAMBIAN, is not here to serve  the interest of any political party, but the interest of The Gambian public. We shall refused to be used for any misinformation campaign and will continue to report the truth. We are not in the business of  undermining people,  and therefore people giving us news tips should get their facts right, before approaching us. 
   
  We do not care  to be called names, for refusing to publish faked and unsubstantiated information. We want facts and not fiction. We are unlike Jammeh, who is using the state media to promote lies and deception. We shall never allow such a thing to happen here at The  ALLGAMBIAN. Count on us, if you want credible, objective, up to date and authoritative Gambian news and beyond. We have the know how and professionals to meet your expectations. 
   
  Finally, we want to assure the Point Newspaper, that we are in solidarity with them in this trying times of our nation's history. Deyda, is gone, but his legacy is here to stay. Jammeh, will no doubt in my mind be held responsible for the crimes he committed against Gambians, sooner or later. Let keep the faith. From now on, readers of Deyda's "GOOD MORNING, MR.PRESIDENT.", can accessed it here at The ALLGAMBIAN.  Together, we can succeed in chasing and apprehending these killers in The Gambia. Down with Jammeh and his murderous government. Good morning, Mr.President. Look out for our Monday, special issue. You will be shocked!!!!!
   
  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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