From http://www.observer.gm

Opinion
Where are the dedicated men and women?
By Bijou Peters
Jan 7, 2004, 13:57


The recent dismissals of senior civil servants of integrity and secretaries
of state and the debasing Baba Jobe saga has scandalised, baffled and
saddened most Gambians. We recall that the former PPP government was ousted
because it was accused of corruption and incompetence.

We also remember the commissions of inquiry which were promptly initiated
by the military regime, the AFPRC government, to investigate these
malpractices and bring all those officers found guilty, to justice. We also
know that the legal procedures were costly and dragged on for many months.
Many civil servants who were found guilty of corruption had their
properties confiscated.

The practice of people manning important posts they are unqualified for has
prevailed in the country for many years now and can be described as
the “round pegs in square holes,” syndrome and is detrimental to progress
generally. Unfortunately, this malpractice is prevalent in most West
African states and has resulted in the gross mismanagement of government
institutions, departments and funds.

The public naively believed that this retrogressive practice had
disappeared with the deposed PPP government. Now in the year 2003, this
syndrome appears to be raising its ugly head once more as can be seen in
the several dismissals reported in recent months. Does this indicate that
the APRC government which decried vehemently the former government of
corruption and other malpractices, are guilty of the same crimes? This is
the question being asked. If so, the public is deeply dismayed and
disillusioned by the latest developments. Who then can be saved?

Recently, two glaring examples of mismanagement and corrupt practices were
reported - the case of the Central Bank, the most important financial
institution in the country where the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
insisted that the bank’s performance be scrutinised and there has been the
removal of some senior members of staff as a sequel to this investigation
including the managing director, Mr Clark Bajo. For a long time, Mr Bajo,
it is alleged, has not been physically fit to carry out his duties at the
bank, yet he continued to hold on to the post for ages. This was a source
of concern and much rumour-mongering; insinuating a degree of mismanagement
at the Central Bank during his tenure of office - a deplorable situation.

And most recently, the Baba Jobe episode which has horrified the public
because of his sudden arrest and the revelations at the ongoing trial.
According to reports, Mr Jobe owes the Gambia Ports Authority huge sums of
money due to his failure to pay the taxation levied on customers for the
discharge of cargo from overseas. Not so long ago, Mr Jobe was a popular
Gambian political figure and [still] the Majority leader of the National
Assembly and of whom the Hon Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay, wrote passionately
relating to the travel ban imposed on him and pleading for it to be lifted.
Was FJC ignorant of all these alleged illegal practices of the Majority
leader? That is the million dollar question.

As Operation No Compromise is in progress, another bombshell was the report
of the removal from office of Yankuba Touray, the de facto spokesman of the
APRC party and government. Speculation has been rife about the reasons for
this unexpected action. In conclusion, these sordid, unpleasant and
degrading happenings are bad for the country’s image. The country is
experiencing the adverse effects of the present economic crisis which have
resulted in hardships and increased poverty, yet politicians are accused of
misappropriating much-needed government funds. Government must now search
for loyal, honest men and women of integrity who are prepared to work for
the people and not exploit them by aggravating the already pitiful poverty
status of the majority.

© Copyright 2003 by Observer Company

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