'In reaction to crude oil controversy UDP THREATENS TO SUE JAMMEH The United Democratic Party campaign manager, Femi Peters has revealed his party's resolve to sue President Jammeh's government over the controversial crude oil affair if it fails to take necessary action on the matter. Mr. Peters told The Independent recently that the UDP would not allow the issue to be 'down played or laid to rest' by the government. He claimed that all those who were involved in the affair 'cheated the Gambian people by obtaining money the wrong way.' He said the UDP is 'seriously' keen to ensure that justice is applied in the case and would cause the APRC government to answer charges if it doesn't clarify the issue and take decisive action. He said it would not be enough for the government to make 'blank' statements intended to exempt those allegedly involved from any blame. He said the government had kept silent over the issue, expecting Gambians to forget or 'brush the issue aside'. He said Gambians are as determined now to get to the 'bottom of the truth' as before. He said that the UDP would 'tread carefully' before coming out with more revelations on the affair, 'knowing well what the consequences are for The Gambia.' He added that 'if Jammeh feels we are wrong or libelous to what we are saying, let him institute necessary action immediately and take us to court' he suggested. 'If President Jammeh will not take us to court, we shall take him to court', he vowed. The National Assembly had since debated the issue with the APRC majority there dismissing the motion on the grounds that it lacked merit. However, Mr. Peters sounding defiant urged Gambians to be steadfast behind the national interest and make a decision in the best interest of the country. Mr. Peters noted that Sam Sarr's remarks in the past about the crude oil deal are contradictory to earlier statements he made on the issue. He said there are authentic documents and an affidavit filed in court, indicating that Sam Sarr reported directly to President Jammeh during the process of the deal. Mr. Peters claimed that Sam was instructed not to involve anybody in the process leading to the conclusion of the deal. The UDP strongman asserted that Gambians cannot understand why Sam Sarr should contradict his previous statement. He also raised questions concerning Mr. Sarr's alleged possession of a Gambian diplomatic passport despite being a Senegalese national. He said if the crude oil were meant for an individual, and not for the Republic of The Gambia, 'then Sam Sarr should be in a position to inform Gambians who this individual was.' He opined that Sam Sarr's alleged attempts to exonerate President Jammeh of blame is misleadingly and could only make matters worse for those 'with skeletons in their cupboard'. He maintained that The Gambia Government was taken to court over the issue, and that its officials also spent money, paid legal fees and also received an advance payment from crude oil transactions. He also indicated that the affidavit of David Paul Ford of Glencore was convincing evidence, attesting to the APRC government's alleged involvement. Mr. Peters also stressed that Sam Sarr's reported statements had driven home the urgency to set up a commission to look into the affair. He further claimed that Mr. Sarr who reportedly said that account number J3650-7C was not President Jammeh's 'was not only trying to cover-up but was also following the President's footsteps.' Mr. Peters believed that firm and serious action should be taken if the national interest is to be safeguarded. _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------