PPP Makes Political Comeback, Ex-President Endorsed As Party Leader The Independent (Banjul) August 3, 2001 Posted to the web August 3, 2001 Alhagie Mbye Banjul, the Gambia Members of the National Executive and Central Committee of the Peoples' Progressive Party (PPP), the civilian government that was overthrown in 1994 has announced it would resume political activities to reclaim power. This came after the party's extraordinary emergency meeting Thursday following the annulment of Decree 89, which had banned it and other parties of the first republic. In a press conference held at the Pipeline residence of former PPP Agriculture minister regime Omar Jallow (OJ) the PPP executive also disclosed that the extraordinary meeting resolved that former president, Sir Dawda Jawara, shall be the secretary general and leader of the party and that arrangements shall be made for his return from exile in the UK soon. Reading a statement on behalf of the party Alkali James Gaye, pointed out that consequently the meeting appointed and interim committee under the chairmanship of OJ and charged with the responsibility of taking all necessary steps to register the party and to restore it to the centre stage of Gambian politics. Mr. Gaye also disclosed that the committee is also being mandated to pursue vigorously consultations with other opposition parties with a view to arriving at a consolidated joint opposition front. He noted that the meeting also expressed appreciation to the international community notably the UN, the Commonwealth, EU, human rights and labour organisations for their relentless concern about events in The Gambia. In a similar vein, Mr. Gaye stressed that the PPP expressed gratitude to the UDP, NRP, PDOIS, as well as members of civil society at home and abroad for their condemnation of Decree 89, which efforts it said in no small measure compelled the government to repeal it. The meeting sought to win back those who were tempted to join the "junta" or the APRC. Answering questions form journalist OJ, who chaired the press briefing denounced the government for overthrowing an elected government. He added that since then, there were serious transformation of our socio-economic and political environment including the illegal and unlawful banning of the three major political parties. He said it was grossly unfair to condemn former President Jawara who led the country to independence and who immensely contributed to the general development and stability of the country. OJ stressed that since Jawara's entire properties have been seized by the current government he should be allowed back home to live a simple life as a citizen of the Gambia. He said that after the irregular, inhumane and humiliating manner to which former PPP officials were subjected during the commission of inquiry, the regime should have been honest enough to make its report and findings known to the public so that Gambians and other interested persons would know. He said it was not enough to rely on a "mere" white paper directed by only five men. OJ intimated that the current regime's assertion that in spite of Decree 89's repeal Sir Dawda will still have to face a commission of inquiry is ridicules. He argued that President Jammeh's "expensive" house in Kanilai including his farm at Dobong and his extra flamboyant lifestyle in only six years exposed the true intentions of President Jammeh. He added that the APRC is the black sheep of all other parties in the country. He believes that an illegal administration cannot be legal and described the APRC as a "militocratic" system of government. OJ said that former President Jawara's popularity is an open secret, prompting the new administration to ban him from politics He advised that adequate democratic measures be applied by the various opposition parties to vote out the APRC to restore sanity in the country. OJ condemned the harassment, intimidation and arrest of innocent citizens and noted that it was the duty of every patriotic Gambian to join hands and arrest such a "terrible" situation, which he said is alien to our social and political life. OJ also added his voice to the opposition's demand for on-the-spot counting of votes, indicating that they will not settle for anything less than a free, fair and transparent election. He noted that they have no confidence on the IEC Chairman Gabriel Robert whom he accused of being directly under the command of the regime. The press conference was attended by former PPP ministers executive members and other top officials. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------