NEWS NADD'S MISSION IS NOT ONLY TO GET RID OF PRESIDENT JAMMEH -UDP LEADER TELLS GAMBIANS IN MINNESOTA,, AS HE UNVEILS A TOTAL CLEAN UP PLAN FOR THE APRC GOV'T BY STAFF WRITER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 7, 2005 Continuing his United States tour, leader of the Opposition United Democratic Party Ousainou Darboe, told Gambians residing in Minnesota that NADD'S preoccupation is not only to get rid of Gambia's president Yahya Jammeh, but to correct a corrupt system, which toppled the 30 year Jawara rule. Addressing a crowded gathering mainly Gambians, friends of The Gambia and other pro democracy activists from various walks of life, the outspoken leading human rights lawyer, cum politician, reaffirmed NADD'S commitment in embarking on a total clean up of what he referred to as the 11 years Jammeh misrule. While admitting that a future NADD government will have a big task ahead of it, Darboe implored on Gambians to put all hands on deck to flush out the despotic Jammeh administration come the 2006 presidential elections. Together, he went on, we can effect a change come 2006. Borrowing a renowned quotation from for the late US president JF Kennedy, Mr. Darboe challenged Gambians not to be only interested about "what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". The UDP leader implored on citizens of the tiny West Africa country to take their rightful roles in Gambia's democratisation process. The new coalition NADD Mr. Darboe went on, belongs to the people and therefore urged Gambians to rally behind the new political grouping. "It is not the pet project of the politicians alone. It is everybody's project and whoever is selected by the coalition will serve for only five years ". Darboe pointed out. Mr. Darboe who spoke for an hour, exposed the misplaced economic policies of the Ruling APRC government, characterised by rampant corruption and maladministration. The UDP leader says lack of judicious management of state resources and reckless spending are the key reasons for the current economic mayhem. Darboe argues that Gambia's economy is today in "gutters" and there is no indications that it would change for the better. The UDP leader also commented about the country's appalling human rights and rule of law crisis. He accuses president Jammeh's government of politics of intimidation against impoverished citizens. Mr. Darboe says from 1994 to date, the Jammeh administration had "continually harassed and intimidated Gambians with impunity." Addressing the meeting, which was held at the Hampton hotel in St. lous park, Darboe reaffirmed his call for Gambians to remain united and liberate their country from the Jammeh "oppression and bad governance." The Minnesota forum also observed a minute silence to pay respect to Gambia's veteran journalist Deyda Hydara, former Finance minister Ousman Koro Ceesay, and 14 unarmed students murdered on April 10, 2000 by Gambia's security forces. The gathering also prayed for the victims of the "hateful Katrina Hurricane." Continuing his touching speech, Darboe went further to explain to the gathering that the '"unbreakable" NADD coalition was formed in a bid to wage a unified front against the current Jammeh dictatorship, while adding "our country need the services of people who are selfless and a security service that is completely neutral and apolitical " Also addressing the meeting was Christine Sakuna, a Minnesota resident and local coordinator for save The Gambia Democracy project. Ms. Sakuna underscored the need for Gambians to support NADD and also contribute in the ongoing efforts to restore democracy in The Gambia. "Mr. Darboe, you are welcome to Minnesota and not long ago, we were with one of your fellows Halifa Sallah." She told the UDP leader. In what was described as short and powerful speech, Ms. Sakuna explained to the gathering what "Save The Gambia Democracy project is all about and how people can be members." Ms. Sakuna also informed the meeting about a fund-raising dinner for NADD scheduled for September 24, 2005. Finally Ms. Sakuna, urged the gathering to buy the NADD T-shirts and bumper stickers, which she says will help a great deal. Mr. Soul Njie gave the vote of thanks, followed by questions, and comments raised by members of the public. A dinner was also hosted for Mr. Darboe sponsored by Cherno Bah . The program was well attended by influential figures, such as Dawda Sowe, Lang Dibba president of Gambian association in Minnesota, Cherno Bah, DJ Alkali Ali Yafa -national guard, who took the opportunity to bid farewell to the gathering, as he is deployed to Iraq. Also in attendance were many Islamic scholars, who graced the occasion. The Minnesota meeting was chaired by Yero Jallow, popularly known as Dalton. In a separate development, Save The Gambia Democracy Project in Minnesota, under the leadership of Coordinator Christine Sakuna and Cherno Bah wish to invite Gambians and staff members of ALLGAMBIAN, for a NADD fund-raising dinner on September 24, 2005. Speakers at this forum will include veteran political scientist Dr. Saine, Kebba Foon and journalist Lamin Sabally. Singles are supposed to pay a Ticket of $20.00, while couples are billed to pay $30.00. Go To Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 2004 AllGambian.Net. All Rights Reserved. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! 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