Khaleel
Thank you for that clear-headed contribution to a significant conversation on the overall discourse against public lawlessness in The Gambia. Contrary to what some of his listeners tell him, Pa Nderry is not the struggle, and it is about time he hears this in no uncertain terms from others deeply interested in the struggle. People celebrate Pa Nderry, and rightly so, but he clearly respects no one, and considers all as
legitimate targets for his lurid journalistic style.
For example, Sillahba Samateh thinks he is the best thing in the struggle against tyranny in The Gambia, and says so publicly on Freedom Radio, but in broad daylight, and for some considerable time, Pa Nderry afforded his significant platform to some unknown woman who accused Sillahba of multiple serious criminality. Notwithstanding Pa Nderry's subjective and immaterial disclaimer, this was a classic case of defamation as all the elements of the tort were engaged. Rather admirably, on the next
morning, I was listening to Hello Gambia and the same lady Pa Nderry gave considerable air time to for the specific purpose of vilifying Sillahba, was rebuffed by Baba Aidara who told her to get lost, and that he has no interest in Sillahba, but that if she has information on how to get rid of Professor Jammeh, they could do business.
Without the slightest provocation, Banka Manneh was defamed over Fatou Camara, and the online newspaper/radio host was also defamed in that even though he was not named, virtually everyone listening
knew who Pa Nderry was referring to. Several of his listeners actually told him so, and I was in no doubt whatsoever who his subject was. The only reason Pa Nderry is a household name is because of Professor Jammeh's very public lawlessness and there will always be abundant material in this area. I therefore don't understand his insatiable blood lust after the private affairs of non-public actors, or even public actors over matters raising no significance for Gambian public life. I must therefore register my profound disappointed at my esteemed brother's dismissive reference to public irresponsibility as mere "collateral damage". I am talking here about Haruna Darbo of GDP fame.
In Pa Nderry's brand of journalism inheres a profound contradiction that is deeply troubling to me. Some of his colleagues on Freedom Radio eloquently treat their listeners to the chapter and verse of public lawlessness in The Gambia, and the unforgivable opportunism of current ministers. If the Professor's ministers are afraid of losing their jobs, and some of Pa Nderry's colleagues are afraid of losing their spots on Freedom should they venture into the difficult territory of telling him the truth, what real difference is there between them, and the ministers. It appears as though securing the job on the one hand, and the fame on the other, are the drivers for condoning persecution, and vilification, respectively.
Why is all these important?
I am in no doubt many on this listserve can distinguish fact from fiction, but this may not true of larger Gambian society even in the Diaspora. A degree holder friend recently visited me and was elated that Professor will soon die and our problems solved. Asked where he
got that idea from, he pointed me to a Freedom story on the issue. What would such a person think about Freedom's take on Sillahba, Banka, and the online newspaper/radio journalist/host. Herein why restraint must be Pa Nderry's watchword!
LJDarbo
From: Khaleel Jameel <[log in to unmask]>
To:
[log in to unmask]
Sent: Saturday, 25 May 2013, 21:28
Subject: Re: [G_L] Raleigh Conference Diary Part One! - VERY SILLY AND CHILDISH PA NDERRY
Keanu,
You are all over the place. I am confused as to what you believe. No one should be so indecisive to any single issue as you are. It seems to me that you are trying to burn the candle at both ends. Please do your research about an issue before you jump in head first, it may save your skull. You see brother, go with your gut feelings, make a decision and stick by it. Commander you should have already known that. Pa was wrong on all accounts are you so afraid to say that? The problem is we can't allow anyone to insult our intelligence. The guy spares no one from insults and mindless
accusations on radio and paper but cries foul when the sober minded good citizens of our nation point out the facts. I consider pa family but I am not afraid to say that he was wrong. I won't tarnish his character anywhere regardless of what but I won't see injustice and walk around it. I can handle the repercussion based on my decision to choose the right course.
Sent from my iPhone
" Give to yourself as much as you give of yourself".
Thank you Laye, for putting it so succinctly....
Ajarama maudo...
Kejau
-------- Original message --------
From: Laye Jallow <
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Date:
To:
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Subject: Re: [G_L] Raleigh Conference Diary Part One! - VERY SILLY AND CHILDISH PA NDERRY
I think we all may have to learn to deal with Pa Nderry's idea of being an "independent journalist" who is "fair and balanced." It will save many a headache. And by this comment am by no means trivializing uncalled for, unnecessary personal castigation flying all over the place. We must all ask ourselves whether we're assuming too much in believing Pa Nderry ought to view the "struggle" the same way we view
it.
-Laye
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