Tension As APRC Man Rejects Essa Faal’s Food Aid, Alleges Insult

Photo: Faal  and Badjie

By Ousman A. Marong

Landing Badjie, a native of Lamin, Kombo North district of West Coast Region has rejected foodstuff distributed by Essa M. Faa, the Lead Counsel, the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparation Commission (TRRC).

He also accused Faal who was distributing foodstuff to needy families of insulting and quoted as telling him: “who the hell are you?”

Speaking to News Bite Gambia at his Lamin residence, Mr. Badjie said Essa Faal together with a delegation came to his compound on Saturday, April 18 at around 4:00pm to 5:00pm.

He said the delegation found him sleeping when they came to distribute the foodstuff.

He added that the spoke to his wife about their food distribution to the needy families amid COVID-19.

“When I overheard Essa Faal’s voice talking to my wife then I quickly woke up to intercept him. I told him that we do not need any support from him. He (Essa Faal) responded by telling me, “who the hell are you.” He has disrespected us and that is the least expected of him as the Lead counsel of the TRRR,” he said.

“What is the problem in telling someone that you did not need his food charity? Why should it be a problem to tell someone to leave my compound that I do not need your food supply? He retorted.

He said he responded to Essa M. Faal in the same manner, adding that they are diehard APRC supporters and are not in for anything that has nothing to do with APRC.

He denied insulting but quickly alleged that the insult emanated from Essa M. Faal and delegation.

He further alleged that Faal’s entourage went straight into their vehicles and brought machetes, that he (Badjie) also rushed into his house to bring a machete suddenly a friend intervened by looking him inside the house to diffuse the tension,” he said.

He explained that he was in informed that one superintendent Suso said to be from the Interpol unit in Banjul came to his house with some police officers when he was out.

He explained that the police officers promised to come back when his brother, a military officer called them but they never returned.

“I was surprised why the police would be looking for me because I haven’t committed any crime,” he complained.

When contacted the shed light on the issue, Essa M. Faal has this to say: “My brother with all due respect, I don’t think this whole issue worth my comment. The man is with grief and hates everything that has nothing to do with APRC and Yahya Jammeh. Every right-thinking person knows where he is coming from.”

On his part, the Police PRO, ASP, Lamin Njie said it would be difficult for him to comment at the time, saying his office is yet to receive any file regarding the matter.

Youth Deserve More

Photo: Youths Demonstrating (Photo Credit Culled from NYC's Facebook page)

Editorial

Slowly the country is heading towards 2021 General Election. Very soon, the country will be polluted with campaign noise. As usual, political parties will be traversing the width and breadth of the county lying to (oops! I would have said telling) Gambians what their parties have in store for the unsuspecting citizenry.

The youth will be the target. They constitute the majority of voters. The question we have to ponder is how much are the youth involved? As political parties are strategizing on who to incorporate in their various positions of power, will the youth have a significant representation?

Though many writers argued that in Africa, politics is typically regarded as a space for politically experienced old men, as young people are often disadvantaged in accumulating experience to run for office. Young people are systematically marginalized because of their age, limited opportunities and a lack of experience.

This problem is also particular to Gambian where politics shows no sign of progression in terms of youth involvement. We have political leaders that have past their ‘sell-by’ date. Their relevance to the country’s politics expired. They cannot respond to the present social and political challenges. We have political leadership that fears the unknown and cannot accommodate the new thinking.

This is the whole reason why we need to inject new blood across the various parties. We expect to see political gymnastics from political leaders ahead of the 2021 General Election. We will be seeing many political parties flatting out wooing the youth vote by appointing or electing youthful running mates to their presidential candidates.

The presidential candidates themselves were youthful. But there years down the line nothing has changed. The parties have not done enough on youth empowerment. The youth are still used to do the dirty work for their masters allowing themselves to be helping politicians in their political proxy wars.

They are used to disrupt rival political party rallies. They normally beat journalists for their political masters take Kebba Jeffang Jnr’s case for example.

Yes, our political leaders are good at making endless promises to the youth but this is just mere talks. Nothing tangible to that they promised is to happen. Why do we need youths in the country’s politics as we gear towards the 2021 General Election?

Youths can be a critical force, a dynamic source of innovations and they have undoubtedly, throughout history, participation contributed, and even managed to bring change to the political system.

Therefore, if we want a bright future it first needs to strengthen and empower the youth. But it is unfortunate that young people are often excluded or overlooked as political candidates. Time has come for young people to desist from being perpetrators of violence in politics and begin to eye top positions.

Nogoi Njie Accuses President Barrow Of Retaining Culprits, Allowing Them To Be Paid By The Taxpayers

Photo: Nogoi Njie (Credit Culled from Facebook)

By Ousman A. Marong

Nogoi Njie, one of the victims of April 14, 2016, the demonstration, has accused President Adama Barrow of retaining their torturers and maintaining them in key government places while allowing them to be paid by the taxpayer’s money.

“President Barrow gave our torturer the chance by maintaining them in the system and give them key positions. He has such veto powers, but should also understand that power belongs to the almighty Allah and He (Allah) has all the powers bestowed on him. President Barrow has seen what we (the victims) have contributed to removing former President Jammeh. He (Barrow) becomes the President of this great nation due to efforts from us. If he prefers neglecting us (the victim) while maintain and allowing our torturers to be walking freely in the streets receiving fat salaries seeing us continue suffering then that does not tell good about him. Some of the victims go to bed without food or having ‘butus’ in their pockets or coffers,” she said.

Miss Njie was speaking to News Bite Gambia from Turkey where she and few victims are currently undergoing medical treatment.

“We need justice now and we want President Barrow to ensure there is justice between us and our offenders. Imagine someone who kills your mother, father, brother, uncle, or an aunty while walking freely in the streets. Imagine meeting them (the culprits) chatting and laughing whereas they might not even be laughing at you. Anytime you meet them chatting and laughing you become suspicious that they are laughing at you,” she remarked.

She said President Barrow should have never allowed the APRC an existence talk less of giving them a space in the political arena.

Nogoi Njie, a key member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) was attested together with the late Lamin Marong, Fatoumatta Jawara, Kafu Bayo, Ebrima Jabang, Ebrima Njum, Ebrima Janko Ceesay Bakary Sonko and the late Solo Sandeng, etc just to list a few.

They were arrested by the former dictator Yahya Jammeh’s security officers at the defunct National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in Banjul, where they were detained and were subjected to all forms of tortures.

Nogoi including several others were arrested, on April 14, 2016, for allegedly staging a protest at West Field junction in the Kanifing Municipality, demanding for Electoral Reforms in The Gambia.

Nogoi Njie who refused to remain silent further stated that president Barrow is planning to continue clinching into power adding that will never work.

“What Barrow is planning wouldn’t work. We (the victims) are ready to take up the matter up to the Ecowas court of law. He cannot forgive our torturers nor did he have any power in forgiven them. If he decided to forgive them it would just be vain, because to forgive is divine. How can President Barrow forgive our offenders when nothing bad was done to him unlike us,” Nogoi sobbed.

She said President Adama Barrow is boasting all over that, he kills the lion saying he killed no lion we the victims killed that lion he is talking about.

Comparing President Barrow to former President Yahya Jammeh, Nogoi said their only difference is that Barrow is yet to set up a killer squad, unlike Yayha Jammeh.

“Their only difference is that we are yet to see President Barrow setting up a jungler’s team like former President Yahya Jammeh. He is heading towards that but he will fail woefully enough is enough,” she concluded.  

Star TV Proprietor Donates lights Project to Bundung Community Ward Councilor

Photo: Sissoho and Jammeh

By Ousman A. Marong

Alhagie Banniko Sissoho, the proprietor of Star TV has on Monday sponsored a streetlight project for the Bundung Ward through its Councilor Sulayman Jammeh. The presentation was held at the Councilor’s office in Bundung Bantaba Six Junction.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fatoumatta Yadi Gaye, Vice-Chairperson Bundung Community Development, lauded the philanthropic gesture, adding that it is geared towards the development of the community.

“We really appreciate the initiative. It is a good project because it will help the community a lot. Development is vital in any community or nation because a nation cannot move forward without development,’’ she echoed.

Abdoulie Sanyang, a former CEO of KMC, said the council’s committee has over the past years registered significant development projects in the Ward, under the leadership of Sulayman Jammeh.

On his part, Sulayman Jammeh, the Councillor of Bundung Ward, thanked the donor for his generosity geared towards accelerating the efforts of the Municipal Council. He further stated that Alhagie Banniko has immensely contributed to the development of the Bundung Ward.

“We applaud Alhagie Banniko for the donation. This is a timely intervention as commuters are in dire need of streetlights,’’ he remarked.

Alhagie Banniko Sissoho, Star TV proprietor said the community streetlight project will reduce the crime rate in the community.

He advised the residents to set aside their political differences and work towards the development of the Ward and the nation.

Malawi Police Trains Migration Journalists On Containment Strategy Adimst COVID-19

Photo: Superintendent Kadadzera (Photo Credit JIFORM)

JIFORM Press Release For Urgent Attention

The Police Authority in Malawi has shared a containment strategy against the deadly Covid 19 with the migration journalists.

Senior Superintendent Kadadzera James, the Malawi Police National Spokesman gave the hint while delivering a lecture on containment of Covid 19 at an online seminar organized by Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM).

The seminar titled ‘Migration and Containment of Covid 19’, also had speakers from the Nigeria Immigration Service, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP)
.
President of JIFORM, Ajibola Abayomi said the summit was put together to update over 150 migration journalists who were members of the foundation across the continents.

Speaking, SS James urged nations to put in place measures to contain the disease in order to save the economy and lives of citizens.

He said in Malawi, President  Peter Mutharika had ordered the police to maintain law and order by effecting the stay at home order through manning of roadblocks and other security measures.

“The government has passed a law banning social, religious and all forms of gathering that is over 100. The Immigration Service has also come up with an updated visa policy that allows for screening of any entry into Malawi after which a certificate will be issued to anyone free from coronavirus.

“Laws have been made to protect the citizens of Malawi and her economy. Both the radio, newspaper and television stations have been fully mobilized to orientate the citizens and anyone that contravenes the law will face the full consequence.

“Malawi border is yet to be shut. Anyone with valid visa can come in but must be subjected to full screening. Although, we are feeling the effect of lockdown in South Africa and Zimbabwe, at the moment all passenger planes have been suspended from operation”.

Kadazera charged the media to cooperate with the government in ensuring that all preventive measures were adhered to by the citizens saying, “ also the Immigration in Malawi has enjoined the citizens to ensure regular washing of hands with water, use of sanitizers and social distancing.

“Government has also made available toll free mobile lines to be called by anyone that is sick or showing symptoms of Covid 19 for quick attention. All hands must be on deck to ensure a healthy and secured nation” he said.

April 10/11 student massacre: survivor renews call for justice

Photo: Abdou Karim Jammeh Testifying Before the TRRC

By Ousman A. Marong

As tomorrow marks twenty years of Gambia’s student massacre of April 10 and 11, 2000, Abdou Karim Jammeh, a survivor has renewed his call on the government to properly investigate and bring the alleged shooters to book and justice.

Abdou Karim Jammeh who was attending junior secondary school at the time of the incident was shot in his knee on when students took to the streets to demonstrate against the raping of a teenage girl and alleged murder of Ebrima Barry.

Mr. Jammeh was speaking to News Bite Gambia from Turkey where he and few victims are currently undergoing medical treatment.

“I feel very bad seeing our shooter walking freely in the streets while we endure the pain and the suffering. We are calling on the authorities to act as quickly as possible in order to ensure that our shooters are brought to book,” he said.

He said the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubacarr Tambadou’s remark gave them (victim) hope and confidence.

Abdou Karim who refused to remain silent recalled that minister Tambadou told the victims last year that justice should prevail for the victims and families of the student massacre.

He further stated that the minister said they (government) will try by all means know who gave the order for the shooting and killing of those protesting students and that justice will be served.

“We hope that justice will take it course, as we  are engaging the TRRC and hopefully our shooters together with their evil dictator will be brought to book,” the outspoken survivor echoed.

He described April 10/11, 2000 massacre as the darkest day in the history of the Gambia, adding that these were the security officers who should have protected them but decided to shoot and killed some of their colleagues in brought daylight.

April 10/11, 2000 was the student demonstration was triggered by the human rights abuse of students.

A female teenage student was allegedly raped and one Ebrima Barry, a student in Brikama, West Coast Region was beaten by members of Gambia Fire and Rescue Service followed by his death.

Students’ demand for justice for their two colleagues resulted in killing more than a dozen of them and maiming many.

Victims and their families are still living in pain and the government of former president Yayha Jammeh that was accused of ordering for the shooting of student protesters denied the allegation.

A commission of inquiry was established and concluded that the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) also known as Paramilitary was responsible for the shooting including many deaths.

Even though the inquiry found these security officers culpable, former president Yayah Jammeh indemnified them through his then dominated National Assembly.

Muslim Cleric Warns Gambians Against Politizing COVID-19

Photo: Imam Sheriff Mamina Hydar

By Ousman A. Marong

Sheriff Mamina Hydara (Arhubai) president of the Association the Grandchildren of the Prophet (AGP) has warned Gambians against politizing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is not a political issue or meant to score political points. It is not a joke nor is it an individual thing. It is a thing of the common problem. If you asked someone to wash his or her hand what comes to his or her mind is food. There is no ending to washing hand and it is high time we do something before it is too late,” he warned.

The Islamic cleric said his only worries are the aftereffect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the citizenry.

He made this revelation yesterday in an interview with NEWS BITE GAMBIA in his Bundung residence.

“The virus is already here, but its effect and the disturbance to follow the pandemic is that we (Gambians) should be cautious about it. It has arrived and there is nothing we could do about it. What we should be thinking about now is the aftereffect of the virus. The world's superpowers are today crying talk less of small countries with their vulnerable citizens,” echoed the Islamic leader.

He said the Gambia is at the mercy of the world adding that we entirely depend on begging the west for survival.

“The world superpower are today in disarray, what do you expect from the smaller countries who have nothing and are entirely begging the west for survival. What about if those you are begging for help also become bankrupt. What will you do? This is why I said we must be each other’s keepers,” he remarked.

The religionist concluded that Gambians should surrender themselves before God and asked for his mercy, saying that would be the only way out.

JIFORM Asks African Leaders To Initiate Financial Bonds To Fight COVID-19

Photo: JIMFORM Members

JIFORM Press Release 

Stakeholders at the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) online summit held on Saturday, April 4, 2020, has called on the African leaders to initiate financial bonds to fight the ravaging COVID 19 on the continent.

Speakers at the summit theme: "Migration and Containment of COVID 19", include Deputy Controller Sunday, James, the National Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Immigration Services; Senior Superintendent James Kadadzera, the National Spokesman of Malawi Police Authority; Dan Atokolo,  Zonal Commandant of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Lagos and Jorge Garlindo, the Public Information Officer of International Organization for Migration (IOM), Nigeria,.

The President and Executive Director of JIFORM with over 150 journalists covering migration across the globe, Ajibola Abayomi in a statement issued on Sunday, said the bonds were part of the resolutions of the stakeholders at the summit.

He said, if considered would provide financial leverage to especially the poor nations on the continent to contain the deadly disease.

“We want the African leaders starting from West Africa to first initiate Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bond and at the level of the African Union (AU) to also consider AU bond so that many nations can access the needed funds. This is no time for rhetorics, this risk is high and everyone is a likely victim.

“We fully align ourselves with the position of the National Public Relations Officer of the NIS, DCI Sunday James, that citizens sensitization on movements from Covid-19 vulnerable countries and locally is also very key at this moment.

“This is a trying time for the global community no one single being is free from the threat, we are all vulnerable as human beings. Journalists are not isolated, it is a common enemy that can be eliminated by time, resources, expertise, full adherence to international best practices.

JIFORM wants Africa nations to urgently put in place realistic food distribution chains where lockdown is effected to assist citizens to cope with the situation.

“We support the call for medical research and discoveries whether written or tested and certified vaccines to be shared among nations at this moment to be domesticated as solutions in countries according to the dictates of their environments.

“The developed nations, instead of the usual war against especially irregular migrants, they should be allowed and assisted to regularize their status, as provided for in the international law. Nigeria has shown the way forward through e-migrant registration anchored by the NIS.

“We should discourage the circulation of fake news and other sensitive editorial materials not in the interest of nation-building. We must remember among other things that we are called to genuinely inform, educate and entertain the audience not only as of the fourth estate of the realm but as a public watchdog” he said.

Sidia Jatta: COVID-19 outbreak has exposed the disorganized nature of our country terribly

Photo: Hon Sedia Jatta

By Ousman A. Marong 

The National Assembly Member for Wuli West Constituency on Friday said the Coronavirus dubbed COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the disorganized nature of The Gambia terribly. Hon. Sidia Jatta queried that the government has not prepared an inventory of all the poor, the needy and the vulnerable people in the country from Kartong to Koina, before declaring a State of Public Emergency.

According to the erudite parliamentarian, the government should have provided funding to cater for food provision and essential needs to the poor, the needy and the vulnerable people nationwide, to help them stay indoors for a particular period and prevent themselves from the spread and infection of the Coronavirus disease.

Hon. Jatta made this revelation at the National Assembly while making his contribution to the proposed adjournment debate on 45-days of State of Public Emergency.

“If they were organized, they have had an inventory of all the poor and the needy people, whether small or big, from Kartong to Koina, but we don’t have that. How are we going to deal with the situation? We have to do a lot of work to identify what needs to be done,” he remarked.

The Wuli West Parliamentarian called for support to the poor and the needy during this period of COVID-19. He argued that poor and the vulnerable people who depend on their daily work or business to get food for their families cannot stay indoors for 45 days without any support from the government.  He said the government has not released any funding to be given to the weak, the poor and the vulnerable and therefore he is not convinced to accept the 45 days declaration of State of Public Emergency.

“A lot needs to be done,” he stated, adding that he was expecting a comprehensive report on what has happened from the day of declaration of state of emergency to date.

He saluted the great efforts of the health authorities in the Upper River Region and urged government to support them execute their duties in these difficult times.

Hon. Jatta also cautioned his colleagues not to be complacent amid COVID-19, while urging them to go back to their respective constituencies and help the people to prevent themselves from the disease.

“I will tell this in the presence of all of you (referring to ministers and deputies) here that the Ministry of Health is not adequately sourced because if you give me 17 buckets for my people and my constituency has 46 villages what am I going to do with 17 buckets?” he asked.

Hon. Jatta insisted that the Ministry of Health is therefore creating a problem for the MPs.

“If you cannot cover everybody, stop it. That is creating problems for us if you cannot cover all the villages please stop it because it gives me a bad name. I don’t have money to provide for everybody. One of them came and said I heard about you. Why don’t you come to us? Are we not part of your constituency?” he further queried.

He finally proposed that the Parliament remains open throughout the COVID-19 period, adding that the situation is grave, and they must address it.