 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11639 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Oct 2011 : 20:11:36
|
Foroyaa Editorial: THE BAR ASSOCIATION, LAWYER MOSES RICHARDS, THE STATE AND THE PUBLIC
By Publisher on 12-10-11
Gambians are not a homogeneous group. All do not see alike or think alike. We should identify and recognise the uniqueness of each human being and relate to them on the basis of how they wish to be related to.
Solidarity is a human virtue. It is the principle behind the assertion of the right to freedom of association. The Bar Association is established to look after the interest of the Bar. However, how each member of the bar wants to be given solidarity will vary from member to member and is also influenced by times and circumstances. Service is a duty and appreciation is a choice. One may render a service without being appreciated. This is not dishonourable. What is dishonourable is to see what one believes to be a wrong and fail to right it. If one’s best form of solidarity is not regarded to be the best by a victim there is really no qualm. They should continue to wish the victim well and be ready to be at his or her service whenever the need arises.
It is clear that Lawyer Moses Richards’ case is a unique one. Never in the history of the Gambian prison system has a prisoner had access to National TV and Radio to Communicate to the public before being pardoned. Never in the history of the Gambian prison system had a prisoner had access to privileged information of the type of solidarity his colleagues were ready to give and thus dissociate himself from such proposed activities. Since the public announcement of the letter purportedly written by Moses Richards questions are coming to Foroyaa asking whether he is still in custody.
As far as we know he is still not released. His dissociation from the solidarity activities of the bar has stifled those initiatives. The Lawyers have resumed their court appearances. The courts have gone back to business as usual.
Since then the debate has intensified. Some are saying that it is not worth giving solidarity to people these days. Others are saying that not every human being wants to be a martyr, that some want to practice their profession and live normal lives. Some claim that writing petitions to the President and asking him to pardon prisoners would always fall on deaf ears. They see petitions as exercise in futility.
It is therefore necessary for Foroyaa to put the issues into perspective.
First and foremost it is important to know that the state is an instrument which has the ability to coerce members of the public. When just people exercise direction and control over state power the instruments are utilised to protect the rights of each under the law and the public enjoys maximum freedom. When unjust leaders control the state machinery they transform the security apparatus into instruments of coercion which restrict freedoms and trample on rights with impunity.
What we want is to build a democratic Gambia where the state apparatus is utilised to protect freedoms and rights of each person.
What Gambians in the Diaspora should distinguish is the difference in strategies and tactics of people who are dissatisfied with the current order. Some utilise belligerent languages as if they are ready for war. However they remain cyber warriors who talk about the need to confront the government without ever setting foot in the Gambia to take the lead.
Others accuse the opposition of being too weak to bring about change through the ballot but do not contribute in cash or kind to their campaign.
What is important to bear in mind is that governments do not change by wishful thinking. It is changed by those who engage it on a daily basis. This will take the form of exposures or criticisms of all shortcomings of a civil, political, economic, social, cultural and ecological nature. Furthermore, petitions also serve to give solidarity to those who need redress before change is effected,
We hope those in position of authority would know that there was a time when they were not there and there will come a time when they would not be there. Hence it is better not to subject any one to any form of indignity, humiliation or degradation. Those who break down after being subjected to degradation should be seen as victims and not condemned villains.
Source: Foroyaa
Related Topics:
|
|
|
toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2011 : 20:26:05
|
| A great and well written piece.Thanks |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
 |
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2011 : 23:34:33
|
LONG LIVE FOROYAA!
LONG LIVE FOROYAA EDITORIAL BOARD! |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
