I'm asked by the author of this piece to forward his opinion. I am not at any point responsible for his opinion than forwarding it to the general readership.
Conteh Julla
A Concern Gambian
To be Democratic is to Accept OJ’s Nomination as Flag Bearer
I am quite disappointed with the negative reactions, especially from Ousainou Darboe and cohorts, to OJ’s preliminary nomination as the NADD’s flag bearer. Most of us supporting the coalition have claimed to espouse democratic values for which we have castigated Yaya Jammeh. It is a blatant contradiction for the very same people to now reject the representative process that led to the nomination of the flag bearer. We should be reminded that some people’s rejection and Darboe’s indirect refusal to accept OJ’s nomination are no better than Yaya Jammeh’s dictatorial tendencies.
I am also very disappointed about the arguments brought forward by some people who resort to tribal arguments. Gambia is not for Mandinkas alone! Darboe has stated in Atlanta few months back that he would accept whoever is selected as the flag bearer and he emphasized further that he does not renege on any commitment that he is a signatory to. His recent actions prove the contrary. The executives of the five parties in aggregate have more faith in OJ than Darboe as demonstrated by the outcome of the nominations. It is easier to criticize from abroad but we should accept the wishes of the majority party executives who put their lives at risk. Moreover, these people are more in tune with what is going on in The Gambia.
I personally do not want to see the PPP in its previous form rule the Gambia again but OJ represents NADD and not PPP. He was not the regime but an individual in the PPP regime and this should not disqualify him or anybody for that matter. As a matter of fact, OJ and Halifa Sallah are arguably the most deserving individuals. OJ has relentlessly fought for our rights in The Gambia, giving him the reputation of the most arrested political figure in The Gambia with over eighteen arrests and detentions. He is also very experienced and popular and by far better than Yaya Jammeh.
Allow for democracy to take hold. Accept OJ’s nomination!
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Posted - 24 Jan 2006 : 21:32:20
