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Momodou
Denmark
11835 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Apr 2007 : 16:00:58
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INTERVIEW WITH HALIFA
On Republican Day, NDAM, NADD
Foroyaa: Today, 24 April is Republican Day. Do you have anything to say?
Halifa: The absence of any commemoration confirms that we are yet to have a government which truly want the people to treasure their sovereignty. There can be no Republic without a sovereign people. A Republican state is the highest form of a Democratic state. A Republican State is one where sovereignty resides in the people. This is why Chapter 1 subsection (2) of the Constitution states categorically that "The sovereignty of The Gambia resides in the people of the Gambia from whom all organs of government derive their authority and in whose name and for whose welfare and prosperity the power of government are to be exercised in accordance with this constitution."
This provision is the bedrock of a Republican Constitution. It should be memorized by every Gambian if they are to be mature citizens of a Republic.
Hence as we commemorate 24 April each Gambian should ask himself or herself this question. " Does the sovereignty of the country reside in me? Is the authority of the government derived from my consent in addition to the consent of the majority of my fellow compatriots? Is the authority derived from us by those who manage our affairs being exercised to promote our liberty, prosperity and general welfare? These are the questions that all citizens should act on, on Republican day. If the answers to the question are in the positive then one should celebrate the birth of such a Republic. If the answers are in the negative then one should know that one lives in a Republic only in name and should strive to bring changes to make Republican existence a reality. This is my message to the Nation on this august day which every government which treasures the sovereignty of the people must transform into a public holiday to enable marches and speeches to take place to remind the people that power belongs to them.
Foroyaa: Mr. Juwara has written a letter indicating the withdrawal of NDAM from NADD. What is your reaction?
Halifa: That does not need a reaction. It requires acceptance of the position of a sovereign person and sovereign political entity. Association is a matter of choice. Each person has freedom of Association. Each party has freedom of Association. I respect his view and the position of his party.
Foroyaa: This does not make you change your view on Juwara?
Halifa: Those who have followed the history of Gambian politics would know that Juwara has gone through very trying times. He has been ostracized for his positions and beliefs. I had my opinions of many political personalities in the Gambia until I fought my own misgivings to accept to be a Coordinator of an opposition alliance. I must say that even though things did not materialize as expected I have come out of the process knowing how to build positive relationships with any person. I'm compelled by historical circumstances to work with.
In my view, Juwara is heading towards his mid sixties and above. The age limit of being a Presidential candidate is 65. He has witnessed the difficulties of trying to change a government without adequate financial and moral support from those who are quick to preach doom and gloom. I sympathize with any move he takes and hope that the sacrifices he had made to the point of enduring broken hands and imprisonment will not have been endured in vain. Very few people have gone through the ordeal he experienced. I wish him a dignified and honourable existence out of the NADD compact.
Foroyaa: What is the future of NADD?
Halifa: The grassroots membership especially the women are displaying overwhelming resilience. It is necessity which gave birth to NADD. Apparently, necessity is keeping it on track. The grassroots base is calling for more activities. I am sure the leadership will soon meet to chart a way forward. The future is bright for NADD.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 47/2007, 25 - 26 April, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2007 : 09:33:02
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| How old is Ousainou Darboe ? Is he also near the age limit for presidential candidate ? |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2007 : 09:33:02
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| How old is Ousainou Darboe ? Is he also near the age limit for presidential candidate ? |
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Ebra
Gambia
268 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2007 : 05:28:59
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| He is Old Pa. He is disqualify for the next election. We should have Tamba Buccarr for him, as he totally fail the UDP |
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Ebra
Gambia
268 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2007 : 05:28:59
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| He is Old Pa. He is disqualify for the next election. We should have Tamba Buccarr for him, as he totally fail the UDP |
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