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Momodou
Denmark
11787 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Aug 2009 : 20:25:24
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The following article is culled from: The Daily News
UDP Sponsor Candidate on the Press Freedom
By Kebba Yusupha Drammeh
United Democratic Party, UDP sponsored candidate for Brikama Nyambai ward, Foday Gassama, has come at the right time to share his views on press freedom in the Gambia and other matters.
In an interview the United Democratic Party (UDP) sponsored candidate of Brikama Nyabai ward Foday Gassama articulated concerns about press freedom in the Gambia. He also expressed his worry about the where about of Chief Ebrima Manneh a journalist whose where about is unknown to the Gambian people. From a legal point of view every person shall have the right to freedom of expression.
He equally expressed concerns about continued detention of Mr. Kanyiba kanyi, whose where about is still unknown. He vehemently condemned the trend saying, they must bring them before the law for trial or release them unconditionally. According to him, the then secretary for the interior Mr. Babucarr Jatta has one time said that he ordered the arrest of Kanyiba Kanyi who is no where to be seen.
However, he charged that the state would be held responsible should anything happen to kanyiba and Chief Ebrima Manneh. “They left home in good health and we expect them to return back home safely,” said Gassama. He added that the country is in real trouble as no body is secured in this country except “one man”. There is need for dialogue so that the constitution of the second Republic could be respected which is the supreme law of the land. Democracy is a human phenomenon it does not come from the west or America or elsewhere. Here and there “you hear from people saying that democracy is not in America a country that always claims to be champion of democracy in the world as if democracy is American, we want it here. Gambia cannot be an island and we must associate ourselves with countries practising democracy. Gambia belongs to the Gambian people and not to a single person. You cannot put laws into your own hand and do whatever you want to do, that is why we must have an independent judiciary. That is why the national assembly should be independent as well as the executive. And that was why we have three Arms of government one has no power over the other” he stressed. He lamented that freedom of expression has been problematic in this country since 1997 because, as he said people were subjected to all forms of threats. Be it intimidation, inducement, abduction etc, because they were expressing their views, opinions and the like about the country so that there could be a better life for all,” he said.
Freedom of expression is a problem, Gassama cited the example of citizen Fm radio station that has been closed down even though it should have continued operating by the verdict of the court, but this has not been the case. The radio 1 Fm station has been burnt and the culprits are still hiding, no investigation has been conducted so that those responsible could be brought to book.
On and on the independent newspaper was also attacked at one time, and the former BBC reporter’s house was set on fire Ebrima Sillah, while was in his house. No investigation was carried out so as to bring the wrong doer to book in the interest of democracy and rule of law. He added that the draconian media commission bill which was enacted by the then legislature the intention, was only to make media silence or dictates which is unacceptable in any democratic society” Said Gassama.
He further cited Senegal as an example of being champion of press freedom in Africa unlike Ghana which was ever since advocating for press freedom in the continent. “Without the guidance law there is banditry and criminality and in this case, people could puts law into their own hands do whatever, they feel like to do . For instance, our own case in the Gambia here people some time, move with vehicle without number plates go and attack people or abduct and Wisk them away just like that ,” he explained.
According to him, Halifa Sallah has been arrested some time of this year 2009 and has taken to the court within 72 hours but an impossible bail condition has been put which is unconstitutional. Then he was remanded at mile 2 central prison for some days when he was again taken to court and the state finally withdraw their charges against him. Interesting enough, barely some months after his released, he was called to NIA office to bail a Journalist of his colleague from NIA. Upon his arrival, he too was arrested and finally released like that. The “trend must stop because it does not in line with diplomatic standard” he challenged.
He finally asserted that the sovereignty of the people , (meaning that each Gambian have a say over the Gambia how the country should be govern..
Source: http://www.dailynews.gm
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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shaka
996 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2009 : 20:44:20
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| Good one Mr Gassama. We need more voices of dissent from the opposition. Way to go. Thanks for sharing Momodou |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2009 : 04:25:40
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Quote from UDP Sponsor Candidate on the Press Freedom
"He finally asserted that the sovereignty of the people , (meaning that each Gambian have a say over the Gambia how the country should be govern.."
Foroyaa on-line newspaper Editorial : Are the Gambian People Conscious of Their Sovereignty? under http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3215
This underpin that opposition parties have same political agenda and must forge a strong coalition/unity to achieve good results and/or be a good force in the democratic process  |
Edited by - kobo on 27 Aug 2009 04:38:38 |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2009 : 07:18:14
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Shaka Mr Gassama is doing exactly what is expected of politicians and if the trend continues there will be light at the end of the tunnel. This is the outcome of arresting people on baseless charges ,without arrest warrants and utilizing unlicensed vehicles. We don't live in the wild wild west and don't expect to be treated as such. We are worried about I.D's and other bullcrap whilst sweeping changes to clean a corrupt system are not put in place. The police or NIA which ever floats your boat need to start off by ensuring that a single Gambian will not ever be arrested again without a judge signing a warrant. Anyone held longer than 48 hrs without charges preferred against them get to walk away free regardless of the evidence against them. You cannot fight injustice with injustice and that has been the biggest issues in third world countries. Changes can only be brought about by the opposition and the recent implementation and introduction of Unions By Halifa is a step in the right direction. Now they have a direction........................................Peace quote:
Originalby y posted by shaka
Good one Mr Gassama. We need more voices of dissent from the opposition. Way to go. Thanks for sharing Momodou
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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kaanibaa
United Kingdom
1169 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2009 : 18:52:11
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| Hear! hear! some interesting comments coming up lately why am I so surprised eh!!I want to swap places with Moe and start bashing him for his comments ,that would be good now. Perhaps I am not long enough on this forum to understand him but farnkly speaking he simply baffles me now and again may be some one can enlighten me about his stance here. |
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shaka
996 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2009 : 20:47:37
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| Well said Moe and Kobo. I will chat to you soon. My internet connection is down at the moment but will get back to you as soon as it is fixed. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2009 : 02:12:07
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Shaka
How did you manage to post if your connection was down? |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2009 : 09:11:16
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Hey kons may be the brother has a I-phone ,people do it all the time, ain't that right King of the Zulus. He said his connection is down his connection is down. WHAT ELSE ............................................................pEACE |
I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2009 : 09:42:51
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I think we need more of Mr. Gassamas standing up for what is right. The more people we have speaking out the more pressure is put on the gang.
It is only through direct challenge and civil disobedience that we can put this regime on the defense and make them realize that Gambians are sick and tired of being enslaved. For God shake we are no longer in the 50s. No scramble for Africa... no kingship or grab all you can...
Keep it up Mr. Gassama and I hope we have more brave people like you...
Its a shame... |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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shaka
996 Posts |
Posted - 29 Aug 2009 : 15:20:23
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I am using one of the Statehouse computers. You do not lurk about too long on the Sheikh's machines chatting to Bantaba folks, do you?quote:
Originally posted by kondorong
Shaka
How did you manage to post if your connection was down?
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Edited by - shaka on 29 Aug 2009 15:22:00 |
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