 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Jun 2006 : 15:36:43
|
Editorial
A NATION IN FEAR
The Gambian Nation is in fear; fear of the whip of the power that be.
Though eyes are wide open, lips are sealed and ink does not flow. Some are even scared to cough.
Fear of the whip has clouded our hearts and minds to the extent that we cannot speak or write the truth. Even lawyers are too scared to defend the law. Public servants clock in and out of work not knowing when the axe will fall on them. Journalists and internet users are turned into slaves of self-censorship for fear of being picked up and treated like bandits treat their captives.
This atmosphere continues to prevail as the unwarranted arrests and continued detention beyond 72 hours go on unabated. Such a picture sickens the nation and undermines its integrity.
The president should put a stop to this trend. Lamin Fatty has been held in detention for two months without trial. He was charged since 14th May but is yet to be brought before any court of law. Mariam Denton is still held without trial. The same applies to Abdoulie Kujabie, Ngorr Secka, Buba Saho, Foday Barry and Kemo Balajo of the NIA; Ex-Lt. Colonel Vincent Jatta, former Chief of Staff, etc. What does this tantamount to other than detention without trial? We don’t want a police state in The Gambia.
The President should ensure that all detainees are speedily brought to court or released forthwith. He should also ensure that the security forces respect the 72 hour deadline provided for by the constitution.
Furthermore, he should ensure that those still detained have access to lawyers of their choice and are not kept incommunicado. Lest he forgets he should warn his security forces seriously not to lay a finger on a detainee.
It is only by sticking to the above that he can convince us that he is really serious about law and order. Let the law take its course. Let justice guide our actions towards the common good, then peace and tranquillity will follow.
Power does not belong to any individual, but to the people who entrust individuals to take charge of the nation on their behalf. They can replace anyone who is in a position of authority. And we mustn’t forget that, one who humbles himself shall be exalted, but one who is haughty shall be humbled.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 43/2006, 5-7 June, 2006
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2006 : 15:55:25
|
Fear, yes that is what is happening, but can people do anything.
I asked once what was being reported on television and radio. Nobody answered. Can the opposition not speak out, arrests since 14th May of high level people arrested for a so called coup, if that is the case put it on trial, television, radio something. Silence is not golden.
|
 |
|
|
kaanibaa
United Kingdom
1169 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2006 : 18:35:28
|
| cowards die may times before their death, true statement that is and we now see what is happening in dear motherland Gambia. People have succumbed to fear in every aspect of their lives that it is like we are zombies in that state x called THE GAMBIA. we do what the state dictates and avoid those that it decrees forbiden . Yet in our heart of hearts we declare that we are the land of the fearless. the people who stood up to be counted as a nation of people . Shame shame shame on the despotic regime that has made our people so scared that those who were ordinarily vocal have either been silenced or incarcerated or worst still exiled. We cry in our hearts and daily pray that we get deliverance from the evil looming over our country, but we all know that at the end of the day we have to tighten our belts and face the regime without fear . I am sure some will ask me what I have done in these regards but like all of us , we all unversally failed to do some thing about our current political malady. No one will solve our problem for us poor poor Gambia, No one cares about us but we do and should do something for our selves.This dark cloud hanging over the Gambia has been there for a long time and till it moves away we shall living in fear. May Allah give us courage and will power to tackle this calumny under the dreaded rule of the socalled prince of peace Amen ! |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
