 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Apr 2012 : 01:21:20
|
FOROYAA NATIONAL NEWS;
"As we write this Editorial on 24th April 2012 the offices are operating as usual. The shops are open. The day is like any working day. There is no sign of a National holiday. There is no mention of the day anywhere except at the hall of the Gambia College where an association by the name took the initiative to invite Halifa Sallah, Gibairu Janneh and to address them on the subject Nationalism and development in commemoration of the day. Without this input the most important day on the National Calendar would have gone unnoticed. This is why Foroyaa needs a radio and television station. Anybody who could assist Foroyaa to establish a radio station should contact the Managing editor. It would then be impossible for such days to go unnoticed.
The past and current regime gives full recognition to the commemoration of 18th February as Independence Day. It is claimed that the Gambia became Independent on 18th February 2012. Our position is that the Gambia had moved a step ahead of internal self government in 1965 but had not fully attained the right to self determination and Independence. The sovereignty of the country was still mortgaged to a foreign power. This is clearly stipulated by the 1965 Constitution.
The following portions are a confirmation of our assertions.
“I. Declaration Of Independence Inevitable
A Constitutional Conference had to be held in 1964 to prepare the ground for the 1965 Constitution which is referred to as the Independence Constitution. This is the Constitution which has given rise to the day the National day that is commemorated each year as Independence day.
Some of the provisions of the 1965 Constitution merit quotation to enable the analyst to determine whether the right to Self Determination and Independence was attained in 1965.
Section 29 of the 1965 Constitution creates the office of Governor General. It states categorically that “There shall be a Governor General who shall be appointed by Her Majesty and shall hold office during her majesty’s pleasure and who shall be her majesty‘s representative in the Gambia”
The oath for the due execution of the office of governor general is as follows:
“I (name) ,do swear (or solemnly affirm) that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second , her heirs and successors, in the office of Governor General of The Gambia. So help me God.”
This confirms that the Governor General owed allegiance and obedience to the British Crown. In fact, the 1965 Constitution gave her Majesty executive power in the Gambia which could be exercised on her behalf by the Governor General.
Section 62 states that “The Executive authority in the Gambia is vested in her Majesty.”
Section 32 creates a Parliament. It states that, “There shall b a Parliament which shall consist of Her Majesty and the House of Representatives.”
Section 60 empowers the Governor General to suspend or dissolve parliament. It states: “The Governor General may at any time prorogue or dissolve Parliament.”
Section 66 defines the role of the Cabinet as follows:
“The function of the Cabinet shall be to advise the Governor General in the Government of the Gambia and the Cabinet shall be collectively responsible to parliament for any advice given to the Governor General by or under the general authority of the cabinet and for all things done by or under the authority of any Minister in the execution of his office.”
The judges under section 89 were appointed by the Governor General. Section 70 categorically states that, “The Prime Minister shall keep the Governor General fully informed concerning the general conduct of the Government of the Gambia and shall furnish the Governor General with such information as he may request with respect to any particular matter relating to the Government of the Gambia.”
The content of the 1965 constitution confirms that the Gambia was still under the British Crown. Its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence were still limited.
It was the referendum of 1970 which gave birth to the sovereign Republic on 24th April 1970. This is a day worth commemorating. Any future government that values the sovereignty of the Gambian people would make 24 April the national day for the attainment of the right to self determination and Independence."
|
|
|
kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2012 : 20:12:29
|
| Its been ages since i stopped recognising February 18, 1965 as "Independenc Day" |
“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.” |
 |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
