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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
 Posted - 11 May 2013 : 00:33:42
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1. "AL HAM DU LILAAHI! AL HAM DU LAAHI! AL HAM DU LILAAHI!" BABA HYDARA OF HELLO GAMBIA NEWS ANNOUNCING BREAKING NEWS (Information here). THEY HAD RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM RELIABLE SOURCE THAT IMAM BABA LEIGH HAS BEEN RELEASED AFTER PERSECUTION ORDEAL FOR ALMOST 6 MONTHS AND THEY ARE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS TO VERIFY MORE VERY CLEAR RELIABLE INFORMATION 
"ANNOUNCED RELEASE ON PRESIDENTIAL PARDON" FOR A VERY IMPORTANT COMMUNITY LEADER AND LAW ABIDING SENIOR CITIZEN NEVER CHARGED
2. Breaking News: Imam Baba Leigh Finally Released
"Kibaaro News has been proven right that Imam Baba Leigh is alive. The detained Gambian Muslim cleric is today released from illegal custody.
The news of Imam Baba Leigh’s release was reportedly relayed on the Gambia Radio and Television Services this evening.
Several sources have since alerted Kibaaro News about the release of the vocal Kanifing South Mosque.
Our news crew spoke to so many people who saw Imam Leigh being released.
News of Imam Leigh’s release comes on the heels of confirmation of the cleric’s death by some online media, which runs contrary to our earlier published reports.
Kibaaro News sources throughout maintain that the venerable Imam is alive, although in pains and nursing wounds.
“Yes, I located Imam Baba Leigh at the NIA cell in Banjul this weekend,” Kibaaro News had earlier written. “He is alive and in great pains; he is nurturing wounds inflicted on his body during the tortures he had endured. I understand he could not be released because the government fears a repeat of the backlash resulting from the Ba-Kawsu Fofana case. The agents have been instructed to keep Imam Leigh as a preventive measure to cover his wounds from being exposed to the public.”
Since his arrest by the National Intelligence Agents on December 3rd last year, Imam Baba Leigh was denied access by his family, lawyers and mosque committee.
Ends" SOURCE: KIBAARO NEWS
3. RELATED BANTABA TOPIC: Where is Imam Baba Leigh?
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Edited by - kobo on 11 May 2013 04:25:38 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2013 : 02:04:54
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1. Breaking News: Imam Baba Leigh has been Released Alive
"Reports coming from GRTS during its 10pm news reports indicated that Imam Baba Leigh who has been under government detention for over five months has been released. The report did not detail why the Imam was detained in the first place and or his condition. Our phones started ringing shortly after the news from all over people jubilantly reporting that the Imam has been freed. A close member of the family also called to report the release. As we go to press the social networks are exploding with this good news.
As the news is still unbelievably good we are investigating and consulting with more of our reliable sources to confirm Imam Leigh’s release. Many Gambians continued to believe that Imam Leigh was alive and detained somewhere by the regime. Despite repeated discouraging news of his death, many continue to pray and have hope that the Imam will finally be freed.
This is indeed an incredibly welcome development and a great joy for the family of Mr. Leigh and the entire Gambian Nation. Stay tuned and we will bring you more news as it unfolds. For now every decent person celebrates this freedom." SOURCE: GAINAKO NEWS
2. Gambia Frees Muslim Cleric After 5 Months
"The Gambian government says that it has released a Muslim cleric who had been in detention for five months.
The state Gambia Radio Television Services announced late Friday that Imam Baba Leigh was released by the National Intelligence Agency.
The outspoken Imam was taken away by plainclothes officers on December 3, 2012. Media reports linked his arrest with comments he made in August 2012 in which he described the executions of nine people carried out by the government as “un-Islamic.”
President Yahya Jammeh’s government faced mounting pressure from the international community as the Muslim cleric was regarded a prisoner of conscience by many human rights organizations. The United States and British governments called on Gambian authorities to release him.
SOURCE : ABC NEWS"
SOURCE: HELLO GAMBIA NEWS
3. MAAFANTA. COM;
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Edited by - kobo on 12 May 2013 22:12:46 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2013 : 16:25:54
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1. Presidential pardon for Imam Baba Leigh
"The president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, has pardoned the Imam of Kanifing Estate, Baba Leigh, a press release from the national broadcaster, GRTS has stated.
The release reads:
The Imam of Kanifing Estate Baba Leigh has been released, after a pardon by President Jammeh. The Imam was accompanied to State House by the Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah and members of the Supreme Islamic Council. He was received there by the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Njogu Bah.
Author: Daily Observer"
2. Imam Baba Leigh Breaths Air of Freedom; After 158 Days of Detention
"The erudite Imam of the Kanifing East Mosque, Imam Baba Leigh was at last freed on the night of Friday May 10th 2013. He was arrested on 3rd December 2012 and his place of detention was not disclosed to family members and friends all these days (158days) until 10th May 2013. He as already spend 158 day under detention without any charges prefers against him.
His release came a couple of weeks after concerns were raised by the Embassies of the United States of America, The United Kingdom, and the European Union representatives who base in Gambia.
In fact the UK Ambassador to the Gambia was blunt enough to tell the Gambia government that they must produce Imam Baba Leigh fit and well. To be precise that was on the 19 April 2013.
Government of the Gambia has all along refused having detained the Imam. However just a day after the Imam’s release a panel of imminent Imams including Imam Ratib of Banjul , Alhagie Alieu Mass Kah, Imam Fatty of the State House mosques, and other high ranking government officials took turn to praise President Jammeh for his mercy and release of Imam Baba Leigh. Many of they blame the Imam for offending president Jammeh.
Imam Fatty said the Imam was not detained by President Jammeh but rather it was God who detained him. Several other speakers on the Gambia Radio and Television Services shared similar sentiments.
Imam Baba Leigh in his turn thanks each and everyone on the panel for their individual efforts, and any other people who have in any way contributed or sympathise his situation.
He said he did not hold anybody responsible for his nearly 6 months ordeal, as a Muslim he believes that whatever happen to him must have been his destiny.
However one would wonder why President Jammeh had used his powers to pardon Imam Baba Leigh when his government is not holding him? His family members told the media sometimes ago that they could not have access to their dear one and everywhere they go to, the police and the NIAs distanced themselves for holding him.
Interestingly Imam Baba Leigh was paraded before the GRTS screens with Imams and other key people in government expressing gratitude to President Jammeh for releasing Imam Baba Leigh."
SOURCE : THE DAILY NEWS
3. THE POINT NEWS AND EDITORIAL;
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Edited by - kobo on 13 May 2013 16:27:54 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2013 : 20:26:06
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IMAM BABA LEIGH FINALLY RELEASED AFTER 5 MONTHS OF INCOMMUNICADO DETENTION
"The Imam of the Kanifing East Estate Mosque, Imam Baba Leigh, whose arrest and detention have been an issue of widespread concern and intense diplomatic and media focus, both at home and abroad, has finally been released after five months in detention without access to family, friends, relatives and lawyer.
The announcement of the much awaited release was made on Friday,10 May, on the GRTS evening news and subsequently re-broadcast in the news on Saturday,11 May, and followed by a full broadcast of the meeting which the released Imam Leigh had with state officials and representatives of the Muslim religious leaders at State House.
At the meeting, Dr. Njogu Bah, Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Cherno Kah, the Imam Ratib of Banjul, Imam Abdoulie Fatty of State House Mosque and Alhaji Alieu Mboge, Secretary of the Banjul Muslim Elders Committee all alluded to either mistakes being made or actions taken that threaten peace and security and each advised the Imam.
Imam Baba Leigh, in response, said he accepts his ordeal as one of the hazards of his work as a religious preacher. He emphasised that as Imam Fatty has said he takes his fate as predestined. He said that he is not the type of religious leader who threatens peace and security even though no one is perfect and mistakes could be made. He said it was not proper for him to engage in a debate on points raise; that 5 months of detention has had effect on his body and mind and thanked the president for the decision and assured him of his goodwill.
Present at the meeting were also Dr. Ebrima Samba, Chairman Banjul Muslim Elders Committee, Imam Momodou Lamin Touray, President of the Supreme Islamic Council, Captain Lamin Saine, Director National Intelligence Agency (NIA), General Badjie, Mr. Badjie and Lamin Manga, Director General of Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS)."
Author: by Ousman Njie"
SOURCE : FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS |
Edited by - kobo on 13 May 2013 20:39:42 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2013 : 20:37:46
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WHERE IS BABA LEIGH?
"This Chapter of Baba Leigh's detention without trial is becoming history. Foroyaa wanted the honour of having the first exclusive interview with him. However, we understand the appeal of his brother for the media to allow him to recuperate. According to the brother, a person who has been detained incommunicado for five months is bound to be out of touch. Foroyaa is however observant that even though Imam Leigh had no access to legal counsel, immediately after detention he managed not to implicate himself in front of the cameras before the whole world. Even when one is charged with a crime one must be cautioned before one writes a statement. We are not aware that Imam Baba Leigh has been charged with any crime or taken before any court.
We still cannot understand the rationale of broadcasting the release before the whole world. The authorities should bear in mind that they are not addressing a local constituency alone. They are also addressing an international community. Hence every move they make must be backed by law and good governance practice. A state builds up integrity by serving as a protector of the freedom and rights of citizens rather than to serve as an instrument of coercion that suppresses their rights and subjects them to degradation.
The Head of the Civil Service, the Imams and representative of the Muslim elders spoke about mistakes or actions threatening peace and security but none placed a finger on the concrete allegation against Imam Baba Leigh. The broadcast however did serve the purpose that most people anticipated with anxiety. The scene created to inform the public of the release of Imam Baba Leigh on Friday,10 May, clarified whether Baba Leigh was alive or dead.
This fact, until up to that very moment, was certain only to a few who knew his whereabouts but was uncertain to the many. Many could not be convinced that he was still alive up to the time they saw him on TV. Condolences were even issued in the on-line media because of the notion that he was dead. The mere sight of him on television brought relief to the hearts of many people who feared the worst. The Imam summed up his ordeal by saying that five months detention tend to have negative impact on a person’s physical and mental well being. There is no doubt that unless one is psychologically prepared for it detention incommunicado does erode a person’s senses, emotion, tissues, health and will power. He definitely deserves a medical check-up and his family should work on that with speed.
What is still a matter of concern to Foroyaa is the statement of the Secretary General. We had assumed that the Attorney General would be present to give a legal position if the release has any link to the Constitutional or statutory powers of the President. We are still trying to understand the speech of the Secretary General and the grounds and terms of detention and release.
For the information of our readers, the president is only allowed by the Constitution to exercise prerogative of mercy under the following circumstances that is prescribed under Section 82 which deals with the prerogative of mercy:
“(1) The president may, after consulting the Committee established by subsection
(2)- (a) grant to any person convicted of any offence a pardon either free or subject to lawful conditions;
(b) grant to any person a respite, either indefinite or for a specified period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for any offence;
(c) substitute a less severe form of punishment for any punishment imposed on any person for any offence;
(d) remit the whole or any part of any punishment imposed on any person for such an offence or any penalty otherwise due to the State on account of any offence.
(2) There shall be a Committee on the exercise of the prerogative of mercy consisting of the Attorney General and three other persons appointed by the president subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.”
The Head of the Civil Service indicated in the local language that Imam Baba Leigh is pardoned for allegedly doing something that threatens the peace and stability of the country and indicated the terms and conditions of the pardon. We hope that this would be published in a Press Release for us to get the official position before getting a legal opinion on the matter.
Foroyaa’s role is to scrutinise how the government is governing and ensure that it does not err without being told where it is in error; to promote better condition of governance. If we do not get the official version in writing, we will try to transcribe and publish the spoken version and test its accuracy before subjecting it to analysis.
In the meantime, it is best for the President to heed Imam Fatty’s advice for him to order the release of more detainees. Those who govern should not sleep or rest unless they are convinced that those they are leading are resting and sleeping. When the people have peace and prosperity, a leader must have tranquillity and rest without worries"
SOURCE : FOROYAA NEWS:EDITORIAL |
Edited by - kobo on 13 May 2013 20:40:00 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2013 : 00:42:17
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1. KIBAARO NEWS Islam Council Sanctions Imam Baba Leigh’s Arrest -By Papa Kumba Loum
2. The Truth Behind Imam Baba Leigh’s Release
"Since the release of Imam Baba Leigh of Kanifing South Mosque from illegal detention on Friday, so many theories have been spreading in the air. But Kibaaro News investigation has extracted the chaff from the wind. We arrived at the truth about the Imam’s release.
Credible sources reported that Imam Leigh’s release was spearheaded by members of the Supreme Islam Council and the Imam Ratib of Banjul, Cherno Kah.
“Since Wednesday, the delegation had been visiting Imam Baba Leigh at the NIA trying to convince him to agree to kneel down before President Yahya Jammeh so he could regain his lost freedom,” our NIA source reported. “Imam emphatically refused to comply with their demands because he has not wronged anyone or violated the law.”
Our sources said when all attempts had failed the delegation finally convinced Imam Leigh to appear before President Jammeh. “Imam agreed to their demands provided he would not make any comments.”
Kibaaro News also learnt that the NIA Director General coordinated the meeting between Imam Leigh and religious leaders. Mr. Numo Kujabi told President Jammeh that the detained Imam was ready to kneel before him, much to the delight of Gambian leader.
However, that was never the case, as Baba Leigh never knelt before President Jammeh. “President Jammeh felt betrayed that Mr. Kujabi had misinformed him,” our source said, adding that keys to Mr. Kujabi’s vehicles and offices have since been confiscated. “Though it is not official but he is already dismissed.”"
SOURCE : KIBAARO NEWS |
Edited by - kobo on 14 May 2013 03:58:41 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2013 : 09:49:39
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1. MAAFANTA.COMDEMEAN, DEGRADE, DISCARD- by Sidi Sanneh
2. A “pardon” for Imam Baba Leigh is preposterous nonsense!- by Lamin J. Darboe
"When news of Imam Baba Leigh’s (Imam Leigh) release exploded in Gambian communities at home and abroad, it was greeted with unanimous and justified relief. For watchers of Gambian public space, curiosity nevertheless centred on how the Imam Leigh imbroglio would be explained by his abductor, i.e. the state of The Gambia. The wait wasn’t long, and true to form, the state handling of the affair was astounding in its capriciousness. Or maybe not so astounding as ours is now a country where the absolutely ridiculous is the new normal!
As if nothing was ever amiss, Imam Leigh was paraded before the nation in a manner that exposed his handlers in extraordinary fashion, and our public space as sorry through and through. A citizen was abducted from the sanctuary of his home, and the state made no effort whatsoever to regularise that public criminality by either informing him of his offences, or charging him with a crime against a law, or laws, of The Gambia. After more than five months, he was released from unlawful state detention and told on national television that he was a loudmouth and must apologise to our benevolent father of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Doctor Yahya A J J Jammeh (the Professor). And this by custodians of the Gambian moral conscience! By any yardstick, the Imam Leigh saga goes to the very heart of our ability to meaningfully survive as a polity.
In trademark fashion, we awoke to the Daily Observer’s publication of a press release purporting to grant Imam Leigh a presidential pardon. “The Imam of Kanifing Estate Baba Leigh has been released, after a pardon by President Jammeh. The Imam was accompanied to State House by the Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah and members of the Supreme Islamic Council. He was received there by the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Njogu Bah”.
To understand what must occur before a pardon could be legitimately granted, we must examine the fundamental and dispositive law as enunciated at section 82 of The 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia:
(1) The President may, after consulting the Committee established by subsection (2) -
---(a) grant to any person convicted of any offence a pardon either free or subject to lawful conditions;
---(b) grant to any person a respite, either indefinite or for a specified period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for any offence;
---(c) substitute a less severe form of punishment for any punishment imposed on any person for any offence;
---(d) remit the whole or any part of any punishment imposed on any person for such an offence or any penalty otherwise due to the State on account of any offence
(2) There shall be a Committee on the exercise of the prerogative of mercy consisting of the Attorney General and three other persons appointed by the President subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.
Clearly, the legal framework of a pardon was not triggered in the case of Imam Leigh. He was abducted, not arrested. In addition, he was neither informed of, nor charged with any offence against any law of The Gambia. Needless to say, and more crucially, Imam Leigh was never convicted and sentenced for a criminal offence by a competently constituted Court. What he encountered was state criminality of the highest order!
As far as the supreme law of the Gambia is concerned, a pardon generally comes after a conviction. On the evidence, Imam Leigh was abducted and disappeared for over five months. He was never charged with any offence, and no prosecutions were commenced against him, and there was no concluded judicial proceeding resulting in a conviction. In the circumstances, there could not be a presidential pardon.
I should also point out that serious criminal offences were committed by the State against the person of Imam Leigh. As such, anyone who propounds the nonsense that we should be grateful to the Professor for releasing Imam Leigh betrays cluelessness of the highest order. Merely thinking such nonsense is offensive to legality and common sense! There was no reason for the man to be subjected to treatment so completely outside the permission of our laws, the very fact of his abduction and incarceration entitles him to millions in compensation from The Gambia Government and its agents."
SOURCE : MAAFANTA.COM |
Edited by - kobo on 14 May 2013 09:50:55 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2013 : 13:52:19
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1. US welcomes release of Imam Baba Leigh
"The United States says Monday that it welcomes the release of Imam Baba Leigh ‘from National Intelligence Agency (NIA) custody’ after being held incommunicado for over five months.
In a statement issued yesterday through its Embassy in Banjul, the US Department of State ‘urged the Government of The Gambia to act in accordance with its laws as well as its international obligations and to uphold its commitment to rule of law.’
In another statement issued earlier last week, the US Embassy said it continues to be greatly concerned about the welfare and safety of Imam Baba Leigh, five months after he disappeared.
It said as a leading Islamic scholar, Imam Baba Leigh is a frequent interlocutor of the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Department of State and is known as a trusted religious leader throughout The Gambia."
SOURCE : THE POINT NEWS
2. Activist freed - journalist still missing in The Gambia
"“Tragically, the story of Imam Baba Leigh is not unusual in the Gambia where the authorities seem to be carrying out a campaign of illegal arrests, harassment, and death threats against anyone who dares to speak up on human rights." Lisa Sherman-Nikolaus, West-Africa researcher at Amnesty International.
SOURCE : AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Full information here |
Edited by - kobo on 15 May 2013 05:50:28 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2013 : 16:06:14
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1. THE POINT NEWS;
2. REACTION TO IMAM BABA LEIGH’S RELEASE
"Following the release of Imam Baba Leigh on Friday,10 May 2013, after being held incommunicado for more than five months, this reporter was out and about in the streets of Kanifing Municipality to find out the views of the public on this recent development.
Assan Sanneh, a resident of Kanifing Estate, expressed relief that the Imam is finally released. “When I watched TV on Friday and saw the Imam sitting there, I was heartbroken to see him looking weak, emaciated and tired. I admire the Imam and I am also praying for him to recover his health and spirit.”
A lady resident of Kanifing South said she is thanking Allah for bringing Imam Baba Leigh back. She said the development came to her as a surprise because she and many others have always been wondering and did not know the Imam’s whereabouts as no one has admitted holding him. “I even thought that he was dead when his whereabouts were not known. I was always praying to Allah to save him. I was glad to see him alive on television but was equally shocked to see that he lost weight,” she said.
One Musa Badjie of Churchill Town said this is a positive development and that one has to praise god. He said the issue of Imam Baba Leigh’s disappearance for five months has been an issue of concern to many people in this country as the Imam is respected. He said he was glad that he is not charged of any crime against the State. He expressed his happiness that the Imam has finally united with his family and loved ones. He said he is wishing him a speedy recovery from physical weakness.
“I am welcoming the Imam back,” said an elated Fatou Jallow, a Serekunda resident. “When I saw Baba Leigh on television, I know he must have gone through tough times but I was however relieved to see him alive. I initially had fears because of what was being rumoured about the Imam,” she said.
Alhaji Abdou Njie, an elderly person, expressed concern over the long detention of the Imam without charge. “One thing I cannot understand is how can a person be detained for more than five months and not taken to court for doing anything wrong like violating the law?”
He said “we should be careful with one another because Allah is always there watching us in our deeds and we will all answer for them,” he advised. He further advised the religious leaders to be God fearing and to speak and stand for the truth at all timeswhich, he said, is the word of God. “I am praying for Imam Baba Leigh, his family and the entire nation,” concluded Alh. Njie."
Author: by Mustapha Jallow"
SOURCE : Foroyaa |
Edited by - kobo on 15 May 2013 23:03:57 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2013 : 23:25:05
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Imam Baba Leigh’s Dignity Remains intact Says Lawyer Darboe
"Abdoulie Fatty and Cherno Kah should not lead any Prayers, says Lawyer Darboe
The leader of opposition United Democratic Party, lawyer Ousainou Darboe, stated that Imam Baba Leigh’s dignity remains intact after his five months detention. Mr Darboe was speaking to Kibaaro’s reporter after the release of Imam Baba Leigh. Mr Darboe further maintain that, “the regime is out of touch and acting in strange manners. Kidnapping an innocent Imam, detaining him for five months without recourse to law and due process is wanton criminality.”.
Mr Darboe said, “Baba Leigh went missing and the government refused to take any personal responsibility on the where about of the famous Imam, sadly, this kind of lawlessness can only happen in the Gambia, among many African countries.” He went to say that, no Gambian should blame Baba Leigh for anything. The man he said “went through hell and back”.
Mr Darboe further attacked the elders who graced the release drama of Imam Baba Leigh. He said, Abdoulie Fatty and Cherno Kah should not lead any Prayers. The UDP leader said, “genuine practising Muslims should boycott the mosque where these two so-call Imams lead prayers.” He went on to say, He Lawyer Darboe will never pray behind Abdoulie Fatty and Cherno Kah.
Mr Darboe observe that, the Gambia is getting worst in human rights and bad governance. Gambians cannot continue to look the other way. All civilised methods should be undertaken to democratically end the state of affairs. The inhumanity and indignity Baba Leigh went through is horrifying to characterise.
He said, Baba Leigh didn’t say much on television. The Imam was disoriented and unsettled. Mr Darboe said, with all that, Imam Baba Leigh remained dignified. We should give solidarity to the Imam and all other Gambians in similar situation. The regime shouldn’t be allowed to divide our opinions which is their plot and strategy. The Likes of Ngou Bah, ALieu Mboge and other stooges, cannot pretend not to know the veracity of the abuse of power in the Gambia. This he said, is a hovering state of affairs, which any Gambian can be affected with. No one is safe from the crimes committed against Baba Leigh.
“The government should explain to Gambians the reason it act unlawfully and trespass the rights of a Gambian citizen. The government should come out publicly and provide reason it violated the Gambian constitution, by going over the 72 hours limit of a simple Gambian Imam. Playing theatrics and drama on national television is not sufficient by a sitting government. .” Said Mr Darboe
When Mr Darboe was asked on the legality of detaining Baba Leigh for five months without recourse to law, Mr Darboe said “there is no question about the serious abuse of power and disregard to the Gambian constitution and law. 72 hours is the limit to hold someone without charging them or presenting them in front of a court of law. But Baba Leigh’s arrest was not even acknowledge by the government security forces let alone, present him in front of a court with a charge sheet.” He concluded."
Written by: Suntou Touray
SOURCE: Kibaaro News |
Edited by - kobo on 17 May 2013 01:22:25 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2013 : 20:54:00
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IMAM BABA LEIGH’S RELEASE: IMAM ABDOULIE FATTY’S STATEMENT
"In the name of the Almighty Allah whose power makes it possible for us to be gathered here today, it must be said thatany happening in this world one must or should have the believe and fate that it is all the handiwork of Allah.
What has happened to Imam Baba Leigh on the day he was arrested and detained up to a day like today of his release, is something that has been written down by the All Mighty Allah. No one could stop that from happening.
For Imam Baba Leigh on behalf of all here gathered, I would like to extend our greetings and my greetings to him and family. My greeting also goes to Imam Ratib of Banjul, Cherno Kah, who is the Imam of all Imams in the country, Imam Lamin Touray, President, Supreme Islamic Council, Imam State House, and greetings to my father Dr. Malick Samba, President, Banjul Muslim Elders, Secretary Alhagie Alieu Mboge, Captain Saine, Yakub Badjie, Secretary General, the son of Oustas Imam Muhammed Lamin Bah, Director GRTS Alhagie Lamin Manga, Reporter GRTS Abdou Njie, and Camera Men. Alhamudulilahi we are at joyous gathering. So we are not here for you to see us crying with tears running down our cheeks. It is a day of joy, so we have to laugh, because it is a joyous day for us.
I want to tell or inform Imam Baba Leigh what he knows more than I do. He Imam Baba Leigh should not have in his mind that his detention is by President Jammeh. He should know that it is the Almighty Allah who kept him in custody, or detained him and not President Jammeh or anybody else. There is nothing that happens in this world without going according to the wishes and will of Allah. We must accept the will of Allah who is the creator of all things on earth and all living things including human beings. Allah has written for this to happen to Imam Baba Leigh and has written the day like today that he is to be released. Nobody has the power to stop it from happening. Even President Jammeh cannot stop it from happening. Allah has the will and power and decides what is or is not to happen. This is not the first of its kind to have happened. There is nothing one could say that if this did not happen, something else would not have happened. Allah has the power and will and decides that this is to happen to Imam Baba Leigh, nobody can stop it but Allah who has that power. This is not first of its kind to happen in this world. There were Imams of religion who have faced such problems before."
SOURCE: FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS(Full information and more here) |
Edited by - kobo on 22 May 2013 20:55:44 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2013 : 08:50:42
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IMAM BABA LEIGH’S RELEASE: ALHAJI ALIEU MBOGE’S SPEECH
"Speeches weremade on Friday 10 May 2013 after the release of Imam Baba Leigh, following five months in detention.
Those present at State House included Imam Baba Leigh, Alhaji Cherno Kah, Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Momodou Lamin Touray, President Supreme Islamic Council, Alhaji Abdoulie Fatty, Imam State House Mosque, Alhaji Ebrahim Malick Samba, Chairman - Banjul Muslim Elders Committee and Alhaji Alieu Alieu Mboge, Secretary - Banjul Muslim Elders Committee. The government officials were Dr. Njogou Bah, Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, Captain Lamin Saine, Director General National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Yankuba Badjie, Deputy Director General National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Lamin Manga, Direcetor General Gambia Radio and Television Services.
In the last issue Foroyaa published the speeches delivered by Dr Njogu Bah and Imam Cherno Kah. In this edition we focus on Alhaji Alieu Mboge.
Speech delivered by Alhaji Alieu Mboge-Secretary- Banjul Muslim Elders Committee
Let me say a little on what happened, Njogu (Secretary General) has said what he was told to transmit to us. Thank you, the statement is well delivered. We are happy for being involved in this. This is a day of happiness. As for President Jammeh, whatever he does he first thinks about it, but what I want to add to what you have said together with Imam Fatty and Imam Touray about the religion, you know it more than us.
There was this Imam Hamza of a Mosque at Finsbury Park (United Kingdom) who was preaching vehemently against the British, the Americans and the Western world.
The British were not pleased with the fundamentalist Islam he was preaching. They extradited him to America and he could not do anything about it. NB: The recording became inaudible at this stage. Foroyaa would appreciate any input to get a recording of the speech to complete it for tomorrow’s issue.
See Imam Baba Leigh’s speech in tomorrow’s edition."
SOURCE: FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS(Full information and more here) |
Edited by - kobo on 24 May 2013 08:51:32 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2013 : 21:21:23
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1.IMAM BABA LEIGH’S RELEASE: SPEECH OF IMAM BABA LEIGH
"Speeches were made on Friday,10 May 2013 after the release of Imam Baba Leigh, following five months in detention.
In this edition we focus on the speech of Imam Baba Leigh. Imam Baba Leigh (Imam Ratib of the Kanifing East Estate Mosque) former detainee
He started his statement with remarks in the Arabic language. He continued:
Dr. Njogu, in fact for me, I don’t have anything to say because the statements I heard here are the same as mine; they are in my mind. The personalities who are present here are the same as me. Nobody is here who is a stranger to me. For Captain Saine, we were together at Serrekunda School in 1965. That is not today. Cherno Kah is the same and for Dr. Samba, it is likewise. These are our elders. So someone like Imam Touray and Imam Abdoulie Fatty, what they have said is what I’ve said.
There is only one thing that disappoints me and that is the mistake they keep repeating, because for me all that I have been saying is on record. And as for me, I am a Talibe (student). I am a human being and cannot avoid mistakes. It is the Prophet who said “We cannot be entirely free from mistakes.” This means that to err is human. But that the best among those who make mistakes is the one who knows that he made a mistake and then avoids making it again. Since people have spoken and what they have said is good, it would not serve any useful purpose for me to say anything more to make it monotonous. Since it is Allah who I put my trust in as far as the religion is concern and they too have confidence in me, then let us pray to Allah for this trust and confidence to continue.
As for president Jammeh to sit down and then consider granting me pardon, I am thanking him for this. I want to buttress the point made by Imam Fatty when he said that it was not President Jammeh who held me. It was Allah who predestined that this is where one should pass through and there is no way in which one could have avoided this fate. I do not hold anyone responsible for what I’ve gone through. If there is anyone I should blame, then it is I and not any human being. I feel too good to blame any individual for being responsible for my predicament.
What they (previous speakers) have said as the differences within the religion, I’ve have never been part of those who the Imam Ratib cited as the ones who create factions and would refuse to accept the sighting of the moon by others, or would pray on different dates. I have been doing this ever since, even when my father was alive and serving as an Imam.
Presently, I am feeling something in my body and I cannot continue beyond this. It may be because my mind is not sharp enough since I was isolated for such a long time. To be held for a period that is close to six months is not a short time.
So what I would do now is to thank President Jammeh and also to plead, just at Imam Fatty has said, for him to know that we are his children. No one will come from the outside to offend him. We are his children and we are the ones who would offend him, relate with him, talk about him, respond to his invitations etc. This is what makes us his children. It is Allah, who chose him among the lot and made him the leader, who is protecting him. It is not me, not Imam Fatty or anybody else.
Therefore, I am thanking him and also those who are present here and whoever that has made a single effort for me to come out of the predicament I was in. It was only a predicament and Allah tests everybody at your own level. But if you accept whatever predicament from Allah, then you will certainly benefit from his reward.
As for you (Njogu) you are our son and you know this very well. As for Imam Fatty, I own him, I own his father and everything he has got and he knows that. I am also his grandfather. This one (Imam Touray) is my colleague or workmate since at the time of Imam Hatab Bojang. I used to go with Oustas Mass Kah to them in Gunjur where we would spend the whole day and even teach at times and I share cordial relations with him up to this day.
If such a thing (detention) happens to me, it is not strange because these are some of the hazards of the profession like it happens to others. No one expects me to be taking passengers across the river in a wooden boat and then sinking it. People experience predicaments in their stations in life or the work they do. We only pray to Allah to lessen the negative impact of such experiences.
To conclude, I am thanking Yankuba Badjie, Deputy Director NIA, and all those who are present, including our son (Lamin Manga) who is over there. I heard that he now heads GRTS. We are praying for him to get the support of Allah. I am sending you (Manga) to the president for you to tell him that the friendship I have developed with him in the past years at Kotu Power Station is even stronger today. It is just that eh… What Allah knows is enough.
Assalamu Alaikum."
SOURCE: FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS(Full information and more here)
2. THE DAILY NEWS WITH IMAM BABA LEIGH'S;
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Edited by - kobo on 25 May 2013 09:50:26 |
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