 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Momodou
Denmark
11823 Posts |
 Posted - 05 Nov 2009 : 19:13:27
|
Darboe and Hamat’s Pull Out from NADD was a Political Suicide.
DISCOURSE WITH Saihou Jammeh
In an exclusive interview with The Discourse, the Leader of National Democratic Alliance Movement (NDAM), Mr. Lamin Waa Juwara (aka Mbarodi) said that Ousainou Darboe and Hamat Bah were told that pulling out from the NADD coalition would tantamount to a political suicide. The two opposition party leaders however pulled, and the oppositions failed: Waa is now putting the blame on them.
For the benefit of the readers, this interview forms part of our series with opposition figures to clear the air as to why the opposition figures are incapable of forming a united alliance against President Jammeh in the 2006 Presidential elections. The debate now continues with Lamin Waa Juwara of NDAM. Read on.
Why are you insisting on the belief that opposition parties in The Gambia are ‘dead’, whilst your colleagues (opposition party leaders) are holding a contrary belief that they are in a state of ‘coma’, and ‘alive’ blaming their situation on the ‘political environment’ in the country?
It’s not the environment. You see, one has to be honest, for anybody with his or her common sense who has observed the level of opposition mobilizations and politics generally, will know that what the opposition currently constitutes, is dead. To say they are in coma is an understatement. The opposition has failed to capitalise on the commonwealth-brokered reconciliation contained in a Memorandum of Understanding signed by all political parties in the Gambia. This is the document that has set out all the rules of engagement as well as putting the interest of The Gambia, first. And I cannot still understand how any genuine opposition party can give its back to such as agreement because this was a positive engagement. It was a democratic setting where the right of the oppositions are clearly spelt out and mutual respect in our conduct of politics. We all agreed that in the higher interest of the Gambians, we forget our differences in the past and work in a conducive political climate.
If the opposition parties in the Gambia decided to give its back to such an important agreement, which the ruling party agreed to sign, what sort of politics do we want to engage ourselves in? Because with that MoU, there is no place for foul play! As a result of lack of honesty, and disregard for agreement that we have committed ourselves to, the people lost confidence in the opposition. Currently there is no room for opposition alliance because they were more interested in leadership rather than coming together.
Could it not be true that the political environment contributes to whatever situation the oppositions are in, because United Democratic Party (UDP) for instance are being denied police permit to hold rallies on several occasions?
They are denied permit because they are dead. You don’t give permit to a dead political party. They are dead! They have no muscle, other than to cry foul. They are completely dead. How can a vibrant political party be denied permit to hold rallies. I have keenly followed UDP trying to hold rallies but it was a failure. In Brikama recently they have tried to organise one but it was a failure. And the one they held in Serre-Kunda, Foroyaa newspaper says 700 people attended the meeting. I am sure most of those people are curious passers-by who want to know what was going on there.
But they (UDP) have a constitutional right to hold rallies, isn’t it?
Is that the UDP that was launched in Brikama when the crowd was so large that Ousainou Darboe cannot even arise from his vehicle to address the people? If they deny them permit and a lawyer leads them, let them go to court and fight it, not politically. He (Darboe) does not have the support; the strength is not there. If you know the history of Gambian politics, you will know what I am saying. This was what happened to United Party (UP) – all their people deserted them to join the ruling part, and the party died.
Why did you [opposition parties] decided to come together to form National Alliance for Democracy and Development?
We have said it over and over. It was because we wanted to be a credible challenge to the ruling Alliance for Patriotism Reconstruction Construction (APRC). They [Darboe and Bah] walked out and that was the end. Darboe spearheaded the walkout simply because he said he should lead. What right does he have to lead without the consent of the people? He hold the people to contempt, betrayed the people. Why doing that, when the people have decided to disown him. They are dead! Tell OJ where is PPP.
What was the actual reason for NADD’s failure?
Disintegration! Darboe and others left because he wanted to lead. Instead of going for primaries, which we agreed on, he handpicked himself to lead.
Darboe and others left, and you also did, why?
I did not pulled-out. I stayed until after the election was over, and then I left because NADD has a definite lifespan.
Should there be any chance of all opposition parties coming together once more, to form a united front capable of posing a strong challenge to President Jammeh in the next election, will you join?
I said they are dead. How can dead people form a united front? It is just a waste of time. We cannot form a united front because all opposition parties are dead. It is just a waste of time. If they want people to bury them, that is not going to be a problem. But I do not think the people will want to do that because they are going for other businesses.
Going by your engagements recently, it is hard for one to distinguish whether you are still an opposition member or a member of the incumbent government. Where do you stand Mr. Juwara?
My position is clear. It depends on what makes one an opposition or part of the ruling party. As far as I am concern, there is no room for donkey politics; that is fight for power at all cost even if that is against the interest of your very own country. If you accept that The Gambia is more important than your own political agenda that means you have cease to be in the opposition. The only way you can be classified as an opposition is to falsely talk about what is wrong and not acknowledging what is right. The opposition would never acknowledge objectively the achievements of the government. We have seen what has happened in Zimbabwe, the struggle for power is more important to the political players than the welfare of Zimbabweans. That is a sad state of affairs, which has been keeping Africa backward. And I thank the Gambians for giving their back to that sort of politics. Gambians are highly tolerant and political demagogues can never use their canon fodder for their own political interests. It is highly commendable that there is no tribalism in our politics and our society; and there is no single opposition who can say that the last election was not free and fair. Independent Electoral Commission did a good job and we have to congratulate it. The opposition failure cannot be blamed on the people, the government or IEC, but ourselves.
So come 2011 will you contend for the presidency?
That will depend on the people. I am not important; it is the people that matter and they are primary. As of now, all the oppositions are dead. I am not saying UDP is dead and NDAM is alive. I mean all of us are dead. What I am saying is clear. All the parties are dead including NDAM. Politics depends on the people. People use to take vehicle to attend our rallies, but that is not the case now because there is no such credible opposition party. They are all dead. We told them (Darboe and Hamat) if you pull out from NADD you would be committing a political suicide. Let them come and contribute their quota to national development.
Some say you are a desperate politician, frustrated especially after the failure of NADD, and has no other choice than to go-in and gain-from ruling party. How do you explain this?
I have never been frustrated in my life. Everything I do, I calculate it not for my personal interest, but for my standing in society. It is my nature that all the time to acknowledge the truth even against my interest. And I am just honest to say that President Jammeh got the last election free and fair. If he had not win, I would have said he did not. We disintegrated and he won. I am not frustrated. I have never forced myself into leadership position. It is a normal democratic procedure that if one stand for presidency for two to three times and failed, he or she should call it a day and give way for others to try. Nobody is indispensable.
In your interview with The Point recently you have predicted a landslide victory for President Jammeh next election. But there were many happenings; the good and bad that may, one way or the other have impact on the incumbent’s popularity. Don’t you think there could be a u-turn for the opposition against the ruling party?
What is going to be a u-turn? I said the oppositions are dead. I am just honest. I am in the opposition and I have a registered political party. I was the main opposition propagandist. I know the terrain. Who among us can challenge President Jammeh? We have lost our chance. None of us could be a credible challenge because we disappointed the people. Do you think Darboe will be credible challenge? Or do you think O J (PPP leader) or that I am going to be. I am talking about us. We betrayed our own conscience.
What are the possibilities of the opposition parties to be called together?
Who is going to call? Not the current leadership. Who is that going to be? Even if the person to call is new, why has he not come into the fray? The current opposition political parties, which are dead, can never reconstitute themselves to be a challenge to Jammeh. It was not blunder, but a political suicide that NADD failed. That is the end. I am not a dreamer, but a politician who is in touch with the people on the ground. Time will prove me right
Source: The Daily News
Related Topics:
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 05 Nov 2009 : 23:43:25
|
Politicos at a meeting ,forum,seminar,or on holiday ?  |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
Edited by - toubab1020 on 05 Nov 2009 23:44:49 |
 |
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2009 : 03:21:11
|
JAMFA MANYI! BETRAYAL & SELFISH INTERESTS SORRY ITS TOO LATE FOR A SECOND CHANCE! |
|
|
|
kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2009 : 07:16:44
|
| Mbarodi appears very close-minded in this interview. He must be having a good time in his post as Governor... |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2009 : 10:13:21
|
In my opinion that's not a fair comment on this interview! You need to read last three questions; acknowledge his honest opinions and gave him credit on his assessment as a veteran Gambian politician on the current political climate It was a massive failure, dissapointment and serious setback for opposition after disintegration of NADD
|
Edited by - kobo on 06 Nov 2009 10:15:59 |
|
|
|
dembis
Sweden
71 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2009 : 10:24:18
|
| let all the politicians involved come out and say sorry. It is not a hard word to say and does`nt cost anything at all. We all know the tribalist people within us and those who believe in power.By the way selfish politicians will not like the idea of some good politicians because they know their is no chance for nepotism. Africa is lack of leadership like mandela said and this problem is only in gambia but all over. Example senegal they lack a strong oppositin leader even though they dont like the performance of the current government which want to installed mornachism. |
dembis |
|
|
|
kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2009 : 10:26:13
|
quote:
Originally posted by kobo
quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
Mbarodi appears very close-minded in this interview. He must be having a good time in his post as Governor...
In my opinion that's not a fair comment on this interview! You need to read last three questions; acknowledge his honest opinions and gave him credit on his assessment as a veteran Gambian politician on the current political climate It was a massive failure, dissapointment and serious setback for opposition after disintegration of NADD
Mbarodi appears close-minded in the sense that he appears unable to see any perspective other than that "the opposition is dead", a claim that is arguably wrong and refuted by Halifa, Darboe and O.J.
Personally, I share the optimistic view with many others that all is not lost in the opposition. Despite all the problems and challenges of the past and the present, it is still possible that the opposition can coalesce into a united front against the APRC. But of course close-minded pessimists do not see the bright side of things. By focusing too much on the failure of the 'first' NADD, Mbarodi could be missing the opportunities and possibilities that could emerge out of initial failure. This is what I mean, KOBO... |
|
|
|
toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2009 : 12:14:49
|
Welcome back, had a good weekend ?
quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
Politicos at a meeting ,forum,seminar,or on holiday ?
|
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
|
|
|
kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2009 : 12:41:23
|
Referring to me, Toubab? I did have a great weekend; and I am back  . Did you have a good one? |
|
|
|
toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2009 : 13:09:05
|
Kay, thanks, yes, My comments were to all politicos who were conspicious by their lack of postings over the weekend, and as you saw by the symbol attached to my original post.
(toubab sense of humour  ) |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
Edited by - toubab1020 on 06 Nov 2009 13:11:06 |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 07 Nov 2009 : 00:52:26
|
Thanks for clarification Kayjatta! However am not optimistic having realised that there are very serious differences of opinions between Halifa, Darboe & O.J including many constraints to make them well organised force
Failure and disintegration of NADD is a serious setback for any opposition against APRC! That fact greatly promote Waa to bluntly declare the opposition as dead and lacking any chance of winning next general elections They have a great deal of work to even win a seat coming elections! These are the facts and very unfavourable to them
|
|
|
|
kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 07 Nov 2009 : 18:31:49
|
| "It is easier to be pessimistic, but our intellectual pride requires that we are optimistic", Werner Heizenberg; a German physcist and a contemporary of Albert Einstein. |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 08 Nov 2009 : 02:07:18
|
quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
"It is easier to be pessimistic, but our intellectual pride requires that we are optimistic", Werner Heizenberg; a German physcist and a contemporary of Albert Einstein.
Lets be pragmatic and not wishful thinking to save the day Kay! |
|
|
|
kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2009 : 06:56:41
|
| Pragmatism cannot come about through pessimism. There is nothing pragmatic about conceding to APRC and calling the opposition dead. Pragmatism is possible only through optimism. It is the optimists who are able to identify new opportunities in the midst of chaos and apparent failure. |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2009 : 16:32:19
|
Since there is optimism it would be very interesting to know any proposals, options and opportuinites that you think the opposition have inorder to defeat A.P.R.C and unseat Jammeh 2011 or beyond
We have not even heard any statement or interview from Hamat Bah leader of N.R.P on this so-called political suicide
Anyone that have something better than N.A.D.D tactical alliance, please bring it on The pull out was "a political suicide", betrayal and made them failed the people that had great expectations from them. |
Edited by - kobo on 09 Nov 2009 16:41:00 |
|
|
|
kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 12 Nov 2009 : 12:20:13
|
| Where is Hamat Bah??? The Gambia Daily needs to track him down and bring him to the table here. We need to hear from him badly... |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
