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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
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mansasulu
997 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Dec 2009 : 15:00:17
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| GRTS International...? |
"...Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest..." Sura Al-Rad (Chapter 13, Verse 28)
...Gambian by birth, Muslim by the grace of Allah... |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2009 : 10:35:53
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Thanks Santafara for bringing us Lawyer Ousainou Darboe's interview on the GRTS International. This is an important occasion to hear from Darboe, the leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) again with regards to his position on some of the important issues raised in the interview.
I have to acknowledge that Mr. Darboe is a celebrated Gambian (human rights) attorney of an impeccable moral standing, and perhaps because of that and more the Gambia needs more people of his status to take part in national governance affairs. However, the way the content of his interview is window-dressed and utilized as a spring board to launch unilateral attacks on NADD opposition parties, especially PDOIS is unfair, innacurate and shameful.
I would like to respond to your "analysis" of Darboe's interview as published on Maafanta (the Gambia's defacto O Magazine)in a selective point by point manner, as follows:
1. Entry into politics:
Darboe claimed that he has been handpicked to lead UDP, and after consultation with his family and a chance encounter with "a bearded man", he accepted the leadership position in UDP. This appears to me that Darboe's reasons for political leadership are not rooted in any substantive alternative clear-cut vision. His reasons outlined in this interview can only be described as parochial and elitist. Family, both immediate and extended are important; but political duty and leadership are better if based on national considerations and support. Family is secondary to country. Politicians who put family at the forefront of leadership decision making end up practicing nothing but nepotism and tribalism. Perhaps Dr. Gegan Senghore's assertion that "at independence, Africans have mistaken champions for leaders" is instructive here.
2. Law firm versus State House:
Lawyer Darboe's decision to run for the presidency at the risk of hurting his law firm is not necessarily as much a sacrifice as you would like to illustrate it. No one who witnessed the launching of UDP and the mass support and fanfare that accompanied it would consider Darboe's choice an extra-ordinary risk. Afterall, in Abraham Maslow's terms; Darboe had already became what he could became.
But I do not even think that Darboe has ever let his lucrative clients slip away without reluctance. Darboe's dual function as private attorney and politician did not only hurt his law practice, it hurt UDP (and opposition) politics also.
Unlike Darboe, the members of PDOIS (Halifa, Sam, and Sidia), like Socrates of ancient Greece, for a long time refused to take up gainful employment for the idle job of public discussion. The Foroyaa newspaper was established as an organ for political and civic education, but not to create a lavish lifestyle for its owners. Anyone who has ever visited the home of Sam, Sedia, or Halifa could testify to the humble life they are living is far below that of a civil service and ministerial positions they have repeatedly declined. You know Elsa (Albert Einstein's wife) used to tell her friends that she and her husband (Einstein who even gave away his Nobel Prize money) decided to live a life of poverty by choice. The Gambia badly needs leaders who renounce material wealth and grandiose lifestyles for themselves.
3. NADD versus UDP:
Darboe's tactical decision to freeze UDP political grassroots activities to give NADD a chance is not that he was doing anyone a favor. Darboe's hopes and aspirations were solely to clinch the NADD nomination, and soon afterward the suspension of UDP activities would not have been such a regretful idea.
4. Change of leadership:
Darboe's statement that he is prepared to concede the leadership of UDP is not sincere. If Darboe were sincere about that statement, he should initiate an institutional change in UDP that is reflected in their rules and regulations with regards to leadership change. UDP is by-and-large a monolithic organization, and Darboe's leadership is not likely to be seriously challenged without a legal frame work for leadership change. Darboe is an attorney, he knows that democratic change of leadership is not accomplished by lip service. It is enshrined in regulations, laws and by-laws. Does Jawara's Mansakonko declaration rings a bell here?
5. Last Word:
UDP is at liberty to pursue its unilateral bid to unseat APRC. Furthermore, despite its "big party" syndrome and general electoral apathy, the UDP is steadily losing electoral ground.
However, my personal position is that NADD should invite Darboe and Hamat Bah (that is if Bah is interested in politics anymore) and agree to Darboe's party led coalision provided that Darboe agrees to a binding one term transitional presidency and publicly declares it in word, writing and signature. Our goal should be to seek the political kingdom first, and then all else shall fall in place (Kwame Nkrummah).
http://maafanta.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Analysing_the_recent_interview_of_UDP_leader_Alh.34080325.pdf |
Edited by - kayjatta on 08 Dec 2009 11:38:02 |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2009 : 13:24:08
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Kay, UDP is already part of NADD the allaince of lose political party not NADD the political party. So the UDP don't require anyone's invitation.
Also, the over blown statements by the NADD leader that, he is more genuine than others is also false. One leading an opposition political party in Africa means, starving for resources especially in barren lands like that of ours. Darboe exposed his interest and he accepted that in good faith. So our call is, let personal sacrifices and what have you be shelved. Let us all now look into ways of undoing a cronic dictatorship. Let Halifa stop blaming others and pretending to be the political saint. His response to Pa will be looked into. He has uttered lots misinformation to make himself look good. I know that is what politics is all about, but some fair comments is more than needed at this hour. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2009 : 13:27:16
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| As usual with all this long winded verbose Gambian political diatribe, it's all about personalities ,policies ? I could find very little on those,perhaps others could,improvement in the lives of the average Gambian ? anything about that ? as is well known I strongly dislike politics.Am I having a problem here ? are African Politics radically different to politics in the rest of the world. ? Politicos please enlighten me. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2009 : 13:47:13
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There is only one NADD; the "other NADD", the so-called lose alliance of political parties only exist in the imagination of UDP...
UDP needs to focus on issues and stop attacking the person of Halifa Sallah whether he is a saint or not.
Pa Nderry's allegations about Halifa were not only outragious, but also uninformed, and wreckless disregard of truth. I hope with his degree in Mass Comm. now he learns to investigate and analyse (documentary) facts as expected ... |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2009 : 14:43:48
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1. Entry into politics:
Darboe claimed that he has been handpicked to lead UDP, and after consultation with his family and a chance encounter with "a bearded man", he accepted the leadership position in UDP. This appears to me that Darboe's reasons for political leadership are not rooted in any substantive alternative clear-cut vision. His reasons outlined in this interview can only be described as parochial and elitist. Family, both immediate and extended are important; but political duty and leadership are better if based on national considerations and support. Family is secondary to country. Politicians who put family at the forefront of leadership decision making end up practicing nothing but nepotism and tribalism. Perhaps Dr. Gegan Senghore's assertion that "at independence, Africans have mistaken champions for leaders" is instructive here. - Kayjatta
kay, I just returned from the Gambia exhausted and with little energy to spare. However I felt compelled to address your concern above. Not only have you misrepresented the facts here, you also misconstrued them. What Darboe's interview was illustrating, and this is what I have always maintained here, is that he is not one of the founders of the UDP. The UDP was founded two weeks prior to the 1996 presidential election when all the other existing political parties saved for PDOIS were banned from participating. It was founded by high class intellectuals like the late Seedia Sanyang amongst others.- Some said Dr Lenrie Peters was involved but I have no confirmation of that- with the support of some seasoned politicians whose former parties were banned but who [themselves] were eligible to stand and/participate in the electoral process. It was these principal architects who crafted the political vision of the UDP. At this point, Mr. Darboe was not even in the country and his assistance or involvement was never sought. It was when all the necessary modalities were put in place for the sustenance and viability of the party that they embarked on a frenzy search for a leader. Several names were circulated but in the end, they decided to approach Mr Darboe who was at the time in the U.S on vacation. Mr Darboe in turn made enquiries, as you would expect of a seasoned lawyer, about the nature of the party and the people behind it and in the process, he was briefed about the political vision of the party, something he shared and accepted, and was impressed with the calibre of the people behind it some of whose membership had been instrumental in having him accept the leadership role. But there was another dimension to the issue which he cannot ignore; Mr. Darboe knew that his involvement in politics in that militarised climate will inevitably expose both himself and his family to some form of adverse consequences either during or after campaigning especially in the event of a lost outcome. This is why he had to consult his family and closed friends. Besides, no one takes potential life changing decisions of that nature independent of family advice. Even Barack Obama had consulted his wife and grandma before he decided to run for the presidency of the U.S. but that doesn't suggest that his political vision was crafted by his family. So I cannot understand why you will suggest that by virtue of his consultation, Mr Darboe’s political vision was somehow crafted or influenced by his family. Apart from the Late Numukunda Darboe, there is no known political activist in Mr Darboe’s family. If your suggestion had been that Mr Darboe's political vision was crafted by the intelligentsia that originally found the UDP, I will probably accept that albeit in a limited sense but I will also add that Mr Darboe and his Shadow Cabinet have significantly improved on that vision ever since.
Another thing worth mentioning, after the 1996/97 elections were done and dusted, Mr Darboe called a party congress in Brikama and gave the general membership the opportunity to choose a leader of their desire. The people in turn decided and unanimously to elect him as Secretary- General and Party Leader, and this is how he became the established leader of the United Democratic party.
I hope next time you will be more coherent and distortion free in your analysis. I shall be checking on other points you've raised later in the week.
Thanks
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 08 Dec 2009 15:36:19 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2009 : 15:05:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Santanfara
Kay, UDP is already part of NADD the allaince of lose political party not NADD the political party. So the UDP don't require anyone's invitation.
Also, the over blown statements by the NADD leader that, he is more genuine than others is also false. One leading an opposition political party in Africa means, starving for resources especially in barren lands like that of ours. Darboe exposed his interest and he accepted that in good faith. So our call is, let personal sacrifices and what have you be shelved. Let us all now look into ways of undoing a cronic dictatorship. Let Halifa stop blaming others and pretending to be the political saint. His response to Pa will be looked into. He has uttered lots misinformation to make himself look good. I know that is what politics is all about, but some fair comments is more than needed at this hour.
Thats out of the point on Kay's comments! What do you mean by "UDP is already part of NADD the allaince of lose political party not NADD the political party" Why didn't you contribute in the appropriate topic where am trying to help Janko on certain facts and points about N.A.D.D Halifa is not interested in any leadership but always willing to be a servant when called for duty (to the people)! No more for feasibility of United Front of oppostion parties because of "Jamfa!" to SAVE THE GAMBIA DEMOCRACY PROJECT'S BABY (N.A.D.D), THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND AND DISGRACE TO U.D.P & N.R.P! Let Yaya be there until another powerful force eliminate him or his time expires in the eyes of GOD!
No wonder you made these propaganda analysis of interview to suit your own purpose from The Gambia Journal under http://maafanta.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Analysing_the_recent_interview_of_UDP_leader_Alh.34080325.pdf |
Edited by - kobo on 08 Dec 2009 15:17:22 |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2009 : 21:01:02
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KOBO, Watch your blood pressure please, you are always so intense with all your postings,we would hate you to leave us before you are old!
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2009 : 08:00:18
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"...he is not one of the founders of the UDP. The UDP was founded two weeks prior to the 1996 presidential election when all the other existing political parties saved for PDOIS were banned from participating. It was founded by high class intellectuals like the late Seedia Sanyang amongst others.- Some said Dr Lenrie Peters was involved but I have no confirmation of that- with the support of some seasoned politicians whose former parties were banned but who [themselves] were eligible to stand and/participate in the electoral process. It was these principal architects who crafted the political vision of the UDP. At this point, Mr. Darboe was not even in the country and his assistance or involvement was never sought. It was when all the necessary modalities were put in place for the sustenance and viability of the party that they embarked on a frenzy search for a leader...", Nyarikangbanna said.
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This confirms that Darboe, unlike his PDOIS counterparts, did not come into politics with any nurtured political conviction or clear-cut alternative vision. He was just handpicked and used as a front-kind of a new face- for the defunct PPP, NCP, and GDP politicians and the so-called intelligentia. This is why in the 1996 presidential election, Darboe and the UDP were branded "restorationist", because they were seen as merely paving the way for the return of the old order. During the run up to that election (1996); and up to now Darboe and the UDP have not been able to carve a unique political path distinct from the former PPP and its offshoots, NCP, GDP, etc.
Thank you Nyari, and welcome back from the Gambia. Please send me a private message about your trip there; I am planning a trip myself shortly. So I probabaly need some heads up. |
Edited by - kayjatta on 09 Dec 2009 12:04:06 |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2009 : 15:55:44
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---------------------------------------------------------------------
quote:
This confirms that Darboe, unlike his PDOIS counterparts, did not come into politics with any nurtured political conviction or clear-cut alternative vision. He was just handpicked and used as a front-kind of a new face- for the defunct PPP, NCP, and GDP politicians and the so-called intelligentia. This is why in the 1996 presidential election, Darboe and the UDP were branded "restorationist", because they were seen as merely paving the way for the return of the old order. During the run up to that election (1996); and up to now Darboe and the UDP have not been able to carve a unique political path distinct from the former PPP and its offshoots, NCP, GDP, etc.
Thank you Nyari, and welcome back from the Gambia. Please send me a private message about your trip there; I am planning a trip myself shortly. So I probabaly need some heads up.
Kay, I agree with you when you said Darboe did not come into politics with a nurtured political conviction but that is because Darboe have always resisted the temptation to join politics despite several appeals from both Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, who in fact offered him a ministerial post, and Sheriff Mustapha Dibba. The hasty nature of the arrangement that gave birth to the UDP and the unplanned nature of his candidature, not to talk about the time span [two weeks] leading to the 1996 election, also meant that Darboe could not have nurtured an independent political conviction before accepting the leadership role. Nevertheless, he shared the vision that was extended to him by the principal proponents of the UDP and has, with the help of his shadow cabinet, since and quite substantially improved and nurtured that vision into a political conviction not only for the UDP but also personally for himself. Since then, he has been steadfast in will and resolute in purpose.
The term 'restorationists' was just a perception the APRC knew they had to instil into the electorates if they were to hold back the rising tide of Darboe's electoral fortune. In other words, it was a propaganda tool that had to be used, and was used not only by the APRC but also PDOIS and its affiliates, if the rising popularity of the UDP was to be receded. In the reality however, it wasn't true. It was a false perception. No member of the former P.P.P government actually participated in the formation of the UDP. In fact, there were among the architects of the UDP including the late Seedia Sanyang, who had very intractable personal grievance against the P.P.P and who would not have wish to see the return of the P.P.P let alone to work for that return. Mr Darboe too had an intractable personal grievance against the PPP in relation to the illegal and unjustified imprisonment of his father who was a sitting member of Parliament for the then opposition United Party [UP]. This was one of the reasons he refused to join the PPP government as a cabinet minister.
I think the main reason why the ‘restorationist’ perception persisted was that the UDP did not have effective means at the time to effectively counter this grossly unfair but effective APRC propaganda. The national radio and television were off limit to them and the local FM radios too were restricted either by virtue of their limited capacity to broadcast throughout the length and breadth of the country or fear of reprisal from the junta. This story is quite the opposite for the APRC.
I hope this addresses your concern. I hope also, this exchange will further encourage you to be more coherent and distortion free in your future analysis. Please feel free to send me a private message. I will be delighted to share my Gambia Experience with you.
Thanks
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 09 Dec 2009 16:35:03 |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2009 : 21:41:35
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Any politicos going to have a go and answer my questions ?
quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
As usual with all this long winded verbose Gambian political diatribe, it's all about personalities ,policies ? I could find very little on those,perhaps others could,improvement in the lives of the average Gambian ? anything about that ? as is well known I strongly dislike politics.Am I having a problem here ? are African Politics radically different to politics in the rest of the world. ? Politicos please enlighten me.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Prince
507 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2009 : 22:53:06
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Toubab, Don't expect an answer anytime soon . Gambian politics is all about personalities who sit around a circle to shoot at each other, with character assassinations and personality undermining. There is almost a total disregard for issues or policies bothering the common man.
Based on what i've observed, i won't vote and i'll continue to strongly encourage my family and friends to refrain from voting for the current bunch of politicians.
No one is interested in knowing which individuals should be lynched over spilled milk!
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"When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty." |
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Janko
Gambia
1267 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2009 : 01:28:08
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Thanks Prince,
its very sad,... until I hear or see a little more concern about real politics, until then, well, I´ll pass |
Clean your house before pointing a finger ... Never be moved by delirious Well-wishers in their ecstasy |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2009 : 07:33:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
---------------------------------------------------------------------
quote:
This confirms that Darboe, unlike his PDOIS counterparts, did not come into politics with any nurtured political conviction or clear-cut alternative vision. He was just handpicked and used as a front-kind of a new face- for the defunct PPP, NCP, and GDP politicians and the so-called intelligentia. This is why in the 1996 presidential election, Darboe and the UDP were branded "restorationist", because they were seen as merely paving the way for the return of the old order. During the run up to that election (1996); and up to now Darboe and the UDP have not been able to carve a unique political path distinct from the former PPP and its offshoots, NCP, GDP, etc.
Thank you Nyari, and welcome back from the Gambia. Please send me a private message about your trip there; I am planning a trip myself shortly. So I probabaly need some heads up.
I think the main reason why the ‘restorationist’ perception persisted was that the UDP did not have effective means at the time to effectively counter this grossly unfair but effective APRC propaganda. The national radio and television were off limit to them and the local FM radios too were restricted either by virtue of their limited capacity to broadcast throughout the length and breadth of the country or fear of reprisal from the junta. This story is quite the opposite for the APRC.
In the 1996 presidential election, UDP relied heavily on the personalities and political influence of many former PPP, NCP, and GDP cabinet ministers and officials. Landing Jallow, Hassan Musa Camara, M.C. Cham, and others were widely seen on the UDP campaign trail; sometimes leading campaigns in the respective constituencies they used to represent. In fact some of these former PPP "wolves in sheep's clothing" and their NCP and GDP variants with their hidden agenda to reposses their confiscated ill-gotten assets resurfaced again during the negotiations to form NADD...
So really, the perception of UDP as "restorationist" was not far-fetched at all, although I agree the APRC used it effectively in their campaign. The PPP became synonymous to Mr. Jones in George Owells, celebrated novel Animal Farm, and as Yankuba Touray (Squealer, the chief propagandist for the revolution in Owell's Animal Farm) threatened Gambians at every campaign stop whether they want to see the return of Jawara and the PPP; the answer was repeatedly "no". This was and is still the dilema of UDP...
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2009 : 09:26:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Santanfara
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Also, the over blown statements by the NADD leader that, he is more genuine than others is also false. One leading an opposition political party in Africa means, starving for resources especially in barren lands like that of ours. Darboe exposed his interest and he accepted that in good faith. So our call is, let personal sacrifices and what have you be shelved. Let us all now look into ways of undoing a cronic dictatorship. Let Halifa stop blaming others and pretending to be the political saint. His response to Pa will be looked into. He has uttered lots misinformation to make himself look good. I know that is what politics is all about, but some fair comments is more than needed at this hour.
Which over blown statements by the NADD leader ( I guess that's Halifa huh?). Halifa did not and has never claimed to be more genuine that anyone.
Halifa has always been a simple, humble, real, fine, selfless person. It is important that his opponents attack him on the issues he stands for instead of his personality. His scholarship and mastery of society and politics; as well as his resourcefulness to the advancement of the Gambia; is outstanding and deserves commendation rather than condemnation. Notwithstanding the Machiavellian assertion that "if there is an absolutely righteous person, then by right he should rule", I know some people are intimidated by his scholarship and moral character, and therefore as a way of compensation condemn him for every word he uttered. Recently, mathew Jalow even condemn him for quoting the Constitution so often. What is wrong with quoting the Constitution? In an ideal political and legal world, everyone should memorize the constitution which concerns every aspect of their lives. Therefore, part of Halifa's role is to make Gambian's understand their rights and duties as enshrined in the constitution. Anything wrong with that? I know when you mention the name of "the Big Book"-the Constitution, some people cringe, but that's all 'paper tigers' |
Edited by - kayjatta on 10 Dec 2009 09:52:14 |
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