 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Sep 2010 : 00:06:05
|
The recent press statement issued by PDOIS appointing Sidia Jatta to be the interparty mediator is indeed a step in the right direction for the simple reason that there is now a point of contact other parties can reference:
http://www.gainako.com/news/news/2010/09/17/pdois-sedia-jatta-appointed-to-conduct-party-mediation-between-political-parties.html
However, upon carefully thinking and analysing the very purpose of the press release, I cannot help it but sense that Halifa is bailing out of party negotiations for a possible opposition alliance.
There is no doubt that Halifa is doing his due deligence in rebuilding PDOIS or focusing on agenda 2011.
However, it is a fact that Gambia's political history cannot be written without a significant mention of Halifa's contributions for over 20 years..
There cannot be at this juncture in our political history any meaningful political dialogue without his participation or better his contribution.
He may not be the most electable person among Gambian opposition leaders, but his intellectual capacity and power to analyse issues and draw meaningful conclusions cannot be questioned.
I cannot imagine a union of political parties being discussed at the table without the participants not thinking about his contribution towards such an noble endeavor.
We all agree that the NADD machinery was sprearheaded by Halifa... his ability to put the issues in perspective might have overwhelmed the participants at the NADD discussion to the extend of convincing them to sign off to something they were not necessarily ready to undertake...
As a result of this powerful ability to negotiate, it would be a misopportunity for any negotiation to take place without Halifa's inputs.
I mostly see the appointment of Sidia Jatta as a way of Halifa distancing himself from anything that has to do with party negotiations. I think this is a grave mistake and somewhat a disservice to Gambians who have so much expectations from Halifa..
If you ask the Gambian electorates and Diaspora Gambians today who and who they would want to be at the negotiation table... overwhelmingly people will say bring Darboe and Halifa to the table...
There is a simple reason for this... these are the political big wigs in the room that we cannot afford to sideline at this time in our political struggle.
Sidia Jatta no doubt is one of the best we have... but he has the same political principles with Halifa... the two see eye to eye on almost every major issue... they live the same life style and see issues in a very similar way... Halifa's absence at the table therefore is a way of discouraging Sidia to not entertain or compromise their principles.
It gravely concerns me that this move has simply made things much more difficult for us to get closer to an opposition alliance against President Jammeh in 2011 elections..
We need Darboe, Halifa, Sidia, OJ at any negotiation table... these people represent something bigger than themselves and therefore they have a responsibility to see Gambia's political struggles come to fruits...
This is my observation... and what say you?????
|
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
|
|
kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2010 : 07:21:28
|
I totally disagree!!!
The appointment of Sidia Jatta, who is equally competent as Halifa, doesn't mean that Halifa will not have any input in any inter-party negotiations. It simply means that Sidia will lead the way and will be the point of reference for other parties to reach out to PDOIS or NADD. This is necessary partly because UDP leader, Darboe has numerous occasions expressed preference for Sidia over Halifa. UDP generally view Halifa as an obstacle to their goals, and some of their members nurture outright hatred for him.
I think Halifa has made an honorable and tactical move that could possibly jump-start inter-party negotiations towards a coalition. I am confident Halifa will never shy away from national discourse, whether in public or in private. I have no doubt that Sidia will still work closely with both Halifa and Sam ... |
 |
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2010 : 11:04:04
|
Kayjatta said it all! MANY MANY THANKS!
Halifa will never be of dis-service to Gambians! Sidia Jatta has always been his leader. He only got the mandate as flag bearer of NADD to execute what MOU catered for those elections of 2006. Halifa delivered, executed and protected NADD as entrusted or custodian.
If there is any positive move we will not be dis-appointed with him ever! |
|
|
|
mansasulu
997 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2010 : 17:09:58
|
| I see what baldeh is saying. Anyone who truely knows both men can tell that they have a somewhat different temperament. Halifa is more diplomatic in my opinion. Both men are very principled and honorable no doubt...I am a great admirer of both of them...At some point, the current crop of the intransigent opposition leaders will become irrelevant or self destruct. Perhaps Halifa is waiting for that moment...we could only wait and wonder! |
"...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... |
|
|
|
Dembish
Gambia
284 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2010 : 19:13:45
|
| Lets us hope and pray that something positive toward a unified opposition is achieved at the end of the day, we are in a miserable political situation and we are calling on all of them to put aside their personal difference and consider that market woman who is spending the entire day sitting at the serrekunda market and goes home with only D1.50 which cannot afford her a stick of candle, and as a result has to sleep in darkness.This is the situation of our dear mother land (The Gambia)presently and is up to them all,Halifa, Sidia, Ousainou, Amat, Gomez all of them.They owed that poormarket woman to use this unique opportunity to flush the rotten APRC down the drain for good or else b4 another election, the poor woman will be in her grave due to abject poverty and non affordability of a medical bill. |
There is no egg without a chicken, and no chicken without egg. |
|
|
|
turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2010 : 19:53:13
|
| Interesting in terms of your updated priorities. But could not agree more, Dembish. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
|
|
|
dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 00:04:48
|
quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
I totally disagree!!!
The appointment of Sidia Jatta, who is equally competent as Halifa, doesn't mean that Halifa will not have any input in any inter-party negotiations. It simply means that Sidia will lead the way and will be the point of reference for other parties to reach out to PDOIS or NADD. This is necessary partly because UDP leader, Darboe has numerous occasions expressed preference for Sidia over Halifa. UDP generally view Halifa as an obstacle to their goals, and some of their members nurture outright hatred for him.
I think Halifa has made an honorable and tactical move that could possibly jump-start inter-party negotiations towards a coalition. I am confident Halifa will never shy away from national discourse, whether in public or in private. I have no doubt that Sidia will still work closely with both Halifa and Sam ...
Kayjatta, I hope and pray that am wrong and you are right. I hope that this is a wise tactical decision to move the process forward and not set us back.
We all know Halifa will not intentionally do dis-service to the Gambian nation. However, sometimes politicians' actions can be counter productive and am hoping this one will not be..
Sometimes looking at the process and how far we are yet to go, you cannot help it but be pessimistic about the outcome against a regime that is willing to go at any length to retain power..
It is equally true that we have some of the brightest politicians who commands respect at any platform in the world, and yet they cannot go pass a roadblock we all are certain they can overcome.
So my appeal to all regardless of what side we are on is to put the plight of the Gambian people back on the driving force.
There is no principle that cannot be compromised to put our country first.
There is no aspiration of leadership that cannot be let go in the interest of the Gambian people.
We all have a moral duty to do our best to get our individual party leaders to look beyond their differences.
This is a time we are all needed at the table regardless of where we reside or what dreams we may have.
This is our time to convince these brand of leaders to do history and change Gambia for a better generation.
It is not about getting to power, put about coming together to form a strong force that will put pressure on the Jammeh regime to change its governing behavior. It is a time to force them to respect the rights of the Gambian. Safe guard the constitution and restore true rule of law, peace and security for all in Gambia. This is not the status quo.
This is the fundamental reason we are calling for a unified opposition against the status quo. Leadership and party politics should come second when the playing field is more level...When the electorates are free to walk into an election booth and vote their conscience. When government civil servants can use their skills to render service to our country.. when journalists can exercise their guranteed freedom of expression and association!!! When Gambian enterprenuers and technocrats can safely return home and use their acquired skills to move our nation forward!! This is why we all have a stake in this...
Am optimistic but it will not happen with our arms folded, brains twisted or egos high off the roof... We are what we can provide :) |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
|
|
|
Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 02:44:49
|
quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
I totally disagree!!!
The appointment of Sidia Jatta, who is equally competent as Halifa, doesn't mean that Halifa will not have any input in any inter-party negotiations. It simply means that Sidia will lead the way and will be the point of reference for other parties to reach out to PDOIS or NADD. This is necessary partly because UDP leader, Darboe has numerous occasions expressed preference for Sidia over Halifa.
This statement is totally untrue. The UDP leader has at no time expressed any preference for or against anybody in PDOIS or its associate NADD. Infact, he attempted to directly talk to Halifa but his calls were not being picked by Halifa. That was the reason why he contacted Sidia who then later told him, after discussion with halifa, that he is the one to talk to about inter-party matters but that he was not readily available for discussion, and that is how things stand uptil today. So to say that Mr. Darboe preferred Sidia than Halifa is utter nonesense.
I wonder why Kay don't get facts right. Is this deliberate or out of ignorance? People will gonna have to start calling him a lair if he continues with this trend.
Regards
|
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
|
|
|
ylowe
USA
217 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 03:58:40
|
" I WANT TO SEE A GAMBIA WHERE THE MAJORITY RULES AND ALSO WHERE MAJORITY IS NOT DETERMINE BY TRIBE BUT IDEOLOGIES AND BELIEFS.
Y Lowe |
|
|
|
turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 04:45:07
|
quote:
I WANT TO SEE A GAMBIA WHERE THE MAJORITY RULES AND ALSO WHERE MAJORITY IS NOT DETERMINE BY TRIBE BUT IDEOLOGIES AND BELIEFS.
ylowe
As long as the low literacy rate exist for Gambia which is the lowest 10th in the world, do not expect this anytime soon.
171 Gambia 42.5
172 Senegal 41.9
173 Benin 40.5
174 Sierra Leone 38.1
175 Ethiopia 35.9
176 Chad 31.8
177 Guinea 29.5
178 Burkina Faso 28.7
178 Niger 28.7
180 Mali 26.2 |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 01 Oct 2010 04:47:33 |
|
|
|
kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 07:25:52
|
quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
I totally disagree!!!
The appointment of Sidia Jatta, who is equally competent as Halifa, doesn't mean that Halifa will not have any input in any inter-party negotiations. It simply means that Sidia will lead the way and will be the point of reference for other parties to reach out to PDOIS or NADD. This is necessary partly because UDP leader, Darboe has numerous occasions expressed preference for Sidia over Halifa.
This statement is totally untrue. The UDP leader has at no time expressed any preference for or against anybody in PDOIS or its associate NADD. Infact, he attempted to directly talk to Halifa but his calls were not being picked by Halifa. That was the reason why he contacted Sidia who then later told him, after discussion with halifa, that he is the one to talk to about inter-party matters but that he was not readily available for discussion, and that is how things stand uptil today. So to say that Mr. Darboe preferred Sidia than Halifa is utter nonesense.
I wonder why Kay don't get facts right. Is this deliberate or out of ignorance? People will gonna have to start calling him a lair if he continues with this trend.
Regards
Please enlighten yourself by atleast visiting the remarks of UDP leader, Lawyer Darboe where he praised Sidia Jatta, especially following UDP's unceremonious withdrawal from NADD.
However, I personally don't think Sidia or Halifa should now talk to Darboe or UDP any more than they would any ordinary citizen.
I think the idea of the opposition coalition should be scrapped. The difficulties in the conception of the coalition is a foreshadow, I am afraid, of the conflict that lies ahead in such a coalition government. Each party should contest the election on its own platform, and 'hopefully'  , UDP with its "big party syndrome" and its satellites (PPP and NRP) can unseat APRC... |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 12:55:05
|
Kayjatta & others please re-visit Maafanta.com interview under http://maafanta.com/OusainuDarboeInterviewwithMaafantaafterUDPCongress.html
Exact important words & statements from interview quoted below;
a. "We have never underestimated the importance of any political or party leader." Lawyerer Darboe UDP leader
b. Interview Maafanta:Please elaborate on that. Did you ever call him? Went to him? Sent for him? Sent someone for him? You said you talked to OJ? About what? Halipha coming to you for some real talks or just some general talks that “the opposition should come together? You emphasized your attempts to meet with Hailpha were futile. How? What exactly frustrates you about Halipha? What do you want Halipha to Do? What will you tell him or convince him to do when you have a chance to sit with him?- "I remember trying Halifa on a Friday but could not reach him through his cell. I called Sidia Jatta who forwarded his home line. I called that line too but to no avail. I then asked Sidia to relay to Halipha that am trying to reach him so we can meet on Saturday or Sunday. I called back Sidia for the outcome and Sidia told me that Halipha said if it is regarding inter-party relations, then I can have that meeting with Sidia.Sidia was willing to meet but promised that I give him time hence they were busy at the public account meeting of the national assembly and could not meet that particular week but will get back to me as soon as those proceedings are over. And later Sidia said he is travelling to Wulli so we can meet when he gets back and I am still listening.Waiting to be contacted."
c. Interview Maafanta:Ousainu, why is it difficult for you to say, hey Halipha, I respect and understand your mandate and the love and sacrifice you have for the Gambia, why not we put aside our differences, Please come behind UDP and let’s forge a way forward.? Darboe responded:" do not have to assure Mr. Sallah that I do have respect for him. I assume he knows that I do. I appreciate the sacrifice and love that each of the political parties, Mr. Sallah included, has for The Gambia. It is in appreciation of this fact that I made efforts to meet him and put him in the know of what I think we should do for 2011 but my attempts proved futile. Notwithstanding my respect for him and appreciation of his love for Gambia, I must confess that I do not know what his mandate is. My attempt to meet him was not influenced by my knowledge of his mandate"
Here the conclusion appears to expose mix-feelings or messages in questioning Halifa's mandate
Also with these statements quoted below, who do you think is referred - "Human beings are not like baskets that you can just grab and carry on your head. They must be willing to go along with you." - Ousainu Darboe- UDP
|
Edited by - kobo on 01 Oct 2010 13:04:25 |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
|
|
Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 13:11:04
|
''Please enlighten yourself by atleast visiting the remarks of UDP leader, Lawyer Darboe where he praised Sidia Jatta, especially following UDP's unceremonious withdrawal from NADD.''-Kayjatta
Mr. Darboe only thanked Sidia Jatta after the withdrawal of UDP from NADD because Sidia made an effort to visit him at his residence on Kairaba Avenue so as to build understanding between them and to try and persuade him to rescind his resignation from NADD. They had a respectful dialogue but could not agree on the way forward. The fact that sidia took that initiative on his own accord is commendable. That is why he was publicly thanked for his noble guesture. How that could be translated as preference over another person is palpably inconceivable. The truth is; you have a propensity of lying about things that you know nothing about. This is shameful and it about time you desist.
Regards
|
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 01 Oct 2010 13:12:58 |
|
|
|
terangba
Egypt
225 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 15:24:50
|
quote:
Originally posted by ylowe
" I WANT TO SEE A GAMBIA WHERE THE MAJORITY RULES AND ALSO WHERE MAJORITY IS NOT DETERMINE BY TRIBE BUT IDEOLOGIES AND BELIEFS.
Y Lowe
Ylowe, you have said it all. A better Gambia will emerge when we are binded by ideologies. Like I said before the best and the brighest should lead us out of the gutter. |
God gave men dominion over the beasts and not over his fellow men unless they submit of their own free will. - Napoleon |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 16:05:32
|
LEAEDRSHIP IS NOT A ONE MAN SHOW BUT TEAMWORK! WHEN ALSO PETTY POLITICS, CARICATURES, CHARACTER ASSASSINATIONS, PERSONAL VENDETTA & HATRED IS SIDELINED & ELIMINATED AGAINST CERTAIN BRAINS?
COUNT HALIFA AS A TEAM PLAYER & AMONGST THE "BEST" OR "BRIGHTEST" POLITICIANS AT PRESENT; INCLUDING LAWYER DARBOE! |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
