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Editorial: Death and The President's Convoy, Part Two
Wednesday, 28 September 2011 18:10
(JollofNews) - The above headline had once been the subject of our editorial as you can see in this link Death and
the President's Convoy, and tragically, recent events have forced us to return to it again. The multiple deaths involving the presidential motor-cade are unnecessary, a sad and embarrassing legacy for President Yahya Jammeh. And they are avoidable. Listen, we have said it in this forum before, here in the United Kingdom, where the Prime minister is naturally the head of the government and therefore the most important priority for the security forces, there is little or no fuss at all when he drives in town or outside London. In fact apart from a few motor cycle sweepers
who urged drivers to give way, one hardly realises the difference between some wedding or funeral procession from the Prime minister's motor -cade. His security men are often not seen or differentiated from other members of the convoy. After all security is about discretion and deterring would -be enemy by seeing them before they make you out. There are more weapons of all shape and form in the United Kingdom than The Gambia and obviously having fought unjust wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the British government officials and citizens have more to fear from terrorists than President Jammeh. But all the weapons are in the barracks and not on the road or driven along the prime minister's convoy. So now, how come, that in the Gambia, one man's security could cost the lives of people, both those who work close to him, as is the case of some security victims of the road and now even those who are on the street, as is the case of the Busumbala victims.
What happened in Busumbala and the apparent lack of public apology and adequate compensation by the Jammeh government would be disheartening and immensely embarrassing to anyone who has not lost the last shred of human dignity. President Jammeh needs to realise that no one in the Gambia is planning to kill him. In fact the vast majority of Gambians, including even his ardent and genuine critics, would rather prefer him to leave the throne in peace than through violence. But as the saying goes in Mandinka or is it Wollof, if a torn trouser spared you embarrassment to stand, you too must in return spare the torn trouser when it comes to sitting.
Meaning that President Jammeh in turn needs to realise that he is not God but a human being with similar life and needs as any other Gambian. The presidency is a position of trust and its holder should show only humility and appreciation and not arrogance and self aggrandisement. The life of a president is not better than the life of the Busumbala kids who were crushed to a painful death on that highway.
We therefore call on President Jammeh to make a public apology to the nation and especially to the families of the Busumbala victims and all those whose deaths were connected with his motor-Cade. He must himself be embarrassed about this recent incident and the best way to go about it is to show remorse publicly and receive public sympathy and understanding. That is better than secretly sending soldiers to the parents and families of the victims trying to console them with things that can only qualify as gifts rather than compensation.
There is no secret where a life is lost and the President should be bold enough to take responsibility and make amends.
For a start Jammeh must realise that driving in sinister looking black vehicles mounted with RPGs and anti -aircraft missiles does not shield one from any threat. It is better for people to love you than to fear you. Gaddafi had the most sophisticated security system ever in Africa, where is he now?. So, Mr President Change, change and change your ways and live as a human being and the people would appreciate you as one.
In conclusion we hope that our advise will be seen to be a genuine contribution to influence our president towards better understanding of the people's feelings and even greater acceptance of him by our people. We do not wish to be seen or misunderstood to be challenging his authority. No, that is not our intention; we criticise for the betterment of the nation and give praise where is due. That is JollofNews!
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Comments
As President,I suppose he should shoulder responsibility for anything that happened during his rule...
If he was personally engaged in corruption and diverting the nation's resources for himself,I wonder what he's done with almost 30yrs of stealing...
He didn't live a lavish lifestyle abroad,his children (the ones I've seen) didn't live lavish lifestyles (eg. drive fancy cars or live in big mansions)...
Sir Dawda hasn't got expensive properties in the country...I suspect his pension must be very handy now.....
I know some people said he spent all his wealth abroad....He and his family must have lived one hell of a lifestyle abroad...if that is true..
You only have to look at Yaya Jammeh (17yrs) to imagine what Sir dawda could have amassed in 30yrs...
But you are entitled to your opinion....We all are....Personally,I feel Sir Dawda and his PPP failed the nation.
My memory is usually pretty good.
Your figures on the GDP...during his time were very encouraging?
Thanks for those...I will keep them in my "big" Gambian filing cabinet.
I have been fasinated by your extensive knowlege.I enjoy your style...of debate.
I wish some of your fellow Gambian's would take by your example.
Good night my friend.
He lived in Haywardsheath,j ust outside Brighton...Comfortable home ? Maybe....But just a house.... That much I know...
May be he did win 1million pounds....But for a man who served as president in an African country for almost 30yrs,I would say that's a very poor dwelling.
No,the old man was clean....His problem was,he did very little to stamp out corruption...
But I was informed that Mr Jawara won
1 million pounds on the British national lottery and was living very comfortably in Surrey?
Anyone correct me if I am wrong?
I have to do a bit of research on this one,. I can remember one Mr Sarr,a senegalese national, being very prominent in this crude oil saga.
Manneh,I promise,I will eat my crumbs,if you are right.
Talking about oil,wasn't Jammeh supposed to be given oil by Venezuela ?
'Gambia has and still is stagnant since Independence',said Manneh.
Seems you and I are on the same side,bro.
Keep it up.
I think you are the one that need to get your facts straight. You may be right about (sir Dawda) Jawara's boys but not about the old man,unless you can give us the facts.
I don't think any of the commissions found him guilty of stealing from the Gambians.
Lalo Kebba
Your action is draining the average readers energy. Get your facts straight Jawara, was a thief and so were his club boys. Gambia has and still is stagnant since independence.
Comment:
Well Uncle Manneh, The Fact are there on the wall even the people in Campamaa can see them right away, If you are not too late to read my previous messages, you will know that, Iam close to anti Kairaba than supporting him, but ask those in the Interlligence service, they will tell you, the then NSS and today's NIA.
I never ever support Kairaba and his Boys even though I was close to some of the Boys and a personal friend to that Niuminka Boy with double Surnames.
But can you tell us what is draining people from my rejoinders?
Iam here for SeneGamBissau, and I will remain to be ! Call me names if you want.
In the Service of SeneGamBissau I remain
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