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‘What befell Deyda could befall anyone’
Friday, 24 December 2010 20:59
OJ Dissatisfied with Gambians’ show of solidarity with Deyda’s MurderBy Sanna camara
The PPP interim leader Omar Jallow has expressed dissatisfaction over the investigation into the murder of veteran journalist Deyda Hydara, six years since the deplorable incident took place. He made these remarks at the event marking the anniversary of the journalist’s murder, recently.
In an interview on these remarks, on Tuesday, OJ decried general attitude towards efforts to bring Deyda’s murderers to book. He also spoke on various burning issues, including the prevailing culture of silence that characterizes Gambian life, caused mainly by fear of oppression, the near total subjugation of the country’s media, as well as the political quagmire between the governments of Gambia and Senegal.
Disappointed
“We are very much dissatisfied and disappointed with the pace of investigations of the heinous crime that brought to end the life of one of the best citizens of this country by the person of Deyda Hydara,” OJ said, and stressed that what befell Deyda could befall anyone among media chiefs, activists and all peace loving, decent and innocent citizens.
The veteran politician said he is equally disappointed with the solidarity displayed by members of the civil society and professional organizations in the country’s journalists’ effort to seek justice in this crime of injustice. He said the solidarity should have been across board, comprising politicians, lawyers, doctors, religious leaders; civil society, community-based and non-governmental organizations in the country. He added that the issue of Deyda’ death is a national duty since the assassins are still at large and no justice has been achieved.
“The same trend could happen if anyone among us here fall victim to their bullets… nothing will come out of it. This is why it becomes the responsibility of us all to join the quest for justice for Deyda Hydara,” he said.
Culture of Silence imprisoning Gambians
All should lend their support to the pursuance of The Gambia having a free and independent press that is not subject to suppression or intimidating pressure, said the opposition strongman. He sounded even more disappointed with some people who, he said, should appreciate the importance of not only press freedom, but the contribution the press has on the socio-economic, cultural and scientific development of the country.
“We should have all come out and attend the forum that has been organized … to demonstrate solidarity with the independent press; and at the same time send a strong message to powers that be in the Gambia, that we are very much dissatisfied and disappointed with the investigations into Deyda’s murder,” he said.
According to OJ, without action Gambians will have to pay for what he described as a “culture of silence and fear” and remain “prisoners of conscience for the rest of our lives.” He said Gambians have to learn that culture of fear and laissez faire attitude will not pay much dividend for their liberties and freedom.
“We have to stand up and speak to defend justice and truth anytime,” he stressed.
Embarrassing press freedom ranking
OJ described as embarrassing for the Gambia to fall under the same category as Iraq, Eritrea and Zimbabwe with regards to hostility against the press: “It is a disgrace because the Gambia before 1994 is regarded as one of the most open and democratic countries with high tolerance for dissenting voices. That is something that we should all work towards restoring and sustaining for the future generation where all Gambians will enjoy liberty, freedom, respect for human rights… which will create viable democratic institutions in The Gambia.”
No government can divide Senegambian people
The veteran opposition politician also spoke on the diplomatic stand-off between The Gambia and Senegal, saying no government in either Gambia or Senegal can divide the Senegambian people.
“Gambia and Senegal are condemned by God and geography to live together as one people – we share the same traditions, cultures, tribes, religions, among other things. It is incumbent upon government on both sides to be very prudent in the way they relate to each other. Therefore, I call upon all governments to refrain from making such statements which would have been better handled through quiet diplomacy,” he said.
OJ said it was shocking for him to hear the statement made by the Secretary General at the officer of the Gambian presidency on national television, regarding the government’s relation with Senegal. According to him, it would have been more diplomatic if the grievances of the Gambia government were channelled through existing diplomatic institutions established by the two countries; or through their respective embassies and commissions established to look into issues of contention.
OJ then called on both sides to exercise restraint and responsibility in order not to put the two populations in unnecessary stress or jeopardy. The two countries, he stressed, are one people two states.
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Comments
Gambians at home must use every available garget(phones,c ameras,etc)to record acts of violence and abuse against the people for evidence(if safe to do so)
Because not only the actual perpetrators,bu t those under whose watch these crimes happened ,as well as those who sanctioned it,should all be prosecuted and punished severely when found guilty.
For example,the military officer who led soldiers to accompany the witch hunters should not escape punishment nor the men he led on this criminal exercise.
That is the only way to get justice for the victims & their families.
IF DARBOE, HAD A MILLIONTH OF THE COURAGE THAT O.J HAS, THEN, THE GAMBIA, WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE, NOW. ALLLLLL DARBOE IS INTERESTED IN, IS BEING "THE LEADER". IN MY BOOK, HE LACKS EVERY RUDIMENTARY "QUALITY" THAT A "LEADER" SHOULD POSSESS.!!THE GAMBIAN PEOPLE, DESERVE BETTER.!! DARBOE, IS "ALL MOUTH" BUT NO "SUBSTANCE".!!... HE TALKS A LOT AND DOES NOT SAY ANYTHING.!!!. JAMMEH, WOULD FOREVER PLAY ON DARBOE'S "LEADERSHIP DEFFICIENCIES", TO RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY, ATAY IN POWER.!!.
ALL I COULD SAY TO O.J., AT THIS TIME, IS THAT HE SHOULD KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND I SALUTE HIM. "HISTORY", WOULD DEFINITELY REWARD HIM FOR WHAT HE IS DOING NOW.!!
Here is news flash for you: Yaya Jammeh will not step down even he is looses the ellections. It is time we Gambians wake up from this slumber and smell the coffee. Yaya Jammeh is onne of the first african leaders who condemned the Dadis' palace coupe, yet he is supporting the Gbagbo for not accepting defeat.
Yaya will no even allow the international observers to the level the Ivorians did. Watch!!
If OJ was leading the biggest political party in The Gambia, I have no doubt Yahya Jammeh will have not been in power for 16 years terrorising Gambians. But we vote or elect party leaders on tribe, nepotism, and personal gains from my observation, we will therefore continue to live under dictatorship until change comes with other brutal means.
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