Thanks for the reply, however I am not the least offended. I know for certain that, we are all one way or the other bound to be disillusion with the slow process things are going.
Not withstanding all the bickering and sometimes bad blood between our politicians, we have to realise that, they have sacrifice a lot by counting themselves in whilst many of us live afar and judge them sometimes too harshly, a crime I am guilty of on occasions.
However, going after Lawyer Darboe for merely being the leader of UDP is wrong. Leaders come in all shapes and forms, we cannot expect every leader to be Malcolm X or Fidel Castro. Some are naturally less aggressive than others.
This is why, the world had a shy of relief when Obama won in America.
Darboe's political attributes are many, this is not to say, we as Gambians shouldn't criticise him. In fact, we are all criticisable in many others ways. I have made it quite clear that, none of our opposition leaders should be shielded from genuine criticism, but to hap comments on Darboe which were mainly erroneous is wrong.
Darboe spend time in prison, he became the biggest thorn in Yahya's flesh more than any other Gambian politician. Darboe is ready and willing to step aside in the right time. Contrary to some minority opinions, Darboe is among the least power hungry Gambian politicians out there.
Remember Darboe was a constitutional expert in the former PPP regime. He step down due to credible reasons and went private. Darboe's legacy which is full of representing the poor for nothing year on year, defending political sensitive cases since the PPP regime is examplary and something he should be quitely proud of.
It just happen that, not every person can blow their own trumpets. The foolish tags of UDP being a Mandinka party is ridiculous. If Darboe is tribalist, his inner circles and personal friends wouldn't include any non-Mandingo. Again he could have supported the PPP regime and do like many others to exploits it nepotism and weak systems. Darboe was brought up in a none Mandingo domain. His step Dad was the only high profile Provence's man to stand for U.P. The UDP could have borrowed it name for UP for all I know. Our fears of the other sometimes result in wrong comments. By virtue of a tribe being a slightly higher do make folks fear them for no reason. This phenomenon is all over the world and the Gambia is no exception.
Darboe was always at loggerheads with the then government. He never compromise his love for the rule of law and the pursuant of human rights. Yet today, we can hail new comers to the schene, but if we abandon those who cry with us, stood by us and felt for us for some synthetic show men, things will never get better.
Our legitimate criticism of the party leaders should focus on encouraging them to put personal issues aside for the Gambia. We have to understand that, this men are under no obligation to risk it all. They are family men like we are.
With all my political allegiance to the UDP, i have to shout out for the guys at PDOIS as well. They have remain a sound voice in all the struggle. We at UDP have been encourage to look at the positives in all party leaders. This agenda we will pursue, unity or no unity.
Oceanic, for me, I am too unqualified to be a leader of an opposition at the age of less than 34 years. I know we can be leaders at any age, however we know ourselves better than any other. The Gambia is bless with good human resources, it just happen that, risk aversion is our forte.
Look at the deafness at Yahya's crimes. Do you think it is only Darboe or the organise opposition that should speak up?Take Tailand for instance, it is ordinary people on the streets.
With all our difference of opinion, i have serious respect for you. May God bless men like you. Amen.
PS, Oceanic I am not the least against the usage of pen names. Sometimes we do it for different reasons, however when we aim our swords at somebody's heart, we need to remember... the playing field is unequal if they don't know who we are.
Brother Oceanic agree that, he does not know a good deal about Ousainou. In fact Ousainou started as a drafts man in the former government, it is due to his ethics that he quit.
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Friday, 23 April 2010
Responding to a criticism of Ousainou Darboe UDP Leader
Oceanic Lad is name use by a Gambian believe to be resident in U.S
Oceanic lad,
I felt your rampant attack on Ousainou is unjustified. In as much as i applaud you reminding us of Femi's imprisonment, however, you are not making any sense in matters of UDP. Yahya Jammeh can anytime go into Ousainou's home, arrest him or kill him, why because he knows who he is and what he stand for. In fact Ousainou law career is distroyed because of his stance.Can we say the same thing for you? Hell no.
Who knows who the Tiger Oceanic residing miles away from the territory of Yahya Jammeh is? I for one don’t know and I am sure quiet a lot of people here don’t know who the brave Tiger is either. Criticising Ousainou is one thing, but if that borders on irrational vendetta, then you are doing the wrong thing in a public life issue.
You claimed that, you sympathise with PDOIS. That naturally made you an opponent of UDP and Ousainou. Why can’t you advise the leadership of that party and leave the UDP alone with their chosen leader. UDP chose Ousainou as the man to lead them, why should that boil your blood to such an extent you make petty irresponsible statement against Ousainou who has sacrifice more than you have for the cause of freedom and liberating the Gambia.
Indeed Mandela’s ANC spend close to fifty years fighting apartheid. The number of blacks in South Africa is close to being 4 to 1 against the whites. However, the tiny amount of white inhabitants held millions of blacks to ransom for decades. You are failing to recognise that, dictatorship all over the world is a state of mind also. Dictators possess something their opponent haven’t.
Yahya Jammeh does not scare Ousainou, and Yahya more than any other knows that very well. However, is it Yahya who actually jail, kill or exile our people? Yes and no. He has cadres of willing Gambians who are ready and willing to do as he like. Just like South Africa, Ethiopia, The Sudan, Egypt, etc, where dictators are holding or have held the people to ransom, the Gambia too must go through this phrase with utmost care.
Oceanic, your rage is spurn by arrogant bias against the person of Ousainou. A commando like you shouldn’t have any problem exposing to us your real identity, thereby even going back to the Gambia and form your political party.
Ousainou is not forcing you or anyone to support him. Oceanic for all we know, you can be the man we are all waiting for to salvage our freedom. Stand tall and brave, we will be eager to embrace a saviour.The UDP don’t require Oceanic’s ill-advice, in fact, contrary to what you stated, Yahya knows with a free and fair elections, the UDP can win without any coalitions.
The reason you cheaply chastise Ousaiou might be to appeal to a tiny section in here. However, you will fail in the erroneous misinformation like others. Yes, Ousianou is not a military eliminator like you, but he surely fears no Yahya Jammeh. What Ousainou fears are the likelihood of mass death should Yahya be confronted with scared Gambians like you who can only brag behind pen names. If you are ready for a sudden change of Government, please put forward a proposal and call on like minded Gambians, hopefully in fifty years time you will gain the numbers to confront Yahya’s army.
For us in UDP, we shall continue to pursue a democratic peaceful end to the political imbalances. No amount UDP or Ousainou criticism will push us into violent confrontation. Oceanic, be brave, identify yourself, form a militant wing, and call on Gambians, you never know who is thinking like you are.
As for the PPP communist tag of PDOIS, well Halifa rebuff that claim two years ago. You may have to consult with him before prancing on with that decade old stigma.Oceanic did you know that, Nelson Mandela use to hide even white sympathisers houses for fear of getting arrested? Who is Mandela to us all today? A symbol of what Ossy Davies once outtered, "..our black manhood..".
Femi Peters knows more than anyone that, Ousainou cares about him more than all key board commandos. These two men have worked together for over 15 years; no amount of hate filled comments can divide them.
So as i made it clear to you, what Ousainou is doing to free Peters is what the ANC did in trying to get Mandela free; using the legal system. The system is corrupt, unjust and unfair, yet Martin Luther King uses the racist courts, Gandhi uses the racist courts etc. So Ousainou is just doing what venerated freedom fighters did in the past.
I am sure your dislike of Ousainou is no big deal, in your personal live, many would dislike you for nothing, and hence we at the UDP don’t give any significance to such unnecessary human failings.
Finally, what the editor of Foroyaa is saying is that, people like you, who can confidently attack behind pen names are not worth engaging. And I agree with him or her on that score. If you said you love to see a free Gambia, then the party you support should benefit from your supporting them. It is not just about defending Halifa to the death, Halifa can do that for himself, what the party is querring is simply that ' The talk is enough, politics is money and time' what is your contribution Oceanic? Thank you.
This exchange happen in the Gambiapost forums.
Oceanic lad,
I felt your rampant attack on Ousainou is unjustified. In as much as i applaud you reminding us of Femi's imprisonment, however, you are not making any sense in matters of UDP. Yahya Jammeh can anytime go into Ousainou's home, arrest him or kill him, why because he knows who he is and what he stand for. In fact Ousainou law career is distroyed because of his stance.Can we say the same thing for you? Hell no.
Who knows who the Tiger Oceanic residing miles away from the territory of Yahya Jammeh is? I for one don’t know and I am sure quiet a lot of people here don’t know who the brave Tiger is either. Criticising Ousainou is one thing, but if that borders on irrational vendetta, then you are doing the wrong thing in a public life issue.
You claimed that, you sympathise with PDOIS. That naturally made you an opponent of UDP and Ousainou. Why can’t you advise the leadership of that party and leave the UDP alone with their chosen leader. UDP chose Ousainou as the man to lead them, why should that boil your blood to such an extent you make petty irresponsible statement against Ousainou who has sacrifice more than you have for the cause of freedom and liberating the Gambia.
Indeed Mandela’s ANC spend close to fifty years fighting apartheid. The number of blacks in South Africa is close to being 4 to 1 against the whites. However, the tiny amount of white inhabitants held millions of blacks to ransom for decades. You are failing to recognise that, dictatorship all over the world is a state of mind also. Dictators possess something their opponent haven’t.
Yahya Jammeh does not scare Ousainou, and Yahya more than any other knows that very well. However, is it Yahya who actually jail, kill or exile our people? Yes and no. He has cadres of willing Gambians who are ready and willing to do as he like. Just like South Africa, Ethiopia, The Sudan, Egypt, etc, where dictators are holding or have held the people to ransom, the Gambia too must go through this phrase with utmost care.
Oceanic, your rage is spurn by arrogant bias against the person of Ousainou. A commando like you shouldn’t have any problem exposing to us your real identity, thereby even going back to the Gambia and form your political party.
Ousainou is not forcing you or anyone to support him. Oceanic for all we know, you can be the man we are all waiting for to salvage our freedom. Stand tall and brave, we will be eager to embrace a saviour.The UDP don’t require Oceanic’s ill-advice, in fact, contrary to what you stated, Yahya knows with a free and fair elections, the UDP can win without any coalitions.
The reason you cheaply chastise Ousaiou might be to appeal to a tiny section in here. However, you will fail in the erroneous misinformation like others. Yes, Ousianou is not a military eliminator like you, but he surely fears no Yahya Jammeh. What Ousainou fears are the likelihood of mass death should Yahya be confronted with scared Gambians like you who can only brag behind pen names. If you are ready for a sudden change of Government, please put forward a proposal and call on like minded Gambians, hopefully in fifty years time you will gain the numbers to confront Yahya’s army.
For us in UDP, we shall continue to pursue a democratic peaceful end to the political imbalances. No amount UDP or Ousainou criticism will push us into violent confrontation. Oceanic, be brave, identify yourself, form a militant wing, and call on Gambians, you never know who is thinking like you are.
As for the PPP communist tag of PDOIS, well Halifa rebuff that claim two years ago. You may have to consult with him before prancing on with that decade old stigma.Oceanic did you know that, Nelson Mandela use to hide even white sympathisers houses for fear of getting arrested? Who is Mandela to us all today? A symbol of what Ossy Davies once outtered, "..our black manhood..".
Femi Peters knows more than anyone that, Ousainou cares about him more than all key board commandos. These two men have worked together for over 15 years; no amount of hate filled comments can divide them.
So as i made it clear to you, what Ousainou is doing to free Peters is what the ANC did in trying to get Mandela free; using the legal system. The system is corrupt, unjust and unfair, yet Martin Luther King uses the racist courts, Gandhi uses the racist courts etc. So Ousainou is just doing what venerated freedom fighters did in the past.
I am sure your dislike of Ousainou is no big deal, in your personal live, many would dislike you for nothing, and hence we at the UDP don’t give any significance to such unnecessary human failings.
Finally, what the editor of Foroyaa is saying is that, people like you, who can confidently attack behind pen names are not worth engaging. And I agree with him or her on that score. If you said you love to see a free Gambia, then the party you support should benefit from your supporting them. It is not just about defending Halifa to the death, Halifa can do that for himself, what the party is querring is simply that ' The talk is enough, politics is money and time' what is your contribution Oceanic? Thank you.
This exchange happen in the Gambiapost forums.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
UDP visiting ward electorates across the country
Minority Leader Hails UDP Ward Tour
By Alieu Darboe
The Minority leader and the member of Kiang West Constituency Alhagie Modou LK Sanneh has lauded the UDP Brikama Branch for their readiness and patriotism for the promotion of true democracy.
He made this remarks at the recent ward to ward tour embarked by party officials in the Missira Ward. Sanneh stated that the only way to attain democratic change is for the electorate take up its responsibilities noting that the ward tour undertaken by the branch is indeed timely and important. He told the gathering that the UDP is still strong and would continue to promote peace and stability in the country emphasizing that this will not stop the party from pursuing its struggle for a genuine change.
"We are ready for change and nothing will stop us to participate in political activities but was quick to add that the party will be engaging the executive in accordance with the laws of the land. The Kiang West strong man also tasked the militants to continue with the good work and the struggle saying that changes must come one day as no condition is permanent.
According to the Kiang West parliamentarian, the tour is one of the agendas and plans for the party which is vital as those at the grass roots have a great role to play in the democratization process.
Speaking earlier, Dembo by force Bojang, propaganda secretary of the party, also reechoed similar sentiments calling on the supporters to tighten their belts and rally behind the party and its secretary general Lawyer Ousainou Darboe. Bojang noted that despite the present political condition, the party will still play its part as a registered political party and disseminate information to the electorate who are the hopes and pillars of the party.
Kemeseng Jammeh alias Mandela urged the branch members to still be focused and determined to the cause. Jammeh informed the militants that no amount of pressure or political threat will stop the UDP from taking its stand saying that the party has a future and Gambians should realize that the UDP will soon rule this country.
Alhagie S. Darboe Campaign Manager Kembujeh Ward who also deputized for the area’s sponsored candidate thanked the delegation for their visit. He told the delegation that the entire membership of the UDP Kembujeh ward is ready for change and will work in accordance with the principles of democracy in order for peaceful change to take place noting that the people are more committed today than ever before. "We are behind the party, its leadership and our candidate, a young, enterprising and determined politician in the face of all odds."
Darboe appealed to the membership to be focus and be courageous at all times.
Other speakers included Momodou Lamin Syngle Nyassi, UDP Youth President, Foday Gassama of Nyambai ward, Bafoday Sanneh, Lamin Jatta, Lamin Marong, Kaddy Jammeh who all pledged their loyalty and support to the party. They also condemned the recent conviction of Femi Peters, the party’s campaign manager.
The tour continues Friday 23rd at Daruhairu where many party big wigs are expected to grace the meeting.
Source: Dailynews
By Alieu Darboe
The Minority leader and the member of Kiang West Constituency Alhagie Modou LK Sanneh has lauded the UDP Brikama Branch for their readiness and patriotism for the promotion of true democracy.
He made this remarks at the recent ward to ward tour embarked by party officials in the Missira Ward. Sanneh stated that the only way to attain democratic change is for the electorate take up its responsibilities noting that the ward tour undertaken by the branch is indeed timely and important. He told the gathering that the UDP is still strong and would continue to promote peace and stability in the country emphasizing that this will not stop the party from pursuing its struggle for a genuine change.
"We are ready for change and nothing will stop us to participate in political activities but was quick to add that the party will be engaging the executive in accordance with the laws of the land. The Kiang West strong man also tasked the militants to continue with the good work and the struggle saying that changes must come one day as no condition is permanent.
According to the Kiang West parliamentarian, the tour is one of the agendas and plans for the party which is vital as those at the grass roots have a great role to play in the democratization process.
Speaking earlier, Dembo by force Bojang, propaganda secretary of the party, also reechoed similar sentiments calling on the supporters to tighten their belts and rally behind the party and its secretary general Lawyer Ousainou Darboe. Bojang noted that despite the present political condition, the party will still play its part as a registered political party and disseminate information to the electorate who are the hopes and pillars of the party.
Kemeseng Jammeh alias Mandela urged the branch members to still be focused and determined to the cause. Jammeh informed the militants that no amount of pressure or political threat will stop the UDP from taking its stand saying that the party has a future and Gambians should realize that the UDP will soon rule this country.
Alhagie S. Darboe Campaign Manager Kembujeh Ward who also deputized for the area’s sponsored candidate thanked the delegation for their visit. He told the delegation that the entire membership of the UDP Kembujeh ward is ready for change and will work in accordance with the principles of democracy in order for peaceful change to take place noting that the people are more committed today than ever before. "We are behind the party, its leadership and our candidate, a young, enterprising and determined politician in the face of all odds."
Darboe appealed to the membership to be focus and be courageous at all times.
Other speakers included Momodou Lamin Syngle Nyassi, UDP Youth President, Foday Gassama of Nyambai ward, Bafoday Sanneh, Lamin Jatta, Lamin Marong, Kaddy Jammeh who all pledged their loyalty and support to the party. They also condemned the recent conviction of Femi Peters, the party’s campaign manager.
The tour continues Friday 23rd at Daruhairu where many party big wigs are expected to grace the meeting.
Source: Dailynews
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
STDG'S Efforts
Listen to the STDG executive members interview below.
http://www.thegambiajournal.com/sambanner/spacialplayer2.php?sid=327
We urge UDP members to follow the activities of STDG base in America. They are a group of Gambians whose wish is to see a strong unified opposition in our country. The UDP in principle is happy at such endevours. The ordinary members of the UDP are the future of the party. The founders will pass on the baton very soon, and it is for you to take a serious interest in Gambian politics that will result in meaningful changes.
Wherever you are, play your part. Be in touch with us. The Gambia needs you. The west will become hostile to us soon, it is about time we stand up and make our homeland conducive to live in.
It doesn't matter whether you get a red or blue foriegn passports, our souls are burried in the Gambia. The country has gone through lots of mess of late, yet there is always a wayout. If we abandon the country to lunatics and selfish people, then we have nothing to complain about.
Come and join the UDP. The party urgently require your wise words, your sincere advise. It is only through humility, piety and righeousness that we can influence each other positively.
Nothing is perfect, and the UDP is not perfect either. But the people leading the party has the best of intentions. The Gambia needs your support.
STDG has our support.
http://www.thegambiajournal.com/sambanner/spacialplayer2.php?sid=327
We urge UDP members to follow the activities of STDG base in America. They are a group of Gambians whose wish is to see a strong unified opposition in our country. The UDP in principle is happy at such endevours. The ordinary members of the UDP are the future of the party. The founders will pass on the baton very soon, and it is for you to take a serious interest in Gambian politics that will result in meaningful changes.
Wherever you are, play your part. Be in touch with us. The Gambia needs you. The west will become hostile to us soon, it is about time we stand up and make our homeland conducive to live in.
It doesn't matter whether you get a red or blue foriegn passports, our souls are burried in the Gambia. The country has gone through lots of mess of late, yet there is always a wayout. If we abandon the country to lunatics and selfish people, then we have nothing to complain about.
Come and join the UDP. The party urgently require your wise words, your sincere advise. It is only through humility, piety and righeousness that we can influence each other positively.
Nothing is perfect, and the UDP is not perfect either. But the people leading the party has the best of intentions. The Gambia needs your support.
STDG has our support.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Healthy Turn Out For UDP U.K Demonstration
Healthy Turn Out for UDP UK Demonstration
by Femi Peters junior
The planned United Democratic Party [UK] demonstration, in conjunction with the Coalition of Human Rights Gambia[ UK], which was triggered by the unlawful imprisonment of the party’s Campaign Manager Mr Femi Peters on the 1st April, went quite well yesterday, Thursday, 15th April, at both the Nigerian and Gambian High Commissions in Trafalgar Square and Kensington respectively. An impressive turn out of Gambians, from within and outside London, as far as far-flung Coventry, answered the call and showed up to channel their utter disapproval over the curtailing of Peters’ rights as a citizen.
First port of call was the Nigerian High Commission in Central London where the demonstrators, among them Femi Peters Junior and Regina Moore, the jailed politician’s kids, where, for an hour, they made their feeling known. Placards depicting ‘Femi Peters, Prisoner of Conscience’, ‘Free Femi Peters Now Without Condition!’, ‘Do Not Aid Jammeh’, ‘Right To A Fair Trial Inalienable,’ were brandished. ‘Nigerian judges out of Gambia,’ ‘Your hands are stained with the blood of innocent Gambians’ among other chants were voiced out.
At the end of the demonstration, a petition was handed over to a representative of the Nigerian High Commissioner, who promised to get back to his boss with it.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, the chairman of UDP UK, K Kanyi, made it clear to the representative that their actions shouldn’t be viewed as anti-Nigerian.
‘I love Nigerians and I got lot of Nigerian friends. We just want to see the back of Nigerian judges, who are serving the interest of not the Gambian people but one of man,’ he emphasised.
Kensington, in South West London was the final stop for the demonstrators where, at the Gambian High Commission, the turn was even healthier, among them author Ebrima Chongan.
‘You are all serving a dictator and you know it,’ they chanted at High Commission staff who, for some reason, thought it best to keep the doors locked.
‘Today it is Femi Peters, tomorrow it would be your dad and you will know how it feels,’ Kabir, a demonstrator, hollered down the letter box. ‘We pay your wages so open this door!’
Attempts to have them open the door and talk to Femi Peters’ kids and receive the petition didn’t take off.
In the end, placards and the petition were shoved through the letter box.
In an interview, Regina Moore voiced her displeasure at the locked door treatment.
‘The jailing of my dad is barbaric, ugly and so backward. The least they (High Commission staff) would have done is come out and talk to us,’ she said, adding that her dad’s political affiliation doesn’t warrant a jail sentence. ‘It makes us all look bad and undemocratic as a nation. It is a sad day for Gambians, irrespective of political or apolitical ends.’
Speaking on behalf of the Peters family, an emotional Femi Peters Junior thanked the demonstrators for turning up and supporting the cause.
‘You should have all been somewhere but you chose to come and support and lend a hand. I hope this demonstration will help us all achieve what we all strive for- a better Gambia and the unconditional release of my dad.’
A fellow demonstrator prophesized that this is not the conclusion. ‘We will keep demonstrating till they listen. If we don’t speak up, they will think it is okay to rule with impunity and jail anyone who holds different political beliefs to their own on the flimsiest of excuses.’
by Femi Peters junior
The planned United Democratic Party [UK] demonstration, in conjunction with the Coalition of Human Rights Gambia[ UK], which was triggered by the unlawful imprisonment of the party’s Campaign Manager Mr Femi Peters on the 1st April, went quite well yesterday, Thursday, 15th April, at both the Nigerian and Gambian High Commissions in Trafalgar Square and Kensington respectively. An impressive turn out of Gambians, from within and outside London, as far as far-flung Coventry, answered the call and showed up to channel their utter disapproval over the curtailing of Peters’ rights as a citizen.
First port of call was the Nigerian High Commission in Central London where the demonstrators, among them Femi Peters Junior and Regina Moore, the jailed politician’s kids, where, for an hour, they made their feeling known. Placards depicting ‘Femi Peters, Prisoner of Conscience’, ‘Free Femi Peters Now Without Condition!’, ‘Do Not Aid Jammeh’, ‘Right To A Fair Trial Inalienable,’ were brandished. ‘Nigerian judges out of Gambia,’ ‘Your hands are stained with the blood of innocent Gambians’ among other chants were voiced out.
At the end of the demonstration, a petition was handed over to a representative of the Nigerian High Commissioner, who promised to get back to his boss with it.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, the chairman of UDP UK, K Kanyi, made it clear to the representative that their actions shouldn’t be viewed as anti-Nigerian.
‘I love Nigerians and I got lot of Nigerian friends. We just want to see the back of Nigerian judges, who are serving the interest of not the Gambian people but one of man,’ he emphasised.
Kensington, in South West London was the final stop for the demonstrators where, at the Gambian High Commission, the turn was even healthier, among them author Ebrima Chongan.
‘You are all serving a dictator and you know it,’ they chanted at High Commission staff who, for some reason, thought it best to keep the doors locked.
‘Today it is Femi Peters, tomorrow it would be your dad and you will know how it feels,’ Kabir, a demonstrator, hollered down the letter box. ‘We pay your wages so open this door!’
Attempts to have them open the door and talk to Femi Peters’ kids and receive the petition didn’t take off.
In the end, placards and the petition were shoved through the letter box.
In an interview, Regina Moore voiced her displeasure at the locked door treatment.
‘The jailing of my dad is barbaric, ugly and so backward. The least they (High Commission staff) would have done is come out and talk to us,’ she said, adding that her dad’s political affiliation doesn’t warrant a jail sentence. ‘It makes us all look bad and undemocratic as a nation. It is a sad day for Gambians, irrespective of political or apolitical ends.’
Speaking on behalf of the Peters family, an emotional Femi Peters Junior thanked the demonstrators for turning up and supporting the cause.
‘You should have all been somewhere but you chose to come and support and lend a hand. I hope this demonstration will help us all achieve what we all strive for- a better Gambia and the unconditional release of my dad.’
A fellow demonstrator prophesized that this is not the conclusion. ‘We will keep demonstrating till they listen. If we don’t speak up, they will think it is okay to rule with impunity and jail anyone who holds different political beliefs to their own on the flimsiest of excuses.’
Some Gambian that commend the demo
Kayatta (bantaba)
In honor of what Mr. Peters stands for, unfettered rights to free speech and assembly, I do not intend to delete any part of my post. I will still appreciate your complete answer to the questions posed. Thank you.
Momodou Camara (Denmark)
Suntu, thanks for the photos. Free Femi Peters NOW!
Karamba (England)
Exposing the cannibal by mercenary Nigerian bandits posing judges in Gambia is a giant stride by UDP/UK.Yaya Jammeh is able to stay this far because some other bandits like him closed ranks being what they are. As a nation, we need taking this as a good twist of events. Next, what UDP along other freedom loving people can do in Gambia is staging another demo at Nigerian High Commission Gambia. They have right to peaceful procession.By extension, Gambians need not wait till one of their own is affected. This has to stay as regular face-on challenge for big bullies in Gambia. Bravo to you all UDP/UK and those who stood firm grounds against tyranny. Down with the tyrannical, thief, and killer Yaya Jammeh rotten regime.
Janko (Gambia)
Thanks, UDP-UK,for your courageous stance in defense of fundamental rights and freedoms. The fantastic thing with justice is that even the culprit is guaranteed even handedness. I salute your courage.
Bailo (Senegal)
Well done all. Proud of you.
Suntou's response:
We thank you for the complements. This is a work for every single peace loving Gambian. It is small oppressions that push countries into civil unrest. We should not forget that, when suppression affect every facet of a society, no one is secure. And if you think you are safe, think again. Yes it is true, the Gambia is not conducive for war, however, this is true for most countries. We should speak now, so that our country can remain peaceful and tranquil.
The UDP will continue to advocate for peaceful end to all our woes, we shall not succumb to undemocratic ways in bringing lasting democracy to the Gambia
We stand shoulder to shoulder in the case of Femi Peters.
In honor of what Mr. Peters stands for, unfettered rights to free speech and assembly, I do not intend to delete any part of my post. I will still appreciate your complete answer to the questions posed. Thank you.
Momodou Camara (Denmark)
Suntu, thanks for the photos. Free Femi Peters NOW!
Karamba (England)
Exposing the cannibal by mercenary Nigerian bandits posing judges in Gambia is a giant stride by UDP/UK.Yaya Jammeh is able to stay this far because some other bandits like him closed ranks being what they are. As a nation, we need taking this as a good twist of events. Next, what UDP along other freedom loving people can do in Gambia is staging another demo at Nigerian High Commission Gambia. They have right to peaceful procession.By extension, Gambians need not wait till one of their own is affected. This has to stay as regular face-on challenge for big bullies in Gambia. Bravo to you all UDP/UK and those who stood firm grounds against tyranny. Down with the tyrannical, thief, and killer Yaya Jammeh rotten regime.
Janko (Gambia)
Thanks, UDP-UK,for your courageous stance in defense of fundamental rights and freedoms. The fantastic thing with justice is that even the culprit is guaranteed even handedness. I salute your courage.
Bailo (Senegal)
Well done all. Proud of you.
Suntou's response:
We thank you for the complements. This is a work for every single peace loving Gambian. It is small oppressions that push countries into civil unrest. We should not forget that, when suppression affect every facet of a society, no one is secure. And if you think you are safe, think again. Yes it is true, the Gambia is not conducive for war, however, this is true for most countries. We should speak now, so that our country can remain peaceful and tranquil.
The UDP will continue to advocate for peaceful end to all our woes, we shall not succumb to undemocratic ways in bringing lasting democracy to the Gambia
We stand shoulder to shoulder in the case of Femi Peters.
Friday, 16 April 2010
In The Matter Of Femi Peters: Historic Protest
A demonstration was held yesterday the 15th of April against the unlawful jailing of Femi Peters. The protest was a success. Femi Peters's eldest daughter and Son were among the protesters.
A delegation of senior Nigerian diplomats came down to met demonstrators at the embassy entrance. They videoed the whole occasion, took photos, receive the petition letter from the UDP-U.K Chairman Mr Kanjura Kanyi.
Contrastingly, the Gambian high commission staff decline to open their doors for fears of getting barracked by protesters. They acted pathetically shameful.
People turn up from all works of life. The occasion was marked by serious contemplation, how can the West accept human beings to act and behave freely, whilst our leaders refuse basic human rights to us all?
The average African/Gambian would like to enjoy the liberties, freedom and conducive environment of the west, but will decline to get down and dirty in eliminating tyrannical political climates in their own countries. It is very embarrassing. What is that differentiate us from the developed societies?
It is not colour, physic, diet. None of the physical attributes differences make us lesser human beings to the Westerners. Given the opportunity, a black man can achieve whatever a WHITE, CHINESE, INDIAN, ARAB PERSON ACHIEVE.
It as one demonstrator remarked "we like enjoying other's finish product". A very poignant statement. I could remembers some saying, let us leave Yahya, his time will soon come". How ancient to think like that.
Our difference is that, they are willing to stand for what they believe in, whilst we want others to smoothen our path for us.
Yahya is too weak to be feared. He is jailing and traumatising his former close allies because he knows they don't fear him.
They use to make him invincible. They know his limitations, fears, arrogance, lack of confidence and baby like manners. However, for him to continue feeling secure in his mind, he cannot rest until all who knows him well are jailed or exiled. Dictators are all cowards.
Gambians should realise that, the west is becoming congested, we have to make our homelands the only option to reside. And for that, we must stand up to tyrants.
The Gambian embassy staff was pointing at his camera in their building threatening that he is taking photos. This foolish boy forgets that, him and his criminal boss are living in the past. The fear that affect most of country men is eroding slowly. We don't fear him and his manic boss. We know them all, from: Yusupha Bojang to the receptionist.
UDP-U.K would like to thank our new author Alpha Ibrahim Chongan, Sanusi Owens, Malick Kah (CFHR U.K), Femi Peters junior, his sister, Abdoulie Jobe (Coalition For Human rights U.K), Abdoulie Bojang, (CFHR U.K) Dave Manneh, Abdoukarim Sanneh (CFHR U.K).
The UDP-U.K Chairman and U.K campaign manager Mr Kanjura And Fasiaka were happy of the turn out.
The coordinator and Public relation person of UDP U.K (Suntou Touray And Sony S Daffeh) also were glad of the ambiance and enthusiasm of the protesters.
We would also like to thank former ASP S Jeng, Kabiru, Banamoramas of the Gambia Matters party, some U.K nationals, children who accompanied their parents, the women members who also attended, and the rest of the crowds whose names we cannot recall.
Thanks all. As a matter of fact, all of you turn out for your love of human rights and freedom of expression, political plurality and fairness. You don't require our thanks, it is only out of joy we say so. Finally our thanks to Mbye Sarr and Muhammed L Sillah of the Gambiajournal for calling us at the demo, and BBC Network Africa.
We hope many more protest can be organise for a free and better Gambia.
Forward with the UDP.
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