Minister of justice did not mislead the concept of protest: Let’s keep the conversation clean.
Bravo to the office of AG, IGP and GRTS for a wonderful civic engagement program called status of our law and security way forward.
The program is long overdue and it is mesmerizing to see an activist, IGP and AG on the same platform discussing the state of our democracy. The civic engagement since the rebirth of New Gambia, have deepen our love for our country and our people. It is a love full of pride for our virtue and with patience for our failings.
We are a fractious nation, always searching, always dissatisfied, yet always hopeful. We have an infinite capacity to rejuvenate ourselves. We are self-correcting. And we are capable of caring for each other. In this new dispensation of our discontent, I find it heartening to look back to 22 years of dictatorship.
Remember during the 22 years of Jammeh when people wondered how we could end the brutal assault on our rights? But we came roaring back, we prevail over the cynics. We came through because the resilience of some of our patriotic sons and daughters who stood up to Jammeh despite all the odds.
As Gambians, we will continue to flourish because of our multilineage society which has strength and resilience as we continue to find our niche in our new democracy. Attorney General Ba Tambedou and Mr.
Mamour Jobe Inspector General of Police appearance on GRTS underscore our government’s commitment to create an environment where divergent views are encouraged. Both leaders represented the government very well on the show and they have communicated clearly some of the misconception when it comes to protest and steps involved in changing some of the laws on the books.
Ba Tambedou as the Chief Prosecutor of the Executive Branch did a fabulous job in clearly explaining the process and processes involved in changing the law as well as security implications when it comes to protest. Mr. Tambedou was very prepared, knowledgeable, articulated his position well when it comes to the rule of law, freedom of assembly and movement.
Both Honorable Tambedou and Mr. Jobe’s engagement with Activist Alieu Bah on GRTS was very commendable due to the fact that the exchanges were very cordial, civil and exhibited in a very professional manner. Ba Tambedou at no point during their appearance on GRTS demonize activist Alieu Bah as Madi Jobarteh wants to believe.
Madi’s continue hyperbole, excessive obsession when it comes to protest and the constitution, as if he has complete monopoly over these issues should give us pause due to misconception conveyed to the general public. Madi applauded the patriotism of Alieu Bah which no one will dispute but how about Ba Tambedou who gave up other opportunities to serve his country?
How about Ba’s active engagement in the struggle to dislodge the dictator? If Madi does not know please find out from others. Madi asserted that Ba Tambedou and his family are comfortable thanks to tax payers, well what Madi failed to understand and acknowledge was the opportunities our current AG gave up to serve in Barrow Administration for the love of country.
I will highly encourage the IGP and AG to continue their wonderful civic engagement especially in our local languages it is very educational. It looks like the information shared with the masses does not sit well with some of our activists.
The conclusion is maybe the AG hit a nerve which triggered a reactionary article rapped around emotional outburst by Madi. Ba is very progressive, he worked tirelessly to create an environment where continue dialogue and civil society engagement is at the forefront.
He is the most media friendly Attorney General in the history of our Republic. Ba Tambedou represents the cliché of people who value honesty above all else, followed by being forward-looking, competent, and inspiring.
These traits fell under the larger umbrella of credibility, which is declared as the foundation of leadership.
Jafferson once wrote, “There is a debt of service due from every man to his country, proportioned to the bounties nature and fortune have measured to him”.
My last word to Madi, Ba Tamedou’s responsibility, our responsibility as lucky Gambians, is to try to give back to our country as much as it has given to us, as we continue our New Gambia journey together. General Powell once said “Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it”.
I am not a spokesman for the AG nor the government however it is our fiduciary duty to keep each other on a true course. Thank you! May God continue to bless the Gambia and her people.
By Sariang Marong
Vancouver, Washington
U.S.A