Dear Editor,

I would be most grateful if allowed space to give my humble opinion in this analysis on political events in Gambia. I am concerned and do follow issues affecting my only home as a Gambian.

Yaya Jammeh which is his actual name (not Yahya), for I refuse to call him because this was a ploy in change of name to deceive Muslims world over for political and personal gains. Whilst not denying that one can choose a change of name legally, I believe it should be with no cost to others. His change costs me as he has succeeded in deception which additionally contributes to his grip on power. I do not want to be misunderstood here again as this being misinterpreted to saying non-Muslims can’t seek public office. They are as entitled equally.

Yaya and APRC have been in power in th Gambia since June 1994 with no clear sings yet communicated that he is willing to conform to amend his evil ways he deploys in executing the affairs of the state nor prepared to let somebody else take over from him and rule in favour of all as dictated by the Constitution. It's an established and documented fact that Yaya oppresses, kills, detains people without trial beyond the time permitted by law, with some being tortured to consent to the lies fabricate for their arrests. Yaya obtains lots of loans in the name of Gambia and continues to squander together with revenues generated by the state, with some of it diverted to personal projects.

The infrastructural constructions, for I do not see them as developments, which Yaya always points at, are supposed to be beneficial to Gambians. So what is developmental about them when the people they were meant for are being oppressed? Yaya is the only Gambian good enough to enter Banjul, through the Arch 22 main entrance. What right has Yaya to any other ordinary Gambian as equal citizens? Yaya has also succeeded in sowing discord amongst tribes by pitting us against each other for political gain.

With the opportunities at Yaya’s disposal as incumbent, and the sinister strategies he set to play, all past attempts at election have proven he is with us yet for a while (I do not say I have communicated with God for my assumption of his stay). Hence I believe a good way of challenging and getting rid of him through (this) election is for a combination of all opposition votes against.

It is a fact that a single opposition party can’t singly mount a serious challenge to unseat Yaya. The people’s call for coalition of parties against could not work in the past. There is no opposition leader in Gambia who won’t think s/he is the best to assume the lead role in this union yet it is evident only vote-unification can do so. They (opposition leaderships) presented various arguments in reasons for not been able to unify. Whilst the various opposition leaderships in their own rights believe they have reason not to let each other assume the mantle over the rest, I believe something is wrong in their various judgements for not agreeing. The Gambia (including the leaders of opposition) is bigger than individuals. Whilst they have right to lead their parties and deserve the right to object to a union for various reasons, I believe the notion of “if I am not selected for lead-role, we all can lose” is no better option. I believe if at all we are sincere and dedicated to rescuing and reclaiming the Mother-Land from carnage, there surely should be concessions from all. I believe (purely my opinion) there ought to be some degree of sincerity to the population over whom the opposition leaders sought to rule. There is no crime in their individual stands but it’s not right to make us believe they do not have personal difference influencing their judgements. I believe it’s no crime to say this as I see is the case.

A Mandinka adage translation..; ‘If one sighs away from meeting the eye, you won’t skin a head’. This doesn’t mean to say I am perfect, for I am 110% human than perfect and do acknowledge when I make mistakes inevitably. I also have relatives in all political parties myself, with some at influential positions especially in the ruling party. Somebody very close was alleged to have been involved in certain crimes in cohort with Yaya which I believe the person in question would stand to account for in post-Yaya times. And I believe he should answer to the allegations if he has committed any. The Gambia is small that everyone is related. It may not be through blood but I may be link to one’s family member or friend if am not to one directly. But I do not sigh away from criticising or making my opinion on country known when given opportunity for I see Gambia as what stands paramount to individual gain. One Mr Jim called me ‘hater’ of Yaya Jammeh with reference to a comment I made on’ the El-Faisal saga on Jollofnews Website’. The truth about me is I hate bad-deeds but not person/s who commit them. I can’t do a thing about any person’s unique nature as God has them. I would never have criticised Yaya or any opposition leadership if they had not choose to sought public office.

With time running fast, I believe there can’t be a single suggestion and solution to rid us of Yaya. I implore all who can, to brain-storm for solutions and it is healthy for clash of ideas. May Allah help us. Amen.

Thank you, Hakilo.