Breaking News:Yankuba Darboe Exposed!!!UK Home Office take note of an asylum faker!!

Breaking News:Yankuba Darboe Exposed!!!UK Home Office take note of an asylum faker!!
Today, we shall expose how vindictive some Gambians can be. Gambians would be shocked to learn that our new enemy in the person of Yankuba Darboe, alias "Yanks" currently residing in the United Kingdom, was at some point trying to solicit favors from us here at Freedom. Darboe who was hardly known as a “serious journalist” in the Gambia, wanted us to lie in an affidavit that he was a staffer of the Freedom Newspaper. His intentions were to deceive the UK Immigration to secure his much anticipated asylum dream. Darboe had criminal tendencies in him, which we would expose, as we go in this master piece revelations.

As a matter of principle, this paper declined his request in May of 2006 to summit an affidavit to his attorney, in which he Darboe wants us to adduce that he was a staffer of the Freedom Newspaper. Darboe made repeated phone calls to the Freedom Newspaper just to lure us into such schemes designed to fool the UK Immigration Home Office, but we refused to be part of such deceptive schemes. In some instances, he would leave a voice mail for the Editor, requesting to be called back. There are phone records available to back up our assertions.

Darboe supposedly a legal mind, ought to have known better about the implications of submitting false evidence to government agencies, especially on matters relating to asylum. Little, did Darboe knows that asylum claims filed under false pretense can be revoked if the issuing authorities are in possession of material evidence that such applicants obtained their status through fraudulent means. And this was exactly, what Yankuba Darboe wanted us to do for him, which we declined in the strongest terms.

Whether he had succeeded in deceiving the UK Immigration, is a subject of investigation later, but what is evident is that Yankuba Darboe had never suffered any form of persecution in the Gambia over the years. We are not aware of Darboe being arrested at any given time. We can state that this paper had never supported any asylum application for these “join the list” journalists trying to beat the system. We have received bunch of request in the past, but we always declined such requests.

Since Yankuba Darboe is openly provoking us, the Freedom Newspaper had no choice but to defend its integrity. If the UK government is interested about getting to bottom of the truth in Darboe’s case, we are ready to testify against him at any court of law. Here is a person trading on falsehood just to meet his long term desires. These are dangerous signals for a young man aspiring to be a lawyer. A lawyer should armed himself with the truth and nothing but the truth. We have seen in the past lawyers being kicked out from their profession because of corruption related cases. The earlier Darboe give up his “shady life” the better it would be for him.

For the records, this paper had never returned any of Darboe’s phone calls. Darboe one evening was able to get hold of the Freedom Newspaper on the line. He first informed us that he alerted Editor Omar Bah to leave the Gambia, as his personal information was forwarded to the Gambia Post and Gambia L mailing lists by Ebou Jallow. Darboe sounded happy about the hacking, as he thought that this was an opportune moment for him to secure status in the UK.

Darboe then informed us that his name was of part of the list of Freedom Newspaper subscribers published by the Daily Observer. Darboe said under the circumstances, it was suicidal for him to return to the Gambia in the short term, since his name was being associated with a critical and independent paper like the Freedom Newspaper. He then explained to us that he had in mind filing an asylum, but wanted the Freedom Newspaper editor to vouch in an affidavit that he Darboe was a staffer of this paper. He also wanted us to be giving him space to be publishing commentaries during the period in question to beef up his intended asylum application.

In response, the Freedom Newspaper Editor told Darboe that his paper cannot lie in a deposition that he works for Freedom, when in actual fact he was not even affiliated with us in the first place. The Freedom Newspaper Editor also made it loud and clear to Darboe that one being a subscriber of Freedom does not qualify one to be a staffer. Our Editor respectively declined his request. Up to this date, there is no single Gambian who can say that the Editor of the Freedom Newspaper had written an affidavit for him. We refused to be used by people with ulterior motives.

Darboe then volunteered to be interviewed on “his role to facilitate Omar Bah’s escape” from the Gambia. Perhaps, he was using the said interview to build up his supposedly asylum case. We treated the said story with caution, because Darboe was all the time interested about projecting his image as a potential target for persecution. We reported the story professionally. We also told Darboe that we have no problem with him writing as a private contributor, but as a matter of principle, this paper cannot be used for one’s own selfish interest. We have material evidence to that effect to prove Darboe’s past commentaries he filed to the Freedom Newspaper.

In one of his pieces, he lamented about how difficult it was to win an asylum case in the UK. This was the period when Sheriff Bojang junior was deported from the UK. Though, Darboe fails to share his personal experiences with his readers. These are the true colors of Yankuba Darboe. He is a fake.

In our next piece, we would expose a Gambian who borrowed money from the University of The Gambia, but was yet to pay the money back. Stay tuned. If you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones. Journalists are supposed to be honest and not corrupt. Corruption hinders development. We must be clean first, before calling for accountability!!!

The editor can be reached at the following addresses:editor@freedomnewspaper.com or panderrymbai@gmail.com If you know that it's happening or is about to happen please contact us. It's easy. Just type your info on our contact us file and then click send. The Freedom Newspaper is your leading and most authoritative source of news. We have the required professionals to serve you round the clock. Get your morning breakfast news by reading Freedom. We have good stuffs every morning. At Freedom, we mean business.

As Support for Harriet Harman Increases-Respected journalist praises her!

As Support for Harriet Harman Increases
..Respected Independent Columnist backs the ‘Friend of Africa’.

By Alhagie Mbye, London Bureau Chief

The Freedom Newspaper is not alone in its support for Harriet Harman, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party as a result of her acknowledgment, respect and appreciation of hard-working and law abiding Africans, Caribbean’s and other black people in the country. Her positive stand in favour of everyone in her constituency regardless of gender or status is an open secret. As a matter of fact, over the years she has earned enormous and unreserved admiration by such groups of people.

Such affection is in fact increasing day by day following her support by an unprecedented number of Members of Parliament as well as present and former Cabinet Ministers. Now Johann Hari, a well-known and respected columnist and commentator of the well-regarded Independent Newspaper based in London wrote that there are very good reasons why the Peckham and Camberwell MP should be supported.

Johann Hari said that Harman's policies aren't only good feminist practice but they are also immensely popular in the suburbs of Middle England and as a result deserve support. The commentator and columnist further quoted a recent YouGov poll, which revealed a remarkable 22 per cent more likely to vote Labour in future with Harriet Harman.

The poll indicated was miles ahead of the nearest contender, Hilary Benn. Therefore Johann added that ‘if you're serious about inequality, you have to be serious about feminism’ and the Deputy Leader is a shinning example in that regard.

He recalled that in 1981, Tony Benn and Denis Healey stalked each other across the country, smashing together at pitched-battle debates that always seemed ‘‘inches away from a riot’’.

The Independent columnist recalled that when Harriet was first elected in 1982 as one of only 10 female Labour MPs, she outlined an agenda that was mocked as preposterous by old-style macho politicians on all sides. She wanted, in the new world of two-income households, to give working women control over their own lives - and make sure they had time to spend with their kids.

Harman the commentator added also stood up in the Commons and offered a stream of examples of why change was needed: "One [couple] explained to him how they exchange the baby in the factory car park as he goes in to work and she finishes her shift. Another said they communicate by leaving messages for each other on the kitchen table, as she's asleep when he comes in and she's out before he gets the baby up."

To make these women's lives bearable, Harman had a detailed, practical policy list, involving substantial maternity pay, paternity pay, decent nursery and after-school clubs, and a right to flexible working for parents.

Johann also indicated that Harman had pointed out that feminist advances aren't a flimsy add-on to the Labour agenda of reducing inequality. They are at its red beating heart. One of the biggest determinants of a child's health, wealth and life chances is the time it has with its parents. Most kids of the working poor he said fall behind in language skills before their third birthday because their stressed-out mums don't have as much time.

The achievements of the Deputy Leader through perspiration and persistence, has accomplished some of her agenda but she wants to push it much further and as a result merit all the support needed. For example Harriet wants to make the right mandatory - a massive advance for mothers.

The Deputy Leader also has a slew of smaller policies that will make life easier for working mums. For one, she wants to extend the laws covering sick pay, so you are entitled to time off if your child is ill too, explaining, "You've got a child with a raging temperature, vomiting all over the place - what do you do? This child is six, you can't say, 'Goodbye, I'm off to work', he added.

Therefore he said: ‘‘Harriet Harman is not offering an intergalactic revolution. It is unlikely space-aliens will bring socialism the day after she is elected. But she is offering a combination of real feminism and electoral popularity. As Labour faces its toughest election and its most demoralised members since 1992, can it afford to say no?’’.

Since she assumed the position of Deputy Leader, Harriet Harman’s support and popularity is increasing from all quarters and hundreds of Africans and other black people living or working in her constituency also continue to wish her well.

END

Breaking News:Scales sports:Gambia out of Canada U20s tournament- Austria 2- Gambia 1

Gambia's Under 20s shocked the Nation!!

Minister Omar Faye likely to be Fired!

Disgruntled supporters attacked coach Bonou Johnson's home

Gambia's under 20s have started packing their belongings for home, as they lost their match with Austria 2 goals to one. Shock and disbelief gripped football fans both at home and abroad. The team could not make it for the Canada 2007 tournament, which was given much political support by the Jammeh leadership. As a form of motivation, the Gambian leader personally handed $5000 dollars to each of the squad members. But hopes of bringing the cup home, have been dashed away with the Gambia, prematurely sent packing at the beginning of the games. The Austrian team defeated the boys with two goals to one. Reaction across the country have been swift. The defeat has been attributed to poor sports leadership and lack of proper coordination. Most likely heads are going to roll at the Department of State For Youths and Sports.

The team’s poor performance never came as a surprise to sports followers here. The Minister who is expected to revamp the sports industry has been engulfed with an unfinished marital dispute. Minister Faye was accused of snatching the wife of one Omar Adams. Adams resorted to court to seek for justice. The said case is pending in the Gambian courts. Prior to attending the Canada games, Minister Faye was said to be not in speaking terms with the President.

Now that the Gambia has lost the much publicized game, observers here say the Minister is likely to be shown the exit door. The Gambian government spent millions of dollars to finance the said the games. Even though the President had earlier said he was going to take care of the visa fees, the cost of the players and supporters lodging was being footed by the state.

In an attempt to halt illegal immigration, the Canadian government applied strict rules to deny Gambian supporters, whose applications information were found to be insufficient for visa issuance. The Visa officer was not convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that some of the supporters would return to the Gambia after the match, as in the past some Gambian match supporters absconded without returning to the country. Canada defended its move to slam visa denial against the Gambia, even though the Jammeh government accuses the former British colony of “discrimination” and unfair treatment.

The Gambia is currently faced by an economic downturn, which is forcing many of its youths to leave the country, in search for greener pasture overseas. Most of the frustrated youths got trapped into the desert, while some died while trying to cross to the Canary Island. In a bid to curb illegal immigration, the Jammeh government reached a bilateral relationship with Spain to help stop youths trying to migrate into their country illegally.

News of the Under 20s defeat devastated the Gambian population. What was expected to be a victory for the Gambia, has shattered the hopes of sports fans here. Many people turned off their television screen in protest. They could not withstand the defeat. Many blame sports officials for the deafeat. They called for total reforms in the area of sports in the country.

Gambia’s Sports industry suffered dramatically under the leadership of Omar Faye. Many coaches have resigned in the past due to lack of political will on the side of the authorities that be to advance the cause of sports in the Gambia. These coaches complained about poor pay and lack of “free hand” to coordinate football in the country. In the end, the Sports Ministry had to scout for local coaches to mange football affairs in the country. Our home based coaches have been accused of being biased when it comes to selection of footballers. They also tend to neglect the plight of players and favor their immediate friends.

Meanwhile, reports from Canada say some of the Gambian supporters were being closely monitored to avoid any absconding. The visas issued to these supporters expired after the games. Sports officials told the Freedom Newspaper that they would do their best to ensure that the supporters return home. In a bid to lure the supporters to return home, the Gambian leader earlier promises them a handsome present upon their return.

If it turns out that Minister Omar Faye is fired, because of the Canada defeat, there is a likely hood that public confidence into the sports industry would be restored. The Minister has been widely criticized for not giving “serious” attention to the advancement of sports into the country. Minister Faye, we are told , was a former sportsman, but in reality he lacks the necessary leadership qualities to head a demanding and challenging Department of State like that of the sports Ministry. His critics say Faye was taken to the wrong Department of State. His predecessor Samba Faal was said to have performed better than Faye. It was under Faal’s watch that most the talented under 20s were discovered. Faal also helped the boys to be signed by other international leagues.

The baby under 20s would not receive a warm welcome in Banjul. Across the country, everyone here is angry. The only thing the President can do to win the confidence of sports fans is to restructure the sports ministry. Already, the state is reading the writings on the wall. The house of coach Bonu Johnson was attacked by angry youths after Gambia’s match with Mexico. Johnson’s wife was forced to leave the residence, as the angry supporters were poised to set the house ablaze. These protesting supporters were never arrested by the police. With news that the Gambia has been knocked out from the Canada match, the reactions to follow in the days to come would be unpredictable.

Gambia’s sports fans have now resorted to violence to vent their anger, which is alien to the country’s sports industry. The attack on the house of coach Bonou Johnson was a signal to the authorities that the country’s sports fans means business. Those entrusted with sports management have two options. One, to either deliver or leave. What is most disturbing though is the new culture of violence, which could trigger national uprising.

Teeth Bite:A devastating revelations on the Daily Observer Crisis- A case study!!

Teeth Bite:A devastating revelations on the Daily Observer Crisis- A case study!!
The Daily Observer is undergoing serious transformation. No one at the paper is assured of job security. Not even its MD Saja Taal. Most of the sackings emanate from the President's office. The Observer which allowed itself to be used for "junk journalism" over the years by the failed Jammeh government, is at war with the state. The Observer is these days becoming a "no go area" for serious minded journalists. Check book journalists, despite their low life, are finding it difficult to operate at the Observer. They offend the seat of power, with their failed attempts to impress the power that be, only to be humiliated and sacked. Off late, some journalists joined the paper for certain reasons, with the exception of few principled ones.

First and foremost, they thought that by working for the Observer, their chances of being arrested or fired would be minimal. Second, they also believe that by working with the Observer, they are assured of job security, good pay and other incentives. Thirdly, they believe that working for the Observer would give them advantage against other journalists working in other private papers. That, they would be given favors by government officials in terms of information sharing.

Today, the government which used to harass and bully the Point and the Independent had shifted their unfinished terror tactics to its "pet journalists" at the Daily Observer. The Observer is a potential target for bully these days. The NIA spends hours cross checking the content of their paper. Any piece perceived to be critical of the government, means the end of the author's career with the paper. Some of these poor Editors/ Reporters earned their living through writing. Sacking them means denying them their livelihood. Some of these fired reporters/Editors are the bread winners of their respective families.

With all these happenings at the Observer, there is little public sympathy. Gambians at home don't feel sorry for the Observer staffers, as they shamelessly allowed to be used against their fellow brothers and sisters. The average Gambian believe that the Observer journalists sold themselves to the system by allowing to be used for nothing. That said, these so called journalists compromised their journalistic principles by trading their integrity with money and personal aggrandizement. The Observer journalists have also been accused of propagating "hate and violence" against the oppressed Gambian Community, with the sole intention of pleasing their masters.

As the saying goes, what goes around, comes around. Today, it's Observer own turn. Let them sink. No mercy for the merciless. The time has come for these so called "join the list" journalists to reconcile with the Gambian people. They must be very lucky to secure a job elsewhere, because their credibility had been dented for good. You dine with the devil and expect decent minds to accept you back with open hands. Gambians can forgive, but cannot forget.

Kenneth Y Best was wrong to sell the Observer!

This headline might sound controversial, but the truth be told Mr.Best made the biggest mistake by selling the Observer to an associate of the President Amadou Samba. Best being a journalist guru, ought to have known better, the implications of selling such a national paper to Samba without running proper background checks. To some extent, he hurriedly disposed off the paper, without double checking with other independent minded journalists in Banjul to ascertain his sales agent's claims on Samba's integrity. He sales agent, whoever the person might be, contributed to the current trials and tribulations journalists at the Observer are faced with.

The agent was economical with the truth, when he told Best that Samba was an "independent" entrepreneur when he was not. Samba survives on government contracts to run his business. Without government contracts, his business would suffer natural dead. Samba came to the limelight shortly after the July 22ND coup. His business was not faring well during the first Republic. His fishing vessels were grounded for cash problems. Disgruntled sailors often stormed his Banjul offices demanding to be paid. We have names of such sailors to release online if Amadou Samba ever disputes what is reported here. Yahya Jammeh created the Amadou Samba factor, with the dubious contracts given to him on un tendered. The airport, the Banjul Arch and other business sites were never tendered. There is no way that Samba can offend Jammeh by allowing the Observer to publish stories critical of the state. This is far fetch. It's impossible!!!

Latest information from the Observer suggests that Mr.Samba has since given up managing the paper. The paper is owned by Yahya Jammeh. Period!! Jammeh decides who works at the Observer, thanks to his errand woman Neneh Macdowl Gaye. Gaye has been doing dirty job for Jammeh. Samba was used as a shield to purchase the paper. That's the hard fact.

History in the making at the Observer

Journalist Chief Manneh is reported dead. He was said to have been allegedly murdered by the Jammeh government. The government has not denied the report yet, it only says Manneh was not under their custody. That's not enough. A Government interested about the wellbeing of its citizens would have demonstrated some kind of interest into Manneh's case. But the realities on the ground suggests that the government is not keen at entertaining questions about the journalist's whereabouts.

Killing Chief Manneh was an expensive move on the side of the Jammeh government. Chief Manneh used to welcome President Jammeh during his past Ghana visits. There was this meeting, he had with the Gambian Community in Ghana and was chaired by Chief Manneh. What the hell is going on? The system turning against its "pet boys"? There is no justification to take a reporter's life because he or she is unhappy about what's going on in the country.

There is this report that Chief Manneh was linked to Daba Marena. Whether true or false, Daba was Chief's good friend. Chief used to have free access to Daba. If it is true that he was killed alongside with Daba and co, the state should be honest enough to accept responsibility. We are determined to use our investigative skills to get to the bottom of the truth in this matter. Yahya Jammeh should stop the killing and give peace a chance. Anytime the system crumbles, he would pay for the price. The world is closely watching you. These mass killings cannot go unpunished!!!

List of Fired Observer present and former Staffers

Journalist Chief Manneh allegedly killed by the government ??? Editor Lamin Dibba fired, Editor Seedy Bojang, also fired, Editor Ebrima Jaw Manneh fired, rehired, Editor Mam Sait Ceesay fired, Editor Lamin Cham fired, Editor Omar Bah fired, declared wanted., MD Momodou Sanyang fired, Editor Momodou Musa Touray forced to resign, Editor Ngang Thomas fired, MD Sheriff Bojang fired, MD Buba Baldeh, fired, MD Sariang Ceesay fired, MD Theophlous George fired, Editor Demba Ali Jawo fired, Senior Staff reporter Alieu Badara Sowe fired, Senior Staff reporter Pa Nderry M'Bai fired, Reporter Alahgie Mbye forced to leave due to censorship, the list goes on and on……

Omar Bah, Demba Ali Jawo, Alieu Badara Sowe and Pa Nderry M'Bai are journalists of high standing. They worth their salt. Despite the government's move to terrorize them, the journalists remain focused and uncompromising. They continued to assert their independence until the last day they were fired.

The Sale of the Observer, a curse for the Gambian media.

The sale of the Daily Observer is no doubt a curse to the Gambian private press. We can vividly remember how our dear sister Fatou Jahumpa Ceesay now (Speaker of Parliament) openly declared a war against the Independent Newspaper by secretly undermining the paper. Fatou uses her position, influence and what not to lure Independent reporters to leave the paper. Her objective was to paralyze the paper. Some of the reporters left on their own, but some were manipulated by sister Fatou to abandon the paper. The Independent Editors worked very hard to sustain the paper because the conspiracy reached was to take the paper from the news stands. Fatou had a special project on that.

She smiles for the Independent editors, but deep on the bottom of her heart she hates them to the maximum. For some reasons, Fatou thought that her mission to end the Independent would give the Observer an edge over the Point and other sister papers. She was working hand in hand with the then Observer MD Sheriff Bojang. They strategize ways and means of taking over the Independent, with their sinister plans to hijack the paper's reporters. These reporters were promised with better pay, promotion, studies and so on…

Sister Fatou partly achieved her desire to snatch the Independent reporters, but guess what ? Today, Fatou is "black listed" by the very Daily Observer. She no longer enjoys having her face into the front pages of the Observer. She also cannot arraign for interviews with Observer reporters, because an order has been given to drop cheap propaganda stories coming from Fatou.

It's evident that the current Information Minister Neneh Macdowl Gaye, who happens to be the Observer board Chairperson is an arch rival of Fatou Jahumpa Ceesay. The two are strange bed fellows. Their differences is a longs story, which cannot be tabulated in one piece. The two had been trying to undermine each other to the President for a longtime now. They do everything humanely possible to win the love of Jammeh. Jammeh being a chief womanizer, capitalize on the weakness of these two women. In the end, he created a condition for suspicion between the two.

Fatou was kicked out from her Director of Press job, when the hit was high on Jammeh. Neneh was in Jammeh's good books at the material time. She was promoted to TV Manager ahead of her senior Jainaba Nyang. She was later elevated to the position of Secretary of State, whilst Fatou was recalled and offered nominated MP. Throughout this period, the two were doing what the wollofs called "Masla" meaning pretending to be in good terms when they are not.

As soon as, Jammeh appointed Neneh as the Observer Board Chairperson, the lady thought that it was about time to avenge the media censorship meted out to her by Fatou's, while she was pulling the stringes in those days at the Observer. Fatou was widely listened to by the Observer Management. She invite Editors and reporters at her Kanifing residence for lunch. All these, was geared towards getting publicity at the Observer. FJC likes publicity a lot. She reaches out to the President with her daily headline stories published at the Observer. The newsworthiness of Fatou's stories were never gauged. The Observer just publishes whatever junk coming from Fatou. This to some extent landed them into an unfinished libel suit brought against the disgraced Speaker. Fatou is the first defendant, while the Observer is the second defendant. Lawyer Mariam Jack Denton is suing the two for defamation of character. Fatou uses the Observer to insult and ridicule the opposition and the private press.

Neneh came and stopped what she perceives as FJC'S nonsense. She calls the Observer each time the lady is featured by the paper. Left with Neneh alone, FJC should not be mentioned in the pages of the Observer. She wants the lady to be sidelined for good. Reporters assigned to the National Assembly are careful about what they report about parliamentary proceedings. They tend to ignore about the Speaker's messages designed to captivate the attention of the press.

Unhappy with Neneh's media censorship, FJC run around the Point Newspaper offices, soliciting for coverage. She said bad things against the Observer, the President and Neneh Macdowl Gaye. The unsuspecting Point reporters welcome the Speaker with an open arm, not knowing that she was only out to project her image to the President. FJC uses such stop by interviews to bribe journalists. She made numerous attempts to hand over envelops containing cash to poor reporters in the position to sell her image. The late Deyda Hydara, had always warned Point Reporters to refuse accepting money from Fatou. Deyda was all the time stressing the need for reporters to adhere to journalistic ethics, which was not in Fatou's blood. She believes in inducing journalists to get what she wanted.

Few journalists can withstand Fatou's way of luring journalists into corruption. What she does, is to first establish line of communication between such journalists. She would invite you for dinner and offer you lift. This writer turns down Fatou's move to offer him lift in the past. She would be calling pretending to be checking on you. Our journalists need to be really strong to withstand Fatou's manipulative moves. She is a real politician. She can curse Jammeh's mother today and the next day she would be saying nice things about the man. That's Fatou. She is a woman of many colors. She would be the first person to disown Jammeh if he was out of power today. I have been away for sometime, but am back with full force. I was in Ivory Cost taking care of some stuff there.

Former First Lady Tuti Faal Jammeh was Ndeneh Faal's secret friend-Lamarana Jallow.

By Lamarana Jallow, Son of The Gambia.

Dear Editors,

First Lady Tuti Faal Jammeh, never loved Yahya Jammeh. The two couples had history of problems, during their short term marriage. For Tuti, Jammeh was a "doll boy" with little sense of humor. Jammeh has on many occasions accuses Tuti of sleeping with his body guards. Though, there was no proof to back up such claims. As a senior officer in charge of VIP Protection and other key areas at the State House, I received numerous reports from our men about Jammeh's late night quarrel with Tuti. Accusations and counter accusations of being "unfaithful" was the order of the day between the two couples.

As such, Jammeh assigns some of our men to monitor the activities of the First Lady during overseas trips. Tuti's longest serving personal body guard in the person of Pateh, was on our list of investigations. Tuti Faal was very close to Pateh. She was very comfortable with Pateh. She trusts this soldier more than Yahya Jammeh himself. We have made numerous transfer request to move Pateh to other barracks, but Tuti would override such command decisions. She would call me on my cell phone, insisting that Pateh would not move an inch. Lang Tombong Tamba even went to an extent of cursing the first lady's mother when I relayed to him what she told me on the phone. Pateh came from Sinteh Foni. He was very close to Almamo Manneh. Lang never wanted to see him at the State House.

Pateh might be wondering who is Lamarana Jallow, but I used to be your senior man. I played a role in ensuring that Pateh was allowed to stay at the State House. Tuti would invite me for private conversation eachtime oga was out of the palace. We talked a lot. Matter of fact, she told me that she was leaving well before Jammeh was put in the picture. Some of our men are still talking to Tuti. Her days at the State House was interesting. She tell off Jammeh and do whatever she wanted to do. Guards who want promotion or special treatment would rush to Madam Tuti for help. Thanks to Tuti, plans to get me arrested was reversed. Jammeh is the type who tells his woman anything he intends to do if he is in happy mood. Since I'm still in active duty, I would refrain from going into details. I wait for the day when he is handcuffed and taken to Mile two to tell my story to Gambians.

Elders and religious leaders made repeated intervention to keep Tuti at the State House, but she was wilder by the day. She walks out of the palace anytime she wants and had succeeded in making life miserable for "Oga." Lang Tombong contributed to the separation of the two couples. Lang make Oga to believe that Tuti was not a serious lady. He also accuses the lady of meddling into the army's command. Lang played crucial role into Tuti's divorce. Contrary to what was being bandit, it was Tuti who divorced Jammeh and not otherwise. Tuti has demanded divorce from Jammeh on numerous occasions. Oga even threatened to jail her at some point for the "potential" embarrassment her decision to divorce him would have caused. Tuti walked out from the State House and left for good.

I was among the officers who visited her at her Kemboujay residence, where she told us on no uncertain terms that her returning to the State House was totally out of it. We hand delivered Tuti's remaining belongings to her. We also know what led to her change of address. Jammeh assigned the NIA to closely monitor her activities. She later moved to a private house in Latri-Kunda German. Tuti revealed so many things to us about Jammeh's private life. For her, she married the wrong person. That Jammeh was not the right person. Jammeh was not her dream man. Jammeh was not the type of man she wanted.

Ndeneh Faal angered Jammeh

Going out with the President's former wife was a big achievement for any serious young man. Ndeneh was often teased by the then Tourism Minister Yankuba Touray for being "messing" with the big man's former wife. During their Weekend "MBAHAL" lunch at Touray's Kotu house, Tuti's alleged new found relationship with Ndeneh would dominate the show. One of our men posted at Touray's residence called me one afternoon narrating, what he over heard at Touray's residence. "Sir, these people are talking about the former first lady going out with Ndeneh Faal." said the guard. I remarked: What else did they talked about? The guard continued" Well, the Minister is laughing at the top of his voice. He is apparently happy.

Few days later, I met Minister Touray, Willimba, a Lebanese Gambian, Ndeneh Faal and others at a nearby Bar at SeneGambia. While at the Bar, Tuti's name was being mentioned again. I just could not believe that this was Yankuba Touray. As soon as they saw me, they changed their topic.

Yanks and Ndeneh are long time childhood friends. It was obvious that Ndeneh would confide to him in private about his top secrets. It was wrong on the side of Yanks to openly tease Ndeneh about his relationship with the first lady. If Yankuba Touray thinks that what I'm saying here is not the truth, let him counter me. My men are still here to testify against him if called in my office.

Yanks was talking to Tuti during the period in question. Yanks cannot deny that he was not aware of the relationship between Tuti and Ndeneh. Gamcel phone records can confirm my assertions. Yankuba Touray is not loyal to the system at all. He pretends as a Di heart APRC supporter but behind the scenes he would conspire against the Head of State. Lamarana Jallow works at the State House. Our men are angry at this hour. Jammeh would be greeted by rude shock soon.

Ndeneh's relationship with Tuti later reached the President. This led to her subsequent resettlement in Mauritania. She was being closely watched by the state. She returns home not long ago. Jammeh is still trying to lure her into relationship.

Victoria Goddard used to implicate Ndeneh.

Jammeh played a crucial role on Faal's jailing. He was all the time telling me that he was going to set a drastic example on Faal. Magistrate Otta received direct orders from the President. Ndeneh was convicted well before the trial proper kicks-off. Otta was promised with judge position should she helped to convict Musa Suso and Ndeneh Faal. Ndeneh's trial was due to his alleged sexual relationship with Tuti Faal. The drug case was just a tip of the iceberg. Victoria Guard was pardoned because she reached a plea bargaining with the state. Ndeneh was not at the scene of the crime but was implicated by the lady. The intelligence community believe that it was a "planted evidence" just to jail the young man. Though, Ndeneh had bad records in terms of drug related issues, but the timing of the state's purported case speaks volumes. I have to run because our men are detailed to go to Kanilai. Arbaraka Bandirabeh. Hawkundemalla, heckawaleyeh.

Breaking News:Daily Observer Editor Seedy Bojang Fired!!

Alert Gambia: Another newspaper journalist sacked

Seedy Bojang, a journalist working for the Banjul-Based pro-government newspaper “Daily Observer”, was on July 9, 2007 dismissed by the management of the newspaper.

Reasons for his dismissal are not clear, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) sources attributed it to some changes he allegedly made to a text of a caption to an editorial recently ran by the paper.

The sources quoted Managing Director of the newspaper Dr. Saja Taal as saying he has "the right to sack" any member of his staff whenever he deems it fit.

The sources further said the Taal’s management style and personal conduct has created an atmosphere of fear and panic among the entire staff of the newspaper.

Taal is a close confidante of President Jammeh and is alleged to been masterminding the arrests and dismissals of several journalists in the country.

Bojang is the second journalist to be sacked in less than a month at “Daily Observer”. Lamin Dibba, another journalist for the newspaper, was sacked for apparently writing a story in the June 19 edition titled “13 cured HIV/AIDS patients discharged”. Sources said the company’s management was not pleased with his report, and dismissed him.

Kwame Karikari, Prof.

Executive Director

MFWA

Accra

Tel: 233-21-24 24 70

Fax: 233-21-22 10 84

Email: mfwa@africaonline.com.gh

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Houston Texas is the place to be on July 14TH, 2007. All roads to Houston. The Senegalese Mbalax star Pape Diouf has been billed to perform in Houston. The SeneGambian Community facilitated the show, which is geared towards promoting Community base Development projects. A percentage of the proceeds would be used to support the Houston based NGO called "United To Help USA." The said organization provides relief assistance to local communities and international organizations in dare need of help. Its website can be accessed at this link: www.unitedtohelpusa.org

The Houston show has so many things to offer. Its organizers mean business. Your satisfaction is there utmost concern. As such, they have lined up series of programs leading to the show just to entertain the audience. It's going to be a nice Weekend in Houston Texas. Be there to chill. It worth it.

A Soccer game has been scheduled on Saturday afternoon between the Gambian team of Dallas and team Senegal of Houston. Again, the organizers had emphasized that some part of the proceeds of the show would be given to United to help USA. Listeners of radio Xalima.com should also be proud. There is a raffle show to be hosted on Saturday July 7TH between the hours of 12 to 2PM Central time. Listeners, we are told have the opportunity to win a "free admission tickets" on the day in question. Give it a try and see....

Senegalese mbalax star Pape Diouf is not new to the SeneGambian Community. His Raleigh show was a success, as Ndaga fans could be seen dancing all night long. A similar trend is expected to be repeated in Houston Texas. Our "driyankas" in Houston and its surroundings should get ready. Dioufa has good stuff for you.

United Help USA should be supported by every SeneGambian son and daughter. The Organization's goal is to help humanity. It's a timely project, which should be given the necessary support it deserved. Our SeneGambian Community are being urged to attend in their large numbers.

Pape Diouf has been in the music business for sometime now. He is not only a world leading acclaimed music star, but had also releases so many albums over the years. During his days with the Lemzo Diamon, he was one of those rising stars, with his melodious voice. He later set up his own band, which is today a sub-regional and international household name. Dioufa is well respected and admired by music fans on the African continent.

As stated earlier, the Houston show is going to be a "show with a difference." It worth spending one's last saving just to attend. For real. An American popular musician has also been billed to entertain the crowd. "Long time Houston multi-instrumentalist Curtis Lejeune and his supporting family and friends display a truly original musical experience with a mix of Southern Americana and folk rock. This highly original music is full of twists and turns with lyrics that are thought provoking. Lejeune is currently recording a full length CD due for release in late 2007. This is a rare opportunity to catch one of Houston's unique emerging acts." said the Organizers of the show in a letter dispatched to this paper. A local Houton band called the"LIQUIDIOUS" are also going to entertain the crowd. The said band is very popular. A lot of good stuff has been packaged for music lovers.

Houston is the place to be my friends. Be there or be no where. Houston is calling!! See you in Houston on July 14TH. Let us welcome Dioufa and his band. It's party time again. The gate fee is just $35 dollars. It's affordable. Hope to see you all in Houston...

Breaking News:Journalist Chief Manneh might as well be killed by the Jammeh gov't!!

Where is Journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh?

A year ago today, 11 July 2007, Chief Ebrima B. Manneh, a reporter for the "Daily Observer", Banjul-Based pro-government newspaper was arrested and detained by the Gambian National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Since then he has "disappeared" with the Gambian Security agencies and police claiming they do not know his whereabouts.

Manneh "disappeared" a week after the 11 July, 2006 African Union (AU) Heads of State summit in Banjul . Colleagues of Manneh witnessed his arrest by two plainclothes officers of the NIA at the premises of the "Daily Observer". He was suspected to have passed "damaging" information to a foreign journalist prior to the summit.

The NIA and other security agencies have consistently denied keeping him. For the first time in eight months after his arrest, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ebrima Bah released a press statement saying that, "Manneh was not detained at any station". However, at the beginning of 2007, the NIA claimed to have released all detainees they claimed were in their custody, but Manneh was not one of them.

Some Gambian observers allege that the "disappearance" of Manneh could mean he has been either murdered or been so brutally tortured so much so that his captors fear releasing him would prove evidence of their brutalities.

Since the government announced an alleged coup d'etat in March 2006, a number of people, including journalists, lawyers, other civilians and soldiers have been detained without charge.

MFWA has filed suit at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court in Abuja , Nigeria . against the government of President Yahya Jammeh for Chief Manneh's release at The Community Court will sit on July 16, 2007 for hearing.

Issued by the MFWA, Accra . July10, 2007.

The MFWA is a regional independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Accra . It was founded in 1997 to defend and promote the rights and freedom of the media and all forms of expression.

Kwame Karikari, Prof.

Executive Director

MFWA

Accra

Email :