News Just In: Dida Halake, Managing Editor of Gambian Daily Observer Newspaper Arrested

By Ebrima G. Sankareh, Editor-In Chief

Dida Haleka, Observer Editor allegedly arrested Saturday

According to our highly competent sources within the corridors of state power, Dida Halake, Daily Observer's Managing Director-cum-Editor- In-Chief was reportedly arrested Saturday June 14, 2008 and is currently detained at the Kotu Police Station. His arrest is in connection with alleged financial impropriety at the pro-government Daily Observer’s ill-fated Bakau offices. If the allegations are true, Halake will add up the statistics of the paper’s erstwhile managers who were found to be kleptocratic.

Like the paper’s erstwhile Managing Director Dr. Alieu Badara Saja Taal, Halake has sacked dozens of Observer staff. Unlike Taal however, Halake has the dubious distinction of running the paper in a Romeo like enterprise, and has been accused of sexual misconducts at the office. Some staff members have been reportedly sacked just for allegedly refusing to fall in love with him.

Halake also used his position at the Daily Observer to undermine the Gambia Press Union just to gain favours from his employer- President Jammeh. He has over the past year orchestrated several allegations against The Gambia Press Union, among other things accusing the GPU of political pandering. He is alleged to be the mastermind of the so-called Gambia Media Association (GAMA), an entity that was set up as a reaction to the failed attempt by a disgruntled band of Jammeh apologists to highjack the pro-democracy GPU at the Union's Congress held on March 22, 2008. We will continue to monitor the situation and update you on any developments.