By Momdou Badgie (A'Nyabh’), Foni, The Gambia

As weird as it may sound Demba was given thumbs up by his constituents. Some earned that status as a result of some arm-twisting by key organizers and party chairmen to convince some of their opponents to give up the race. BB did not gain such status by cheap political propaganda but he earned it. I believe that sometimes the measure of a man is not talking the walk but walking the walk.

 Demba provided the Gambians the result. As an extension worker in the provinces we all have seen where Kiang was before, during and after Bakary- the results can speak in volumes. Let‘s take a quick look at the most looked down job, the teaching field before Bakary as Education Minister and the uplift he accorded the teachers. People were rewarded based on performance but not their political affiliations, connections within the higher hierarchy. After winning elections, most of the Cabinets Ministers in the Jawara regime did not care much about their constituents or the Departments within their ministries.

 During Demba’s time not only were paymasters on time, but also less teachers frequented the Education Department. Teachers’ salaries were increased and performance was at the highest peak. As Minister, when his wife worked for the GNIC and abused the phone by letting constituents calls to their loved ones abroad, he not only paid the telephone bill but he instructed then Managing Director to fire his wife. Another incidence was about a borehole project funded by UNDP that got stocked at the Finance Ministry for final approval by a senior officer who wanted a kick back. Guess what? He summoned a meeting and ordered the Permanent Secretary to call the officer to his office so he could get to the bottom of the problem. He then instructed his guard and those concerned to escort the file to water resources and instructed them to tell the Director to sign the stalled document and bring it back to his office.

All that have been said about him is true in his manners and work ethics. He was a valuable asset to The Gambia government. That was why when he joined the military junta some of us were very happy about what he can bring to the table.

I am well aware of the fact that some of you in America, Europe and rest of developed world have the skills, knowledge and exposure to twist and turn facts around, to confuse your audience. Please excuse me if some of you are offended about what I said about Demba. I am from Foni and have no connections whatsoever with Bakary Bunja Dabo but I want the truth to be told.

I think Demba Darbo as his constituents affectionately called him, is a hardworking guy and he deserves some commendation. I hope and pray some day all the Gambian academics will come back and save this impoverished nation from the dictatorial and totalitarian regime of Dr. Alhagie Yaya Jumukus Junking Jammeh. May I also add that not all of us Jolas like Yahya Jammeh whose behaviour is an absolute embarrassment to my people.