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Foreign minister under fire for ‘downplaying’ diplomats’ expulsion
Political and human rights activist, Pa Samba Jow, has advised Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara to resign over the visa scandal involving some Gambian diplomats in Washington DC, United States.
Few weeks ago, four top diplomats at the Gambian embassy in Washington were expelled from the United States for different offences, including visa fraud.
Reacting to the development in a press conference on Monday, Minister Tangara said it is rather unfortunate, but is nothing very serious in a Gambian context.
But according to Pa Samba Jaw, the minister should have resigned.
“This is what is expected of officials under whose purview such scandal happens, but again, we are talking about The Gambia where impunity runs rampant. The Gambia cannot come out of this looking great, because this is an embarrassing stain on our diplomats, especially those in the US and the embassy. I don’t think any serious country would downplay its diplomats being accused of engaging in criminal activities,” he said.
He said the country mustn’t continue to condone and excuse behaviours that are inimical to its collective well-being.
“If anything, this scandal should serve as a reminder that we cannot continue to relegate our diplomatic services to a dumping ground for political friends.”
“I was really taken aback by the minister’s suggestion that though serious; it wasn’t a very serious matter. First, what is alleged against the expelled diplomats is at least criminal and the height of corruption and dereliction of duty. These diplomats weren’t accused of traffic violations, they were accused of visa fraud. If that is not too serious, I don’t know what is.”
Pa Samba said diplomats have a unique responsibility to represent the very best image of their people and country, therefore whatever they do must represent the very best of “our country”.
“The Minister’s analogy is akin to suggesting that if a family member asks you to dip into the nation’s coffers to help them, that may be serious but not too serious, because if you don’t help them, they may consider you wicked. The Gambia must raise our standards especially when it comes to values and ethics,” he said.
Health minister
Commenting on the dismissal of some officials over the AKI deaths, Jaw said: “The decision by the Ministry of Health to fire officials due to the AKI incident is a welcomed move, but I hope that wasn’t done to placate the people, especially coming on the heels of the victims taking legal action against the government. I believe that there is more to this issue than the actions of these fired officials. Our healthcare system is chronically deficient – from management to service delivery, hence these avoidable deaths.”
Sabally
Als commenting on the issue of the diplomats and the health ministry, UDP firebrand campaign manager, Momodou Sabally, said: “Well I am not surprised because I have said in several interviews before that when it comes to proper professional conduct and morality, this government has brought us to a new low. Moreover, I did also say at the advent of this saga that not much will come out of this matter because more senior officials at the foreign office are guilty of similar misconduct.”
He said the implications of the diplomats’ visa fraud will be “pervasively damaging”.
“It is one thing for junior embassy staff to break the rules of a major global power like the USA; but for a Foreign Minister to come out in public to try to downplay it, that is simply adding injury to insult and am sure the US and other diplomatic missions in The Gambia will take note of this. The moral hazard is just too huge when a foreign minister says it is okay for his diplomats posted abroad to be engaged in visa fraud. This one will damage whatever shred of credibility The Gambia is left with in the international community,” he argued.
About the AkI report, Sabally said: “I am not surprised because President Barrow has always stood up to defend the health minister and other top brass of the ministry whenever mishaps happen under their watch. At the very advent of this AKI crisis, President Barrow’s first statement included a declaration of confidence in the health minister and he even commended them for a great job despite the loss of dozens of babies due to negligence.
“The dismissal of the MCA CEO is just a reflection of the Dr Banja situation in which case, an equally culpable minister was retained and his deputy sacrificed. This is now an established trend confirming my longstanding characterisation of this administration as ‘Animal Farm’: all animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others,” Sabally said.
He said the minister’s resignation is long overdue. “From his mismanagement of the Covid-19 pandemic and the related funds for which his ministry was indicted by an audit report, to the rampant maternal mortality cases, Samateh should have resigned a long time ago. Since he does not have that moral decency to resign, he should be fired. Senegal’s health minister was recently fired for a lesser offense of babies’ deaths due to a fire outbreak at a health facility,” Sabally concluded.
Credit to: standard.gm
5 Gambian athletes off to Nigeria
The Gambia Athletics Association Wednesday morning delegated five athletes and a coach to Nigeria to participate in this year’s Wari Grand Prix and the ACAN Championship in Asaba and Abeokuta respectively.
The late invitation which arrived on Monday was quickly dealt with to avoid lateness and the following sprinters were quickly selected to travel with a coach.
1.Kebba Makalo
2.Lamin Camara
3.Sulayman Touray
4.Muhammed Camara
5.Modou Sanneh
The athletes left Banjul yesterday accompanied by Coach Mam Kewey Ceesay Njie.
The Wari Grand Prix is scheduled to start today Thursday while the ACAN championship will take place on 30 July. The athletes will compete in the Men’s 4x100m at both events.
Hardship: Be patient, I understand your pain – Tinubu begs Nigerian youths
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerian youths to be patient and understanding with the hardship caused by the economic initiatives of his administration.
Tinubu explained that the hardships the country is currently facing would eventually vanish and give way to a more equitable, prosperous and inclusive economy.
He gave the assurance on Thursday in the nation’s capital at an audience with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leaders from the 36 States of the federation and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The President said, “I make my pledge to the country that no decision will be difficult for this administration to take for the prosperity and unity of this country. Economic reforms could be slow. Be patient a little more.
“I can assure you that I understand the pains you are going through. It’s not easy to get out the monster of over forty years called fuel subsidy.’’
DAILY POST reports that Nigerians have experienced more hardship since the removal of fuel subsidy two months ago.
Food items, goods and services, including transportation have all gone up as a result of the fuel subsidy removal.
credited to: dailypost.ng
NIGERIA VICTORY OVER AUSTRALIA
Court rejects SSS’ request to elongate Emefiele’s detention
The High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday struck out an application filed by the State Security Service (SSS) to secure an order to detain the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, for 14 more days.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the SSS had told the court in the application that the agency had uncovered fresh evidence that warrants the request for the order.
SSS had quietly filed the application marked FCT/HC/M/12105/2023, on Wednesday, to enlongate Mr Emefiele’s detention.
It was filed in a desperate bid by the SSS to legitimise its disobedience to an order of the Federal High Court in Lagos granting bail to Mr Emefiele earlier on Tuesday.
The Federal High Court in Lagos had, on Tuesday, granted bail to Mr Emefiele after he pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition filed against him by the SSS.
It also ordered the federal prisons in Lagos to take custody of the embattled banker pending when he would meet his bail conditions.
But in violation of the court order, SSS operatives scuttled an attempt by prison officials to take custody of the defendant on the court premises, leading to a clash between the officers of the two federal agencies.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the conduct of agents of the bodies involved in the clash and called for a probe with the a view of punishing the erring officers.
Hamza Muazu, an FCT High Court judge, heard SSS’ fresh application on Thursday.
Mr Muazu struck out the application for being an abuse of court processes and for want of jurisdiction.
When the judge questioned SSS lawyer, Victor Ejelonu, on the court’s jurisdiction in view of the provisions of Sections 293 and 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act which vests exclusive rights on the Magistrates’ Court to grant detention orders, the counsel withdrew the prayer.
Mr Emefiele, was on Tuesday granted bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum by the Federal High Court in Lagos State.
SSS vs Emefiele
The SSS has now held Mr Emefiele for 47 days after arresting him in Lagos on 10 June, a day after President Bola Tinubu’s ordered his suspension from office.
But he was not charged until about 35 days after his arrest and until after a court in Abuja gave the SSS an ultimatum to either release or prosecute him.
The agency filed charges of illegal possession of firearms against Mr Emefiele on the same day the court gave its order.
This set off a wave of disappointment among Nigerians who had heard the agency months earlier sensationally accuse the suspended CBN governor of much weightier terrorism and economic offences.
It finally arraigned him on the downgraded allegations of possession of firearms at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday.
Australia vs Nigeria 2-3: Women’s World Cup 2023 – as it happened
This blog is now closed, thanks for joining us. These were the updates on the Australia vs Nigeria FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 match on Thursday, July 27.
Full-time
Nigeria win – and they deserved it!
The Super Eagles produced a fine defensive display in the second half to beat a talented Australian side. They were ultimately more clinical in their attacks, and Asisat Oshoala’s class, after being subbed on, sealed the deal.
Thank you to both sides for a riveting, scintillating game of football.
Full time: Australia 2-3 Nigeria
credit to: aljazeera
Jaliba FC takes Africell Champions tournament in nerve-racking shootout
In a thrilling and heart-stopping final, Jaliba FC emerged victorious in the prestigious Africell Champions tournament Friday. The tournament captivated football fans with its daily dose of thrilling encounters as champions of the country’s biggest nawettan zones clash.
The final match played at the Bakau mini stadium left spectators on the edge of their seats as the two football giants, Jaliba FC and Jeshwang City Boys ,battled fiercely for the coveted title.
Despite Jeshwang city boys’ overwhelming dominance in both defense, midfield and a splendid attacking prowess, luck proved to be elusive in the critical moments of the match when their dominance faltered in the face of Jaliba FC’s goalkeeper’s heroic display in the shootouts that ensured after a spirited goalless draw.
In the penalty shootout, Jaliba FC’s goalkeeper N’fansu Manneh (The Wall) put his consummating skills to task, demonstrating his unwavering composure and unparalleled reflexes. Manneh made a mesmerising save of the decisive shot to deny Kemo Gomez and Jeshwang City the opportunity to clinch victory.
The stadium erupted in thunderous applause as Jaliba FC’s players celebrated around their star goalkeeper, acknowledging the pivotal role he played in securing their triumph.
The tournament not only produce an exciting final but a gallery of upcoming talents from various teams. From Jaliba FC is the young prodigy Muhammad Fayenkeh, who is touted as the next big sensation in Gambian football. His team mates Abdou Karim Sanneh and Domingo Manneh exhibited exceptional dribbling skills and an innate ability to fine the back of the net.
Their goal-scoring prowess was a driving force behind the team’s successful journey to the final.
On the other hand, Jeshwang City Boys had their own gems in resolute center-back Kemo Gomez, midfield maestro Sheriff Ceesay who pulled the strings with intelligent passes. There was also the magician Bubacarr Gumaneh whose explosive runs and ingenious set-pieces mesmerised the audience. Clinical finisher Samba Njie completes the ensemble from Jeshwang with his ability to find the back of the net when it matters most. Despite their loss, Jeshwang City boys were the darlings of the tournament with many spectators voting them as the most talented side.
The finals will forever be remembered as a testament to the unpredictable nature of football where a match can be dominated, yet the outcome goes another way, often in one flash of brilliance.
Jaliba FC’s victory was exactly like that. The Brikama team trooped out of Bakau in a convoy of cars with tooting horns and loud singing right through the streets of Brikama, symbolising the power of resilience and teamwork.
The Africell sponsored champion tournament had been a rollercoaster of emotions, and in the end, Jaliba FC stood tall, etching their name in Gambian football history as the worthy champions of the first Africell champions’ tournament.
Credit to: standard.gm
Philippines shock New Zealand for first Women’s World Cup win
With its first goal at its first Women’s World Cup the unfavoured Philippines won its first ever match in the tournament, shocking co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 in a Group A game made contentious when a potential equaliser was disallowed.
For the first time in six World Cups, the Football Ferns went into the match as favourites on Tuesday, and would have almost certainly become the first team to reach the round of 16 with another win after they had upset Norway in the opening match of the tournament last week.
But Sarina Bolden scored the Philippines’ historic match-winner from their first shot on goal in the 24th minute, flipping the script and silencing a packed stadium of 33,000 mostly Kiwi football fans.
New Zealand had been ascendant in the first 20 minutes, playing with a confidence which reflected their expectation that this would be its best shot at winning in the group stage and it seemed inevitable the goals would come which would carry into the next round for the first time.
New Zealand keeper Vic Esson had nothing to do until the 20th minute when she had to come forward to punch away a threatening free kick. Suddenly there was panic, even disarray in the New Zealand defence.
Four minutes later and from another free kick which caused chaos in the New Zealand goalmouth, the clearance was ineffective and Sara Eggesvik sent the ball back in for Bolden, who leapt high to head the ball home.
For the rest of the first half the match was more competitive as New Zealand tried to regroup and rally. They had a handful of wasted chances before halftime.
New Zealand threw everything at the Philippines in the second half but to no avail. The moment of contention came in the 68th when Jacqui Hand, who had been denied by the post four minutes earlier, headed home what seemed to be the equalising goal from Hannah Wilkinson’s cross.
The New Zealanders were in full celebration until the referee ruled that Wilkinson had been offside. The decision was close: Wilkinson’s arm and part of her shoulder were offside, but that was enough.
In a frenetic finish, Philippines striker Carleigh Frilles also got the ball into the net from an offside position and New Zealand’s Grace Jale was foiled from close range by a fine McDaniel save.
The Philippines close out their Group A against 1995 winners Norway on Sunday, while New Zealand face Switzerland.
credit to: aljazeera
2023 WWC: FIFA clears Ajibade, Ayinde for Super Falcons vs Australia clash
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will welcome Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimat Ayinde back for their Group B game against Australia on Thursday.
The duo missed Nigeria’s first game at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Canada last Friday due to suspension.
Ajibade and Ayinde were made to serve a two-match ban after they were sent off in the Super Falcons semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.
FIFA in a statement released on Monday, stated that the two players are cleared to face the co-hosts.
The Super Falcons will, however, be without Deborah Abiodun in the game.
Abiodun was sent off in added time of the 0-0 draw against Canada.
The 19-year-old is suspended for one match and will be eligible for Randy Waldrum side’s last group game against debutants Republic of Ireland.
Credit to: dailypost.ng
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