In a press conference at his Residents in Bakau which was covered live by Gainako and other sister online papers, the leader of the United Democratic Party Lawyer Ousainou Darboe said he has been invited by the Director of the NIA for questioning tomorrow Wednesday October 9th, 2013. Mr. Darboe said he has accepted their invitation and will be visiting the NIA headquarters tomorrow between the hours of 10:00am to 11:00am Gambian time. The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is known for its notorious arrest and detention of citizens beyond the 72 hour constitutionally mandated time. It is feared that supporters of the UDP may show up at the NIA headquarters to ensure that their leader is not abducted and or detained after questioning him.
Mr. Darboe during his press conference which will be rebroadcasted live on Gainako radio said he was shocked beyond belief when he received a call from the United States reporting that Shyngle Nyassi has suddenly passed away from an apparent heart attack. Darboe said the country and the UDP have lost an icon, a hero and one of the most courageous and honest citizen. He conveyed his deepest condolence to the family of Shyngle Nyassi.
The UDP leader reacted strongly to the Government allegation that the UDP is a mandinka tribalism party. Darboe cited numerous people who have been members of the UDP who have inter tribal marriages so to brand those people as tribalists is simply irresponsible and ridiculous.
On the issue of pulling the country out of the Commonwealth, Mr. Darboe said Jammeh is only doing this because he does not want to hear any criticism from the EU members who have been pushing for more level playing field and respect for Human Rights in Gambia. Darboe said Jammeh might as well pull out of the UN, the ECOWAS and other institutions. He said Jammeh simply does not understand Gambia’s affiliation with such international institutions. He said “I don’t know how Gambia benefits the Commonwealth but I know how much the Commonwealth benefits the Gambia. He cited the appointment and salary payments of judges who are sent to Gambia from the Commonwealth as technical aid. He said Jammeh just peddles lies and make irresponsible decisions that he try to defend with flimsy excuses.
Darboe’s press conference was attended by local press representatives, covered live by the online media and it lasted for almost an hour and half. Tune on to Gainako radio later to listen to the recorded live press conference.