Gainako Newspaper

............�How he defeated the most Sophisticated Political Machinery in American History�
The just-ended, fiercely contested Democratic nomination for President
of the United States of America had to come down to the wire. Barack
Obama has finally claimed victory, securing the number of delegates
needed to win the Democratic nomination. Both Obama and his rival
Senator Hillary Clinton had to grind it out to the end, with each candidate
winning one of the last two States to vote � Montana and South Dakota.

This historic nomination contest featuring a woman and an African
American has shattered almost every political record ever recorded in
the history of the United States. Billed as having been the closest to a
record fundraising drive, this primary contest between the Clintons and
the Junior Senator from Illinois exceeded every expectation of a
magnificent campaign between two extraordinarily talented candidates.

The story line is how for the first time in the history of this great democracy, an African American has
finally emerged to claim the nomination for a major political party. Looking at it from every angle,
Obama�s nomination signifies an important reminder of one of the great dreams of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. who prophesized over 40 years ago that �one day this great nation will rise, live up to its true
meaning; that all men are created equal; that little black boys and black girls will one day not be
judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.� Those touching words of the
then young Dr. King have finally started to actualize themselves in the political evolution of this nation.

What is even more fascinating about Obama�s victory is how he did it coming from nowhere
to defeat the Clintons � one of the most sophisticated political families this nation has ever witnessed.
Who would have thought that a first term Junior Senator from the South side of Chicago, an African
American born to a Kenyan immigrant father and raised by a single parent would, against all the odds,
single-handedly take over the reign of the popular ex-president Bill Clinton with Seventy (70%)
percent voter approval combined with one of the toughest first ladies in this nation�s political history?
Who would have thought that an African American candidate who was barely known in the political
arena would have inspired so many young voters who had never shown interest in the political future
of this country? Who would have thought that disenfranchised and divided African American
minorities would rally behind someone they thought was not black enough to represent their interest?

Barack Obama turned out to be that political figure, who did not only inspire voters but
also motivated over one and a half million donors to support his campaign with an average
contribution of $25 during the toughest of economic times. These young Americans, who are
fully conscious of what is at stake in light of a senseless war and economic hardship,
were enamored of Obama�s powerful message of change � a change from the bottom up. This
message of CHANGE, more than anything else, helped Obama land the Democratic nomination.

How He Did It
How did Obama arrive at the nomination? Well, the fight was tough and Obama and his surrogates
will be the first to admit that this was so close that if there were a few more states left in this contest,
the Clintons would have staged another comeback kid revivalism. Obama won this contest doing what
he was best known for, grassroots organizing. In early February after Super Tuesday, he mounted a
vigorous campaign in Caucus States which earned him Eleven (11) consecutive victories, building the
delegate lead that finally handed him the victory. Failure to take serious note of the contest in the
Caucus States was the biggest and most costly political blunder the Clintons ever made. This is what
unbelievably brought the Clintons down on their knees in disbelief while they watched Obama take the
torch away from them. One could not help it but feel sorry for the Clintons who were the biggest
nightmare for the Republican Party.

Another brilliant strategic approach Obama and his team adapted was to swiftly and forcefully
respond to any allegation levied against him by the Clintons. The counter punch which the Clintons
have always used successfully came back to haunt them over and over during this campaign.The
loyalty of the African American voters to the Clintons which earned Bill the nickname �First Black
President� could not be carried over to Hillary because she was up against their own. The Clintons
could not figure out how to handle this voting bloc, the most loyal of the Democratic Party.
Furthermore, as the saying goes �blood is thicker than water.� Having to choose between their own
and their friends, the African Americans overwhelmingly embraced their own who was on the verge of
making history. This massive support from the black population is largely responsible for Obama�s
victories even in the deep historically segregated Southern States.

Obama�s unconventional approach to some major political issues which normally make politicians
unpopular or distrusted, made him an unusually straightforward politician who spoke his mind from his
gut feelings without regard to political consequences. This also earned him the respect and admiration
of many voters. Take, for instance, his honest comment on people clinching to guns and turning to their
religions during economic and other hard times. This comment though unpopular with many who were
guilty of such behavior may have cost him votes, but it couldn�t be truer than the way he stated it.
When the horrible 9/11 terrorist�s attacks hit the U.S, many Americans who never or hardly went to
Church started attending Church. Many who lived away from their families moved back to their home
states to be closer to families. While these attacks were despicable, they brought a sense of reality to
all of us that we were no longer as safe as we might have thought. So Obama was right, people turn to
God when they are hit with hardship and he never backed away from the fundamental facts of his
comment. This was unprecedented for a politician to stick to his guns during such a hard-fought
primary contest.

Of course, some things did not go well with Obama given his inexperience in the political arena. The
Rev. Jeremiah Wright�s hate speech did not go well with Obama and it may have turned away many
voters who could have easily voted for him. On a positive side, though, I think that the Rev. Wright�s
appearance on the scene was, maybe, one of the best things that happened to Obama during his
campaign. Why so? Well, before the Reverend�s tapes surfaced, as many as 22% of Americans had
believed that Obama was a Muslim in disguise. Obviously, America would never vote for a Muslim to
become a nominee of a major political party much more to talk about electing him into the Presidency.
So it was day light for Obama when he was finally proved to be a Christian and had been going to the
same church for over twenty years.

His opponents seized on the matter and pounded on him vigorously which forced him to give a speech
on race which could be his best political speech yet in his political life. His race speech in Philadelphia
clearly distinguished him from many politicians our generation has seen over time. He willingly and
openly discussed the bitter complications of race, an issue that America has never been comfortable to
discuss in the open. It has always been swept beneath the rug even in light of the most despicable acts
of racism. Obama�s confrontation of this highly sensitive issue helped put race in a new perspective
for many Africans. Race in this country would never be looked at the same way it has always been
partly because of Obama�s explicit explanation of what both races harbor deep inside. That timely
speech may have saved his political career, if not, certainly gained him a lot more respect and
admiration from many corners in America.

On a final push to hold on to his lead in delegates, Obama cautiously played a smart political game by
silently admitting that there was nothing he could do to prevent those so-called White working class
and Spanish voters in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia from voting for him simply because of his
color. He studied the rest of the political map and contested fiercely in States that mattered to him and
were willing to give him the opportunity. He was truly right to spend less time in those unfavorable
States because he could not help those who looked at his color instead of voting on the issues that
most affected these people. As one Obama surrogate said �I am sorry if some people in this country
will not vote for a candidate who has no choice in being black or white simply because of his color.�
No matter whatever Obama had done, these folks would never have voted for him anyway. They
simply couldn�t get over the fact that this nation had changed forever and ever.

What Obama Should Do
Finally, now that Obama has won the Democratic nomination, he has a bigger and tougher fight
against John McCain and the Republican Machinery. It is without a doubt that the Republican
machinery is more vicious than the Clinton�s. The good news for Obama and the Democrats is that
George Bush has managed to brilliantly squander the little hope that was left in the political life of this
nation. Obama has a fresh opportunity to open a new chapter and lead this nation to that final dream
that Dr. King had talked about several decades ago.

He would have to sharpen his swords and do exactly what he did to the Clintons � and that is to
tackle head on every single allegation they bring against him. He should continue to be angry at false
allegations and tactics designed to distract this nation from the real issues. When he keeps that straight
counter punch at all times, he will be the next President of the free world.

On the VP search, Obama needs to be very careful who he picks. Historically, the VP pick has either
strengthened or weakened a candidate. While picking Hillary may ultimately win Obama the White
House, she might turn out to be a nuisance in pushing her own agenda on some battles she has been
fighting for decades. Such issues might be Universal Healthcare which she tried so hard during her
husband�s presidency. So Obama needs to evaluate whether he only needs someone to help him win
the White House and take back everything or does he really need someone to enable him bring the
real change he has been advocating for in this country. Hillary is brilliant but a very persistent woman
who could stand in the way of progress for Obama.

......................................................NEWSFLASH:
....Court Orders The Gambia to Immediately
....Release Journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh
.....................................By MFWA...................June 6th, 2008
In a landmark decision delivered on June 5th, 2008, The Community
Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) in Abuja, Nigeria declared the arrest and detention of
Chief Ebrima Manneh illegal and ordered the Gambian authorities to
immediately release him.

The court also awarded damages in the sum of US$ 100,000 in favour
of Manneh against the Gambian Government.

The regime of President Yahya Jammeh has consistently denied any
knowledge of the whereabouts of the journalist, and has demonstrated
gross disrespect for the ECOWAS court by refusing to cooperate
throughout the proceedings.

Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) welcomes this decision by the ECOWAS court. We
therefore call on The Gambia to respect and enforce the judgment in accordance with laid down
procedures.

The suit was filed before the regional court on behalf of Chief Manneh by MFWA.

Prof. Kwame Karikari
Executive Director
MFWA
Accra
Tel: 233 21 24 24 70
Fax : 233 21 221084
Website : www.mediafound.org
Email : mfwa@africaonline.com.gh

Imam Kanteh Speaks the Truth
.................................By Pa Ebou Jeng........June 6th, 2008
Deputy Imam Pa Ebou Jeng says he supports Imam Amadou Kanteh's stance on
the issue of homosexuality. He also reiterates his unwavering support of
President Jammeh's ban on homosexuality in The Gambia. Mr. Jeng further states
that the President was right for initiating such a bold move since Islam does not
welcome homosexuality and the edict by The Gambia government is in line with
islamic principles. Mr. Jeng hailed Imam kanteh's stance on this controversial
issue describing it as � Speaking the truth�
Below is the Imam�s piece.

"O You who believe! Have taqwa with Allah, and be among the truthful."
(Surat al- Tawbah:119)

Many people understand truthfulness to mean truthfulness of the tongue
through speech alone. In reality, truthfulness is a vast curriculum. It is as much one of the
characteristics of the Muslim's personality both outward and inward, as it is his speech and action.
From it are the following:

A. Truthfulness in conveying the Religion: That is, one must profess the correct belief built upon
truthfulness with Allah Azza wa Jall, not upon hypocrisy, deceit and patronization. This is why
truthfulness is mentioned in the Qur'an as the opposite of hypocrisy. "That Allah may reward the
truthful for their truth, and punish the hypocrites if He wills, or turn mercifully towards
them..." (Surat al-Ahzaab:64). Therefore, it is necessary to posses the outward Islam with the
inward Imaan; it is necessary to have the correct belief in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Books,
and the Messengers. The outward guidance must conform to the inward guidance.

Here, is one of the hidden plots of shaytaan who inspires the daa`iya to neglect some of the outward
good deeds under the pretense that his inner reality is not the same. So he avoids this in order to avoid
deceiving the people! This is a huge mistake. The good deed which you perform outwardly is so
because of the righteousness and truthfulness in your heart as long as you do not do it for riyaa'
[show], reputation or in order to deceive the believers.

Pa Ebou Jeng,

.....................................................................................NEWS
......Sheriff Mustapha Dibba
.........A Veteran Politician; Passes Away
.......................................By Solo, Banjul correspondent....June 5th, 2008
Mr. Sheriff M. Dibba has passed away at about the age of 71 years,
born in Salikenni in the Central Badibu District of the North Bank
Division. He was a product of Armitage High school, the only high
school in the provinces in the 1950s and later became a clerk in Banjul,
then colonial Bathurst.

Mr. Dibba then enrolled as a member of the PPP in the early 1960s and
became prominent in politics when he was appointed minister of Local
Government and Lands in 1965. In 1970, Mr. Dibba was appointed as
the vice president and minister of finance when he replaced Mr. Sheriff
Sisay. Mr. Dibba as minister of Local Government and Lands from
1965-1970 went on a tour where he handed dismissal letters to chiefs
who did not support the PPP in the 1959 and 1962 elections such as
Chief Mama Tamba Jammeh of Illiasa which made many to blame him
instead of the President for the sackings.

With this powerful position as vice president and minister of Finance, many eyes were focused on him.
Mr. Dibba�s problems started when his brother Mr. Kutubo Dibba was caught with Mr. Dibba�s
official vehicle in Senegal carrying a lot of Bututs. This created a huge scandal. The bututs were said to
have been sold to be utilized as earrings. The pressure was said to be so intense that Mr. Dibba had
to resign. Mr. Dibba was reinstated as ambassador Extra-ordinary and plenipotentiary with special
responsibilities on the European Economic Commission. But by 10 July 1974, president Jawara
reshuffled his cabinet and Mr. Dibba was again appointed as minister of Economic Planning and
Industrial Development.

More Troubles
However by about July 3rd 1975, news of Mr. Dibba�s dismissal shook the country. He was
removed from his post as minister of Economic Planning and Industrial Development, without any
explanation. But when Jawara was questioned, he stressed Tribalism and Regionalization as possible
reasons which Mr. Dibba denied as unfounded. He however said he was aware of what he called a
malicious campaigns waged against him by certain individuals with the sole and nefarious purpose of
lowering his statute to the position of a Selfish Gambian who was only interested in himself. He added
that he was surprised because for 15 years working in government he was never accused of tribalism.
By 9 August 1975, the Central Baddibu constituents held a meeting at Albion place which was
followed by a mass rally where Mr. Dibba called for a change of leadership of the country; that he
was ready to join with what he called the �progressive forces� for the advancement of the Nation. It
was at this meeting that the National Convention Party was born thus creating a new political situation
for the country. It was envisaged by many observers at the time that the split could augur well for the
country�s democratic process. The NCP however had no ideological difference with the PPP.
The support base of the NCP grew quite rapidly with the vacuum created by the inactivity of the Unity
Party especially in the provinces who joined the ranks of the NCP even before any formal
arrangement was done between the two parties.

By 1977, NCP militants had experienced much difficulty in trying to reach the people. They were
harassed and molested by even the cabinet ministers of the ruling party, �Sare Garaba� a case in
point. Some were tied to trees and flogged, Karanta Jatta, another case in point. This was the time the
PPP militants preached that a government cannot be brought down through an election.

In the 1977 elections, NCP Managed to win 5 seats, while the PPP won 27 seats. This election also
witnessed the nomination of Kukoi Samba Sanyang under the NCP ticket.

More Troubles For Dibba And NCP
By 30 July 1981 Kukoi Samba Sanyang struck with his band of revolutionaries when they entered the
Filed Force Depot, killed the Force commander, Mr. Kekala Baldeh and seized the armory. They
eventually seized the airport, sea port and the National radio. The Senegalese eventually intervened
and restored Jawara�s administration. Mr. Dibba and his close associates like Gibou Jagne were
detained for more than nine months without trial.

Mr. Dibba who stood as a presidential and parliamentary candidate in the 1982 elections could not
campaign due to his incarceration and his colleagues could not also campaign effectively due to the
state of emergency that was put in place with the Emergency powers Act in place. The NCP went
through many traumatizing moments during the period.

The results of the 1982 general elections were not a surprise to many observers. The president Sir
Dawda Jawara, won with a controversial landslide victory with many of the parliamentary seats
returned to the PPP including Mr. Dibba�s Central Baddibu seat for the first time to Hon. Lamin
Kebba Saho. To make matters quite short, Mr. Dibba and co. including an 83 years old man were
freed by the court but not immediately released by the state on the pretext of state security. He was
acquitted and discharged on all the counts including treason.

By 1984, the NCP advocated for the lifting of the state of emergency because in their opinion the
state was no longer threatened. The NCP issued a press release stating that it would not take part in
Sami by-election nor any other elections in this country, as long as the state of emergency exist. They
claimed that the PPP was using the emergency powers to terrorize their supporters, through unlawful
tortures and seizures of voter cards and so on. This action of the NCP took the government by
surprise who saw the move that could badly tarnish their image, decided to immediately to
permanently lift the state of emergency which was trauma for the ordinary person at the time.
By 1987, a new party of a different type emerged. The PDIOS, making the presidential race, a three
way fight. The president barred the new party from using the national radio. The NCP advocated for
foreign observers and journalists to be invited to cover the elections. This was not accepted by the
Government.

After the failure to win the 1987 elections, Mr. Dibba had a secret meeting with President Jawara in
Sussex, England and another one in Banjul to see if the two could work together. But this meetings
were later divulged by Jawara who said Dibba should just join the PPP because they have the
majority. This put a close to the debate but the persistence to engage the PPP somewhat tarnished the
image of the Mr. Dibba as someone who wanted to betray the NCP militants.
By 1989, the Senegalese soldiers withdrew from the Gambia putting an end to the confederation
between the two countries.

By 1992, the country went through another election in which the PPP as usual emerged triumphant.
However Mr. Dibba managed to retrieve his seat and became a member of parliament until 1994
when the country experiences a military coup comprising young lieutenants led by Yahya Jammeh.
Mr. Dibba however did not oppose the coup makers nor did he engage in party politics during the
period. He decided to abide by the decree that prohibits party politics during the two year transitional
rule. By the end of the two-year transition, the military regime came up with another decree that
banned all those who had at one time or another held or participated in the 29 years rule of president
Jawara from running for political office. This ban naturally put together all those affected by the ban to
join and form the United Democratic Party (UDP) led by Lawyer Ousainou Darboe. The UDP
however lost the 1996 presidential elections but by 2001, the regime decided to lift the ban. Mr.
Dibba then revived the NCP and tried to negotiate with the UDP as to who should represent the
coalition which talks failed, motivating him to stand for the NCP in the 2001 presidential elections.
Mr. Dibba�s popularity according to results waned at this time but managed to form a loose alliance
with the ruling APRC where he was nominated and appointed speaker of the Gambia National
Assembly from 2002 to 2006.

By March 22, 2006, there were reports of a foiled coup plot led by the chief of Defence Staff, Lt.
Colonel Ndure Cham. Mr. Sheriff M. Dibba was said to be part of the few civilians arrested allegedly
in connection with the foiled coup detat but was later released. He then went to see the president
immediately to say that he has played no part in the foiled coup plot.

Since then, the veteran politician was reported to be hospitalized at the RVTH and his health was said
to be deteriorating steadily. Mr. Dibba was also reported to have gone to his old constituency during
the 2006 presidential election campaign ostensibly to give support to President Jammeh but very little
was heard of him since then.

Mr. Sheriff Mustahpa Dibba passed away on Monday 2nd June 2008 at the RVTH in Banjul. He is
survived by a wife and many children. Thousands of people converged at his funeral to pay their last
respect to Mr. Dibba.

The veteran politician will be remembered by The Gambian People for waging a relentless struggle for
a multi- party democracy where the people would be the determiners of their destiny. He will also be
remembered for his peaceful methods in nurturing and pampering a fledgling democracy at a time
when the African continent was witnessing Civilian uprisings as in the case of Liberia, to overthrow
unpopular regimes. The veteran politician must be fondly remembered for his party�s slogan,
�Soosolaasoo�coined after the name of a mandinka game, meaning, �We are all inclusive�
May his soul rest in perfect peace?

Gambians in Sweden warming
up for another annual cultural
week: By: Alieu Khan �land Islands��.June 4th, 2008
Many Gambians in Sweden are already in a
frenzy of excitement as they eagerly wait for
the Gambian Cultural Week to kick off. This
event is held at the beginning of the summer
in every year, under the coordination of the
Organisation of Gambians in Sweden (OGIS).

This year's cultural week is tipped to be the
most thrilling. It is not only a coming out party
,but a reunion for many Gambian immigrants
resident in Sweden and neighbouring countries
like Finland, Norway and Denmark.

According to a press release, the week also aims at increasing awareness about the rich Gambian
culture and also encouraging inter-cultural dialogue between Swedes and Gambians. This year's
activities include family outings, football games, cultural nights (fashion show), and also music concerts
featuring famous Senegambian musicians.

It's all starting on the 24th June 2008, with a football match between Banjul 11 and Roots. Roots is
unquestionably one of the popular immigrant teams in the Stockholm suburbs of Rinkeby and Tensta.
This team reminds me of one Musa Jammeh, a Gambian who has lived in Sweden for more than a
decade. He once said to me that football is very instrumental in uniting hearts and I guess this is the
main reason why the cultural week is starting with a football match at the Sundbybergs IP.
The next day is the All White Party with two major Gambian-Swedish DJs Rolex and Mo Hawk. The
duo are well known for organizing wonderful night shows. Mo Hawk is one of the vocalists of
Gambia's leading hip hop group Da Fugitivz. He now lives in Sweden and runs his own recording
studio.
There is also expected to be wollof drumming ( leumbal ), video show and many activities that will be
of interest to both young and old. On the 27th June will offer all genuine Gambian music lovers the
opportunity to roar their admiration and love for Mary N'Diaye, Jalex and Ranking Fire of the former
Born Africans. Mary is a signed young Gambian song writer and also a musician that is tipped to
reach stardom soon.
In the midst of the celebrations Gambian immigrants shall be reminded of their obligations as citizens
by veteran intellectual Papa Jeng. This forum is going to serve as an opportunity to discuss problems
affecting Gambians and also a call for unity and greater collaboration.

The President of OGIS, Brikama's Ismaila Ceesay will be having an interview with journalist Alieu
Khan and this will be published on Gainako. Watch out for this interview next week.

Copyright, 2006-2008: Gainako On-line Newspaper . Site Maintained by Gamway Computers