Listening to the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry looking into the financial dealings of the former president and his close associates, one becomes convinced beyond reasonable doubt that a lot of waste used to go on in the corridors of power. One realizes that the amounts of money the country generated, and was gaining through different channels could have made all the differences in the lives of many Gambians.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. These amounts were instead used and utilized almost solely by one person and one person alone – the former president. All forms of checks and balances (all caution, as it were) were thrown in the rubbish bin. As a result, today we are that much poorer for it.
What do we learn from it? How do we ensure that our resources will never again be left at the mercy of one man? What went wrong and how do we fix it? What lesson(s) will we set for our future generations? And, how will we explain our docility and/or our naivety which led to this bane?
These are the difficult questions we must ask and answer if we are ever to move forward. These questions are not only to be asked and answered by the governors, but the governed as well. We are all at fault here. No one can be absolved absolutely or entirely. We should all eat humble pie and share the blame here. True, some more than others.
Firstly, we must decide what kind of reprimand should be handed down to those who will be found to have willfully neglected to do their duty as civil servants. These people were paid from taxpayers money to do certain jobs, if they failed to do that, then they are guilty of dereliction of duty for which they have to answer. The fear card will not do here, it is overrated.
Secondly, we must ensure that proper financial procedures are followed to the letter. No more shortcuts. We must ensure that there are proper checks and balances when it comes to financial activities. This will ensure financial discipline and people will be careful as to how they behave when in public office.
Thirdly, our fourth estate must rise from their slumber and do their job. They must hold government to account on behalf of the people. They must not wait for speeches to be handed over to them. They must engage in investigative journalism and bring out the hidden ‘Na ñu jeli liñ waxul’.
Citizens must question everything done or said by government or government officials. We must not take anything for granted. The civil society organizations must lead the way in this endeavor. This is the only way we will rise from the ashes, so to speak.
A wise person shouldn’t be bitten twice in the same hole.
Have a Good Day Mr President….
Tha Scribbler Bah
A Concerned Citizen