By Rohey Jadama
The leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Lawyer
Ousainou Darboe told journalists at a press conference at his
residence at Kairaba Avenue yesterday, 16 April, that they will be proceeding with their planned tour of the provinces without using a public address system at meetings.Mr. Darboe said they have written a letter to the Inspector General of
Police (IGP) seeking permission to use public address system during
his scheduled tour of the country since 2 April but did not receive a
response until 15 April which entailed a request for them to stipulate
the time for each of the venues they intend to hold their proposed
meetings.
“I have attempted to see the acting IGP but to my disappointment he
refused to see me in his office,” said Mr. Darboe.
The UDP leader said the police should have raised any issue with them
earlier but not to wait until it is less than 24 hours for them to
embark on the tour to make such a request.
Mr. Darboe said the tour was initially scheduled during the start of
the New Year but because of the 30 December incident, they thought it
prudent to reschedule it.
Below is the letter from the Gambia Police Force addressed to the UDP
Secretary General and Party Leader dated 15 April 2015.
RE: PERMISSION FOR USE OF P.A. SYSTEM DURING UDP COUNTRY WIDE CARAVAN TOUR, 16TH TO 26TH APRIL, 2015
The office of the Inspector General of Police writes to acknowledge
receipt of your request dated 2nd April, 2015.
However, this office has observed that, no scheduled time had been
indicated in respect of the venues you intend to hold the meetings.
In this regard, this office hereby requests you to stipulate the time
for each of the venues you intend to hold your proposed meetings.
Thank you
B. SF. Bah (ASP)
Officer Commanding Admin
FOR: INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
Below is UDP’s response to the letter from the police addressed to the IGP:
RE: PERMISSION FOR THE USE OF A P.A. SYSTEM DURING COUNTRY WIDE
CARAVAN TOUR FROM 16TH TO 26TH 2015
I acknowledge receipt of your letter ref. GPF/078/B/(109) of today’s
date which is in response to my letter of 2nd April 2015 seeking
permission to use public address system during my scheduled tour of
the country.
I note your request in the last paragraph of your letter for me to
provide you a time schedule of the meetings. I however do not consider
the request is made bona fides because you had every opportunity since
receipt of my letter to raise the issue.
Making the request less than 24 hours before my departure, tantamounts
to a refusal of my application and I so consider it.
Yours faithfully
A.N.M. OUSAINU DARBOE]]>
