Gainako Newspaper

“Where there are wrongs to be corrected to fold one’s arms is to be an accomplice”

FOROYAA: Many people want to know whether you are now to call it a day since you
have failed to retain the seat?

Halifa: This is not a time for any sovereign Gambian who treasures his/her sovereignty to call it a
day. Where there is wrong to be made right those who fold their arms to become mere spectators are
accomplices of a historical aberration. I will never be found guilty of abandoning the cause to build a
society that can guarantee unrestrained liberty and sustainable prosperity to the people. I will serve the
African people and humanity until I am caught by the everlasting sleeps.

FOROYAA: You are quoted to say that the 2007 National Assembly elections will be your last
attempt to contest seats.

Halifa: What I have said is my intention. I have made it clear that I am now 53 years. That my
desire is to serve one more term as National Assembly member to accomplish what I had set out to do at
the level of the Pan African Parliament. I have also said elsewhere that I am committed to serving one
term as a President if that is the will of the NADD executive. On the other hand I had said that if I fail to
retain my seat I will prefer to take the struggle for the liberty and prosperity into the world of knowledge
production.

FOROYAA: Does this not mean that you will leave politics for academia?

Halifa: For those of us who understand the role of ideas representation in history we see a link
between knowledge and practice in shaping human civilization. The pursuit of knowledge is only relevant
if it is linked to its translation into practice to build human civilization. I have not said that I will pursue
knowledge exclusively and abandon the struggle for enhanced liberty and prosperity; on the contrary I
wish to prepare myself more to contribute to the realization of the cause to make the African people free
and prosperous.

FOROYAA: Are you going to retain your post as flag bearer.

Halifa: I will address a resignation letter to the NADD Executive as a matter of principle. It is for
them to decide what is in the best interest of NADD and the country. I am at their service and that of the
country. I know what I want to do as a person but I am willing to subject myself to their service and that
of the country.

FOROYAA: Does this mean that if they want you to continue you will abandon academia?

Halifa: The two are not mutually exclusive. In these five years I have every opportunity to search for
knowledge and produce books for the benefit of the people. Regardless of what the NADD Executive
decides I have all the time in the world to achieve the aim of making my contribution to academia for
posterity.

FOROYAA: It appears that you are committed to politics for a life time.

Halifa: How the country is managed is the concern of all people in the Gambia. We are either
representatives or are represented. All of us should either strive to be honest and mature representatives
or their electors.

FOROYAA: It is reported that the president had said that his big mouthed opponents had been
removed from the National Assembly. That such people used to destroy his relations with the big powers
in the world. What do you say to this?

Halifa: Who the cap fits let him wear it. The Halifa Sallah I know is respected at home and in
Africa and the world. I will not debate on personal opinions. The President’s problem is not Halifa Sallah
but how to guarantee liberty and prosperity to each Gambian. If I were in his position I will not be
offended by critics but would infact respond to every criticism with policy initiatives to enhance liberty
and prosperity. This is the type of democratic leadership Gambia, Africa and the world need.

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