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Deyda Hydara Murder: OJ Calls for International Investigation

Feb 3, 2009, 4:46 AM | Article By: Alieu Jabang

It is just a little over four years since the late Deyda Hydara, Co-proprietor and managing director of The Point newspaper was gunned down by unknown gunmen. 

Mr Omar Jallow, alias OJ, leader of the opposition People's Progressive Party (PPP) has again called for the involvement of international investigators into the "brutal and inhuman murder of the late Deyda Hydara."

OJ, who was speaking to our reporter in an interview recently, said no effort should be spared in making sure that the perpetrators of this act are brought to justice. He described the late Deyda as a journalist who had sacrificed his entire life in support of the truth and justice for all and sundry.

"The late Deyda Hydara was the voice of the voiceless who defended the vulnerable within his power and talent. He was a friend, a father, grandfather and a colleague who was very dear to all," he said, adding that "Hydara should not just die like that without anything being done".

The PPP leader called on the Gambian government to use everything within its power and control to investigate the murder of the late Deyda Hydara in order to bring the culprits to book.

"The government should do everything possible even if it cost them hiring experts from abroad to find out who the perpetrators of this gruesome murder are," OJ added.

This, he went on, is the best way to save the good name that The Gambia has been known for.

"We must all join hands together to stop such inhuman and barbaric acts in our society. Hydara was killed and who knows who will be the next victim?" he remarked.

For the PPP leader, only if the perpetrators are caught and brought to justice will such acts be wiped out from our society.