I
was left bemused by recent press release issued by government as to reasons
advanced for rash redeployments of civil service personnel. A big breaking news
story swirling idly to a smart device at hand behoves technological dominance
in the world of politics today.
To
put it mildly, the administration’s moves are quite unusual. Even while the
head of state has authority to reshuffle the pack as he sees fit, an executive
order should be judged purely on certain sets of criteria & etiquettes
contingent on result-policy engineering. I felt that the changes lack those
merits, therefore, an overstretched executive hand.
Apparently,
the president went about tampering with the civil service stream slicing and
dicing his way through specialist technicians sent packing to unfamiliar roles,
or distant shores. A classic executive overreach, antithetical to the Ethics
and Ethos of democratic rule.
By
choosing to effectively sack & exile seasoned experts from the centre of
gravity - for soft ball players at his beck & call – the president, in
essence may have not broke the law per se, but has run counter to its spirit
thereof. Surrounding oneself with ‘Yes Men’ to sing praises on the dear hail
leader - does NOT develop a country. I stand here wrestling with my conscience
on these difficult words - for the respect one attaches to the office of the
president!!!
In
the United kingdom, success within the civil service is premised on continuity
with minimal interference. An element of professionalism runs high, with
neutrality what it swears by. After a thorough recruitment process, junior
entrants from the lower grades will move around in an effort to equip them new
skills cross-department, certain (sensitive) areas of government.
Confidentiality is paramount of course; that these talented graduates later
specialise in one’s entry line as leading experts, thereby, institutional
memory is kept in tact.
The
Barrow govt, for reasons known to it, has developed a rash addiction to
reshuffle experts from post without the need nor rationale. A smart govt would
not have removed the foremost expert on international trade in the case of
Permanent Secretary Dampha. Given that competitive trade is the bedrock of 21st
century economies, and the cornerstone of success – how has that move help the
country???
Worst
of all came to be the removal of Abdoulie Nyangado, head of Strategic policy.
The man is a raving technocrat with multiple years in leadership roles. His
team, I learnt, is the brainchild behind multi-faceted development projects
with partner institutions all over the country. Again, how does such a loss of
talent help advance the country???
I
thought Fatu Camara’s take on the affair summarised it best; as with the
sacking of SSHFC boss, Manjang. The idea that people participate in government
on the premise to take as much as possible from the system makes me very sad
for our country. Sincerely, I hope the president will revise himself, rescind
according - put interest of the country above his.
The
Gambian people need to look inwardly, reflect on issues and the causes of poverty.
The population seem so distracted, even when China continues to exert
considerable damage on its conscience. But hey, the black appears to be its own
enemy, unfortunately.
Fellow
Gambians – As the month of Ramadan impresses upon the Muslim world, no amount
of money gives solution to an everlasting life. Let each one of us rush to do
as much good as possible impact upon lives of our nearest & dearest.
Profound gratitude to frontline nurses & teachers dedicated to the national
interest. More than ever, I stand very much inspired, reaffirmed in the service
of country.
