He added that in the first place he should not have been called to the police station to be subjected to what he considered to be “kidnapping”.
Mr. Jobarteh who is also the country’s representative of the Westminster Foundation was speaking during an exclusive interview with The Point.
Mr. Jobarteh was charged by the police with false information and broadcasting in accordance with Section 181A (1) of the criminal code and he was later granted police bail with a Gambian surety, deposited the sum of D50,000 before the police finally dropped the charges against him last week.
Mr. Jobarteh told The Point that he is even more worried that this incident adds to a series of infringements perpetrated by the state against citizens.
“The presence of draconian laws as the one with which I was charged and the attitude of public institutions such as the police to abuse their powers just like that indicate a clear and present threat to citizens’ rights and a move towards dictatorship and away from democracy,” he pointed.
Meanwhile, a letter from the IGP states: “In the spirit of national unity and in recognition of your tremendous efforts in striking a compromise in this saga, I am happy to announce that as the IGP, we are dropping all charges against Mr. Jobarteh as from today.”
The IGP further states that no further action will be taken against Mr. Jobarteh as far as this matter is concerned.
Many researchers who have come to The Gambia especially those interested in knowing more about culture, tradition and Gambians’ way of governance in the pre colonial era had found exploring the kingship in Gambia interesting, especially the pre-colonial ruling villages of Lower Niumi, its three major ruling families and the seven villages they hailed from.
President Adama Barrow yesterday received and accepted the completed TRRC report of 17 volumes, and promised his government’s commitment to ensure justice prevails. However, he asked for patience from citizens.
State House, Banjul, 9th August 2021: President Adama Barrow re-echoed his call for peaceful political campaigns during engagements with religious and social groups supporting his development plan over the weekend.
