Pa Modou Bojang, Proprietor of Home Digital FM has disclosed that his detention by the government is an unlawful act that is meant to distract him on his work.
He made this statement at the gates of the Wellingara Police Station where members of the Gambia Press Union (GPU) converge to demand the release of their colleagues who were detained at the aftermath of the 26th January protest by Operation Three Years Jotna.
“First of all my detention was unlawful and for the first twenty four hours the police have not provided me with any food. All the cells I have been to, the conditions are terrible and I believe even criminals have rights,” Bojang said in his first interview shortly after been bailed by the Gambia Press Union. He added:
“You cannot arrest somebody without telling him/her what he/she has done and put him/her in a cell that is just a bare floor without mats, beds or bed sheet and you have to urinate in the same place is another thing all together. I am urging the police and the Government to improve the conditions of the cells,” Home Digital FM Proprietor, Pa Modou Bojang disclosed.
He expressed disappointment towards Minister of Information, Ebrima Sillah and Government Spokesperson, Ebrima Sankareh, arguing that the duo could have done better regarding their relay of information to the public. “Government spokesperson has been telling people that he is going to close Home Digital FM for long time now. He has spoken to some people telling them that Pa Modou is against President Barrow and he will make sure that Home Digital is close and this is exactly what has happened,” Bojang alleged.
He added: “The Government Spokesperson, Ebrima Sankareh and Ebrima Sillah I would like to describe them in one word, they are disappointment.” The Home Digital FM Proprietor observed that the Minister of Information failed to do his job as expected of a season journalist who was exiled for defending press
The Home Digital FM Proprietor observed that the Minister of Information failed to do his job as expected of a season journalist who was exiled for defending press freedom, adding that it is disappointing on the part of Minister Sillah for not defending press freedom today. Pa Modou Bojang, warns Ebrima Sankareh to always get his records straight before uttering any words, adding that being journalists doesn’t mean one is an enemy to the state but rather partners in development.
“I don’t have any Political affiliation, am neutral, impartial and i am visiting all Political divides into my show. I always invite all Political divides which I will continue to do so but cannot force anyone to join me on my show.
In fact, there used to be a time when I used to invite both Ebrima Sillah and Ebrima Sankareh to my Kabeefoo program which we dedicated to them, if I can do this at no cost it shows how impartial I am,” Pa Modou Bojang brushed aside rhetoric’s from critics. “If anyone accuse me of supporting any political party or grouping is nonsense and absolutely rubbish.”