PART THREE: THE INDIVIDUAL BEHIND THE ALIAS Mr. Kebeli Demba Nyima/Pappa Njie

Mr. Kebeli Demba Nyima, prior to offering unsolicited guidance on courage, accountability, and journalistic ethics, it might be prudent for you to unveil your true identity to the Gambian populace. 

The foundations of your position appear to be unstable, and rightly so. You have opted to critique respectable citizens, public figures, and political entities while concealing your identity under a pseudonym, all the while demanding transparency and accountability from others. This fundamental inconsistency undermines your argument.

It is unfortunate that an individual who frames himself as a scholarly commentator lacks the fortitude to associate his actual name and standing with his assertions. Throughout the globe, numerous Gambians articulate their political views openly on a daily basis. Former military personnel, professionals, scholars, journalists, and everyday citizens bravely advocate for their beliefs. Regardless of agreement with their stance, they possess an attribute that you seem to eschew: the valor of accountability.

To the anonymous writer in question, I assert that it is imperative for you to reveal your true self, as the ground is indeed shifting beneath you. It is a significant loss of dignity for former military personnel that you choose to launch attacks from behind a mask, targeting individuals whose contributions to the Gambian society surpass your own.

I observe many former U.S. military officers, including Sariang Marong, Alhagie Barrow, Nanama Keita, Camara, Abdul Savage and others, who contribute to discussions on Gambian political and social matters daily, none of whom conceal their identities. they are well respected for what they believe in .What accounts for your reluctance? How did you find your way into military service? Soldiers, both active and retired, are traditionally associated with valor, discipline, and responsibility, and do not shelter behind aliases when voicing their opinions. They stand by their statements and accept the repercussions that may follow.

You ought to refrain from disparaging others and muster the courage to reveal your true identity, rather than relying on pseudonyms. Furthermore, journalism transcends the mere command of language; it is fundamentally about credibility, honesty, and accountability.

Traditionally, military personnel are synonymous with bravery and responsibility. They do not disguise themselves when expressing opinions; they affirm their statements and are willing to face any consequences. Yet, you persist in concealing your identity while criticizing those whose contributions to The Gambia far exceed anything you offer through your anonymous critiques.

If your arguments are as robust as you assert, why remain hidden? If your evidence is as persuasive as you claim, what do you fear from public inquiry? If your beliefs are sincere, why not affix your true name to your written discourse?

The answer is evident.

It is far simpler to launch attacks from obscurity than to stand publicly and defend one’s own record.

You invest a considerable amount of effort in questioning the integrity of others while neglecting to establish your own. You call for accountability from public officials, political supporters, and journalists, yet exempt yourself from the very standards you seek to impose on the rest.

This is not an expression of courage.

This reflects cowardice.

Moreover, it is essential to clarify that journalism is not evaluated on the basis of grammatical perfection. It is not gauged by the number of literary references one can invoke or the extent to which one can elucidate metaphors. The essence of journalism lies in credibility, honesty, accountability, and transparency.

An artfully crafted article devoid of integrity remains dishonest.

A grammatically impeccable piece authored by an individual who refuses to endorse his own identity inherently suffers from issues of credibility.

The Gambian populace is seeking truth, sincerity, and commentators mature enough to discuss issues without resorting to personal assaults, character slurs, or political animosity.

Genuine intellectuals do not spend their time ridiculing innocent individuals. Mature commentators do not regard public discourse merely as a means to settle personal grievances. Serious writers engage in debates about facts, policies, and ideas. They do not hide behind fictitious identities while purporting to uphold democratic principles.

You have consistently demanded that others adhere to standards. The moment has arrived for you to uphold those very standards yourself. 

If you have confidence in your arguments, disclose your identity. 

M

If you champion accountability, reveal yourself.

If you genuinely embody the courage that you expect from others, show yourself. 

Cease hiding behind anonymous names. 

Stop launching criticisms from behind a veil. 

Present your face, sign your name, and allow the Gambian public to evaluate both your arguments and the individual presenting them. 

Until that occurs, your assertions regarding courage, accountability, and journalistic integrity will remain unconvincing.