By Sheriff Saidykhan
War of words ensued between the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Dr. Ismaila Ceesay and his Predecessor Demba Ali Jawo over the weekend.
Dr. Ceesay rejected his Predecessors advice, saying he should direct his advice to people whose criticisms against government are personal and bereft of policy solutions.
“I don’t need his advice. Instead, he should direct his advice to those whose criticisms against government are personal and bereft of policy solutions. We are just reciprocating.” he said.
The Information Minister described the tenure of his predecessor as “incompetent”.
He said if he (Demba Ali Jawo) had expended the fraction of his energy and efficiency during his tenure, he (Demba Ali Jawo) could have left a better legacy.
“However, if he had expended a fraction of this energy and efficiency to his ministerial job when he was minister of information, he could have left a better legacy. But he was incompetent as Minister of information.” he slammed.
The former Minister of Information adviced his successor to focus on his self-esteem when dealing with critics he sees as “unfair”.
“He certainly needs to work on his self-esteem, particularly when dealing with his perceived opponents and those he sees as “unfair” critics of the regime.” he adviced.
He further reminded Dr. Ismaila Ceesay of his ministerial role, urging him exercise restrain when responding to critics.
“He should therefore understand that it is the position that he is holding that makes people talk about him and not that they hate him or have any personal grudges against him. Therefore, he should always exercise some restraint when responding to critics rather than being personal.
As a cabinet minister, he should be quite measured in his utterances because whatever word he utters has some possible consequences.”he warned.
He added: “It is certainly out of character to talk about people’s personal lives and livelihood while responding to their criticism of the government. No one deserves to be harangued for simply criticising the government.
For instance, we recently heard him going after people for their educational performance and even their family backgrounds. That is certainly not what people expect from a person of his standing.”.
