(JollofNews) – Poignant tributes have been pouring in on Facebook to the Gambia’s ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ingram Reginald Femi Peters, who died on Saturday after a brief illness.
Born in 1946 in Banjul, Mr Peters, appeared in the parliamentary elections in 1987 as a candidate of the Gambian People’s Party (GPP), but he was defeated by the opposing candidates Ebrima AB (“Presseh”) N’Jie of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Kebba W. Foon of the United Party (UP).
Following the overthrow of the PPP government of Sir Dawda Jawara in 1994 by Yahya Jammeh, Mr Peters joined the United Democratic Party (UDP) and held various senior positions including propaganda secretary.
In January 2008, he contested the Banjul Mayoral election for the UDP but was defeated by Samba Faal , candidate for the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC).
The following year during a political rally in Serekunda, Mr Peters was arrested and charged for using a loudspeakers in public without official permission. On 1st April 2010, he was given a one-year prison sentence and a hefty fine by a local magistrate.
In April 2016, Mr Peters was again arrested and sentenced to three years in prison with 18 other members of the UDP for taking to the streets to seek answers about the arrest and killing of one of their senior executive member, Solo Sandeng by security officers.
However, they were released eight months into their sentence following the defeat of Mr Jammeh in the presidential election.
During their time at the notorious Mile Two Prisons, Mr Peters including his party leader Ousainou Darboe where starved and denied medical treatment.
At the time of their release, they were severely malnourished, frail and suffering from poor health. At least two of his colleagues have died since their release from prison.
In the summer of last year, Mr Peters was rewarded with the position of ambassador to Sierra Leone, a position he held until his demise. During his short stint, he tried to improve ties between Banjul and Freetown and fostered unity amongst the Gambian community in the West African country.
Paying tribute to him, Bubacarr Sidiqi Jammeh wrote : Just woke up to the tragic news of Uncle Femi Peters’s sudden demise. My heart is heavy, for we as a nation have lost a national treasure. An epitome of Patriotism, courage, steadfastness and an unwavering sense of commitment to country in time of need. Uncle Femi was one of the key pillars that held the UDP tent together at a time when many were fleeing from us looking for the easy way out. He gave his ALL for country, and left nothing in the tank. He could have ignored the call to go out in the streets or give a legitimate health excuse to not go out and face the wrath of Yaya Jammeh but he didn’t. He went ahead anyway and succeeded in uprooting a tyrant. We will remain ever grateful uncle Femi. Rest In Peace. We will take it from here. We won’t let you down.”
Ahmad Gitteh wrote: ” Oh Allah! Another hero of our great country and UDP party is gone. What a great lost to our country. Uncle Femi Peters you shall be remembered for your wonderful services to our great nation. My heartfelt condolences to the Peters Family, the great party and government and people of the Gambia on this shocking lost. Sleep most peacefully Sir.
Bakary Badjie wrote: “Woke up to news of the demise of a legend who suffered enormously and yet remained humble. Jailed for 1 year in April 2010 for ‘using a loudspeaker’. He served his term and came out resolute to keep fighting for what he believe. He was again arrested in April 2016 and spent 8 months in prison. Rest in Peace Uncle Femi Peters. Gambia will remember you as true hero”
Aziz Dabakh Gaye wrote: His life was defined by a sense of duty, and time and again he served his country with great honor and distinction. It is true that each era has a certain mood, certain assumptions; in Femi’s era, sacrifice; and each generation distinguishes itself in time, or doesn’t. Femi’s did. He himself did. Our country is stronger, and our world is freer, because of his service. Thank you sir for your service. Rest in eternal peace. We all mourn your passing and our condolences to the Peters Family, Mr. Ingram Peters Jr and all UDP Party members.”
Alieu Bah wrote: ” Uncle Femi Peters, one of the formidable, consistent, righteous fighters for the homeland has transitioned to the ancestors. Here is one of the people who earned my deepest respect for never once did he cower in his duty to confront the unjust power that once was. use to meet him at reform club and a humble man he was. respect in the bosom of your lord and in the fullness of his majesty thereof. godspeed, godspeed, thank you sir and rest, rest good sir!”
I can’t express how I feel about this colossal lost to Gambia & humanity at large…
I extended condolences to the Peters family & Gambia as whole; Mr Peters may have a nucleus family but belongs to all Gambia (as a people community) in his selfless service to humanity…
‘He who taste life must taste death’; may God give the Peters family in particular & Gambia in general the strength to come to terms; & bless this gentle soul of a ‘giant in humanity’; Ameen…
Surely another direct victim of the Evil kanilai Murderer; please be rest assured in your innocent sleep, Mr Peters, that your baton passed on, is in safe hands & will continue the rounds into posterity…..
I meet this genius in 2010 in the USA. My focus was on him throughout the conversation with a group others.
The definition of this man is HUMBLE. The definition of this man is RESPECT. The definition of this man is GOD FEARING. The definition of this man is JUSTICE FOR ALL.
I am mourning. The Gambian people have lost one of her FINEST. We will forever remember you as a Leader. A Uniter. A Humble Human Being. A Resilient and Consistent Human Being.
Your course in this life is a lesson to all Gambian people and we will forever carry on that baton for Peace and Justice for all regardless of background.
My Allah reward you the finest and we will meet ypu there soon. Ameen.
You’ve said it all Fafa. The nation must not afford to forget his name in her history.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
You are gone but will never be forgotten, and your memory shall always be cherished by even generations to come. Rest in Peace father Peters.
I’d subscribe to conspiracy theory here and strongly advise that the Peters family demand an independent autopsy and toxicology tests to determine the real cause of death of this gentleman and refined Gambian. Nothing must be left to chance or fatalism.
A man is judged by his honor, deeds and actions. Femi rises above all else like a star and must be accorded the respect and honor that befits a matyr. A Mandela in my book.
PS, anyone that was once in the evil Yaya Jammeh’s custody at any detention center must be screened for possible exposure to toxic substances that may cause latent, chronic and debilitating illnesses leading to the early demise of such persons.
I have always thought so Andrew from the day of their release from kidnap. I suggested they undergo advanced medical examination even if it takes flying them abroad but I wonder if someone really cared at that moment.
I can’t really find myself all the words necessary to honor a statesman of his calibre and integrity. Nonetheless, it is hard for such men to be silenced by men because the more you think you have silenced them, the more meaningful and clearer becomes their voice.
May Hon. Femi Peters’ soul rest in perfect peace. Amen
Mr. Peter’s story is testimony that we do get along regardless of our ethnic/religiou diversity.
Cynical jammeh always wanted to destroy the enduring bond shared. RIP!
Quite true Kinteh! We may debate, argue and disagree on many issues, even how to approach subject-matters, but at the end of the day we are one people, holding tight to and bonding with each other. Let’s not allow bigots and ignoramuses to draw a wedge between us as a people. Our dear departed Femi Peters symbolized that bond that makes us true Gambians. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Kinteh,
This and many more are the lies about Jammeh. He was one the most patriotic leaders who never drew a line between religions and tribes. He gave out on par to all religious followings. Why do you have to deliberately lie?
Do you think the Christians felt included when Jammeh unilaterally declared Gambia an Islamic State? Were Christians and their religion treated apar? What a lopsided view point!!!
Didn’t you see the lady Bishop who told Jammeh to his face that he was a DIVISIVE FIGURE? I bet you want to call names now..
Rest in Peace. What a sad and terrible news. My condolence to his family, relatives and friends. My condolence to the UDP for the untimely loss of a giant of the party.
Mr Peters has carried out his duty to the nation and the best way to pay tribute to his legacy is to continue the good work he dedicated his life to.
The annals of Gambian political history shall always remember the fallen son of the soil as one of the very few Gambians who dared stare a dictator in the eyes in spite of the risks involved in so doing at the time. What is more, he was utterly prepared to face the consequences!
I would therefore suggest that the powers that be either name a street, a building or a square after him. World history has amongst others taught us that this approach is one that most efficient ways of fostering patriotism in any country on the surface of earth. Indeed, rewarding deserving citizens in this way will in due course set in motion a wave of positive nationalism in the country.
Mr Peters has made huge sacrifices for the birth of our newfound democracy … and now he has unfortunately passed on the baton so soon. Hence, it is our duty to carry on with the good work that he and his allies had begun.
My condolence goes to his family, party and all those he had held dear. May your soul rest in peace, indefatigable son of the soil!