Melville Roberts Accepts Dr. Ismaila Ceesay’s Debate Invitation

In a move that has stirred interest across Gambia’s political and intellectual landscape, prominent legal expert and social commentator Melville Robertson Roberts has publicly accepted an open challenge issued by Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay for a national debate.

The invitation, extended earlier by Dr. Ceesay as part of his call for open dialogue on matters of national governance, has now been met with a formal and spirited response from Roberts.

In a statement posted to his thousands of followers on Facebook, Roberts wrote:

“With utmost and profound respect, I write to publicly humbly accept the open invitation issued by Dr. Ismaila Ceesay for a public debate. This is an invitation so cloaked in intellectual and political thunder that one might hesitate for fear of the storm that follows.”

He continued with a characteristic mix of rhetorical flair and humility:

“Yet, I step forward humbly but bravely to accept this monumental task… and extortionate the unmatched brilliance of the erudite Dr. Ismaila Ceesay.”

Roberts, who has built a reputation as a sharp political analyst and legal voice in Gambian civic discourse, acknowledged the intellectual stature of Dr. Ceesay, stating he might not be “worthy to untie the laces of his distinguished intellectual boots.” Still, he expressed readiness and eagerness to engage in what he hopes will be a rigorous and enlightening exchange.

He added:

“I welcome the opportunity to engage him on any topic of Gambian governance - past, present, or imagined. May the debate be as enlightening as it is spirited.”

The acceptance sets the stage for what could become one of the most anticipated public debates in recent Gambian history - a forum where contrasting ideas on governance, policy, and political vision could be presented and scrutinised in the public arena.

As of the time of this publication, Dr. Ceesay has yet to respond publicly to Roberts’ formal acceptance, but observers expect further developments soon.

The potential debate marks a significant moment for civic engagement in The Gambia, symbolising a renewed commitment to transparency, intellectual dialogue, and the contest of ideas in a rapidly evolving democratic space.