By David Kujabi

Tomorrow 14 April 2022, the 6th Legislative under the 1997 constitution of The Gambia will be sworn in. The swearing in will however precede the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

As per section 93 of the constitution, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Deputy Speaker shall be elected by the members of the Assembly from among the nominated
members.

Now I find this particularly interested because of the people nominated into the National Assembly. There are already speculations that Fabakary Tombong Jatta and Seedy Njie are being pitched for these positions.

If you ask me, I’d say none of these is suitable for this very high offices. Jatta may have the experience and capabilities but looking back at footprints he’s left in the past, I’d say he does not deserve any place in the National Assembly.

He is a reminder of the declaration of the State of Emergency in 2016. He has until his recent fallout with Jammeh, championed the course of Jammeh and is on record on rubbishing the TRRC. One would wonder how he fits into President Barrow”s promise of implementing recommendations of the TRRC.

Seedy Njie’s case is no different, we are all aware of his role in the 2016 impasse and the fact that he was amongst those who escorted Jammeh to Equitorial Guinea is not loss to us. He is one I will not entrust any position in our legislation.

A POTENTIAL DILEMMA OF THE NEW PARLIAMENTARIANS

Many Gambians have shown satisfaction that the ruling party has not won an outright majority and could therefore hold Barrow in check. Well tomorrow presents them a test case.

However, they are confronted with a situation in which they have to make a choice over what they may not desire. Are they going to protest by abstaining from voting? I can’t wait to see what happens.

In 2016, we voted for change, we sought to effect change by applying transitional justice mechanisms – the TRRC, Constitutional Reform, Security Sector Reform etc.

We all know how we have fared in that regard and are not oblivious as to where to point the finger of blame.

…………….

Now that said, I have a personal rant. I’m christian and part of the minority. I’m utterly disappointed that there was no consideration to nominate one of our own to represent us in parliament. And God knows we tried with by contesting. This hurts but we will remain faithful and hope for the best.