Gambian lawmakers divided over member’s sacking
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Lawmakers in The Gambia were Tuesday divided over the sacking by President Adama Barrow of nominated member of the House, Ya Kumba Jaiteh, an official source told PANA.
Samba Jallow, minority leader of the National Assembly, accordingly rejected the resolution of the House read by majority leader Kebba Barrow, saying that it did not follow the right procedure of the august body.
PANA also learnt that sacked Jaiteh was at the national assembly Tuesday, prompting the House to suspend its sitting.
A letter issued Monday to Ms Jaiteh by the Secretary General and Head of Gambia’s Civil Service, Ebrima Camara, stated: “I write to convey executive decision to revoke your nomination as National Assembly Member with immediate effect.”
PANA also learnt that that 31 members of the National Assembly held an emergency caucus on Monday and came up with a resolution not to recognize the dismissal of Jaiteh.
Jallow, also a member of Niamina Dankunku, said the meeting held by the members was an informal one and there were people who did not agree with the resolution.
Jallow said a caucus had no authority to write a resolution, adding that such decisions could only be made by the plenary.
“I refused to sign the resolution as the Minority Leader,” said Jallow, adding that the list shared with journalists claiming to be those who signed the resolution was inaccurate.
“That was an attendance list,” said Jallow, adding:“It is a fraudulent act…”
Jallow said there was a number of them at the meeting who did not agreed with the course of actions taken.
Madi Jobarteh, country representative of Westminster in The Gambia, said in a statement: “The fact that the Constitution gives power to the President to nominate a National Assembly Member does not mean the Constitution guarantees him the power to control that National Assembly Member.”
“The moment a nominated person takes an oath of office as a National Assembly Member, he or she is no more under the control of any person or authority in The Gambia other than the National Assembly itself.
“The removal process of National Assembly Members is well spelt out in the Constitution which does not involve the President in anyway,” he pointed out.
-0- PANA MSS/RA 26Feb2019
