By Nelson Manneh
The National Assembly Member for Banjul North Constituency Hon Modou Lamin Bah has called for the establishment of a committee to investigate the prisoners who were recently pardoned by President Barrow last week.
The pardon includes 37 convicted prisoners comprising pedophiles.
According to the Banjul North NAM, 19 January symbolises a very important day in The Gambia’s history, because it marks the day President Adama Barrow was inaugurated for the first time at the Gambian Embassy in Senegal. He reiterated that the day symbolised the period when the will of the Gambian people was enforced, despite the previous government’s decision to thwart the elections results of December 2016.
Hon Bah said it is his duty to exercise oversight over all the activities of the executive including the president’s prerogative of mercy which is provided for bySection 82 of the Gambian Constitution. Hon. Bah said before the president pardoned the convicts, he should first and foremost fulfil all the requirements which allows him to do so,such as theestablishment of a three-member committee that should be approved by the National Assembly.
“What message are we sending across as a nation to protect our children when the highest office of the land can release four convicted pedophiles? Where is our commitment to the ‘Never Again’mantra which speaks specifically about child abuse, sexual and gender-based violence?” Hon. Bah asked.
He said the Gambia claims to be committed towards women empowerment when the highest office of the land makes a turn around to give amnesty to convicted rapists. He said the highest authority has pardoned murderers and rapists while those convicted of minor offences rot in jail.
“What does it say about our resolve to fight corruption when after the media published investigations, courts have convicted the only public official for corruption and the President decides to pardon him? Can they claim to be accountable for public malfeasance?” he questioned.
Hon Bah urged the National Assembly to investigate the President’s use of the Prerogative of Mercy as provided for by the Constitution and whether it followed due process this time.
