By MUHAMMED S. BAH
The National Assembly on Tuesday, 24 January, 2017, passed a resolution to revoke the declaration of the state of emergency in
The Gambia and the extension of the life of the National Assembly for further period of 90 days.
The first resolution which was the revocation of the state of Emergency was tabled by the Majority Leader, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta Member for Serekunda East and it was seconded by Hon Samba Jallow member for Niamina Danku who is also the Minority Leader.
Tabling the resolution, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta said the following issues are to be considered in the revocation of the Political impasse;
1) Considering the importance of maintaining peace and stability in this Country;
2) Noting with gratitude that the political impasse has been peacefully resolved;
3) In pursuance of ensuring that there is no barrier of whatsoever for the smooth restoration of the incoming government;
According to the Majority Leader, The National Assembly of the Republic of The Gambia, being the duly elected Representative of the People hereby resolved as follows:
1) To approve the revocation of the Declaration of State of Public Emergency that was proclaimed on Tuesday 17th January, 2017;
2) To Revoke the Resolution (Resolution No. 003/2017) of the National Assembly, approving the State of Public Emergency.
In conclusion he said this Resolution is in accordance with section 34(5) (b) of the 1997 Constitution.
In seconding the motion, Hon Samba Jallow, Niamina Danku and the Minority Leader, said that, he disassociated himself from the issue when the National Assembly Members were passing the resolution.
“This resolution I believe was passed just to subvert the will of the people and to stop the swearing in of the elected president Adama Barrow,” he underscored.
All the other members were in support of the resolution.
Resolution on the Extension of the life of NAMs
The second resolution was the revocation of the extension of the life of the National Assembly for a period of 90 days, which also as a result, resort to the extension of the term of the then President Jammeh.
This resolution was tabled by Hon. Bintanding Jarju, Foni Berefet, and seconded by Hon. Abdoulie Saine, Member for Banjul Central.
Tabling the motion before her colleagues, Hon. Bintanding Jarju said in accordance with sections 34(5) (b) and 231 (1) of the 1997 constitution of the Gambia, she is moving the resolution to revoke the extension of the life of the National Assembly for ninety days with effect from 11th April, 2017.
Highlighting the consideration to revoke the resolution on the extension of the life of the National Assembly, she said they are mindful of the existing resolution by the National Assembly extending the life of the National Assembly and that of the office of the President.
She also noted that “We also note with thanks and praises to Allah, the lord of nations that the aforesaid conditions and 1 and 2 are not further required”.
He said “We the Hon. Members of the National Assembly being the duly elected representatives of the people and the pursuance of sections 34 (5) (b) and 231 (1) of the 1997 constitution hereby resolved;
To revoke (resolution No. 004/2017), the extension of the life of the National Assembly, for a period of 90 days.
Adding that without prejudice to sections 34(5) (b) and 231 (1) of the constitution, the consequential extension of the term of office of the president is hereby revoked.
The motion was seconded by Hon Abdoulie Saine Banjul central and supported by other National Assembly Members.
