By MUHAMMED S. BAH
Outgoing President Jammeh in his statement broadcast on GRTS TV around 12 midnight on Wednesday 11 January 2017, calls for
Gambians to resolve the political impasse internally rather than allowing other people outside to come and settle our problems for us.
He said it is the duty of every citizen of the country to defend the constitution. He added that even where we may disagree we should come together and resolve this impasse and any other matter without undue external interference.
“Fellow Gambians cabinet is sitting and will continue to sit and liaise with the National Assembly to take all constitutional measures to ensure rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution prevails in the next few days,” President Jammeh remarked.
“I will be taking all positive measures in all my steps to resolve this in accordance with the Constitution,” he asserted.
He said he appointed the new Secretary General as mediator General in this trying time and mandated him to do the following:
– Ensure that the public and the civil services continue to work proficiently and effectively without fear or favour in an apolitical manner in the service of the nation.
– Secondly meet with stakeholders and prepare a meeting so that all parties can be heard and resolve any mistrust and issue amongst themselves.
– Work with the Attorney General’s Chambers, Minister and National Assembly in drafting a General Amnesty bill to confirm and ensure there is no witch hunt so that we can restore a climate of confidence and security within the constitutional mandate.
In this connection I am issuing an executive order that nobody should be arrested or prosecuted on an act or omission in the pre and post electoral period from Nov 1, 2016 to 31 January.
