Gambia’s National Assembly Tuesday adjourned sine-dine, ending the five years term of the sitting members ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in April.
The Assembly dominated by the former ruling APRC party of former President Yahya Jammeh completed its last and final sitting which coincided with the end of the first Ordinary Session of the 2017 Legislative Year. The Assembly has ever been labeled a rubber stamp for approving whatever the then Jammeh administration wants with or without the interest of Gambians.
The Gambia goes to the polls on April 6th, to elect new National Assembly members under the present government of President Adama Barrow.
The solemn and emotional session presided over by the Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Majority leader and NAM for Serrekunda East on behalf of the Speaker Abdoulie Bojang who is indisposed, afforded members the opportunity to thank their people and the Gambian population for the trust, confidence and support over the past years.
Hon. Samba Jallow, Minority leader and NAM for Niamina Dankunku who moved the motion for the Assembly to adjourn sine-die, thanked the Gambian people for the support. He thanked members from both sides of the House for the excellent job over the past years and their contribution to national development.
He used the opportunity to advised Gambians to preserve the peace in the country and avoid abusing the new democracy the country is enjoying in new Gambia. He also urged the new government to engage the media in sensitizing the people about politics and the essence of ones.
Almost all members later took turns to contribute in the discussion which was very emotional as it was the last time for many of them to be in the National Assembly though many others are also vying for re-election in their various constituencies in the coming elections.
Hon. Abdoulie Jawla, NAM for Sandu Constituency, Hon. Lamin Jadama, NAM for Niamina West, Hon. Baboucarr Nyang, NAM for Banjul South, Lamin Saine, Nominated member, Hon. Abdoulie Singhateh, NAM for Lower Baddibou, Sheriff Hydara of Lower Nuimi and Mama Cherno Jallow of Upper Nuimi all contributed to the discussion.
At the end, Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Majority leader and NAM for Serrekunda East on behalf of the Speaker Abdoulie Bojang thanked all members, Assembly service for their contribution to the development of the nation. He applauded them and further implored on all to continue to render their services to the nation as The Gambia belongs to all.
