NPP deputy spokesman Seedy Njie has come after seven UK MPs who backed an Early Day Motion in the British House of Commons.
The MPs on July 21 signed the EDM welcoming the “imminent publication” of the Gambia’s truth commission’s report, and demanded it be “fully implemented”. They then blasted President Barrow for refusing to step down after three years.
But NPP deputy spokesman in a rebuttal shared with The Fatu Network on Monday said: “I read with utter disgust and disappointment, the politically motivated and malicious Early Day Motion supported by 7 MPs in the British House of Commons calculated to attack Gambian President, His Excellency, Adama Barrow.
“Their motion is highly malicious, unfounded and full of lies. It is unfortunate that these MPs for whatever reasons, would shamelessly advocate for the full implementation of a Commission of Inquiry Recommendations even though, the Report is yet to be completed and submitted to the President of the Republic. This is probably the height of politically-motivated interference in a purely internal and domestic matter.
“Closely examined, the motion can best be described as a calculated third party ploy with vested interest in The Gambia’s domestic politics, deceptively using Jeremey Corbyn to gain cheap popularity and simultaneously create a state of fear and confusion to achieve their political objective.
“Therefore, It is with shock and utter dismay that 7 members of the UK House of Commons supposedly members of high standing in society, would allow themselves to be used as advocates of illegalities and engage in a manner that brings disrepute to the House of Commons.
“It is laughable that, the 7 MPs Early Day Motion supporters would encourage, support and talked about trivial issues and agreements which have no legal basis. Their action is contrary to the supreme law of The Gambia and indeed an insult to democracy and the rule of law.
“I am particularly disappointed with Jeremy Corbyn as a political leader who apparently acts without wise counsel. No doubt, the lawmaker is regarded as the worst and most inept leader in the history of the UK Labour Party, which led to his disgraceful exit. Commenting on enforcement of an agreement against fundamental laws constitutes the height of hypocrisy.
“This individual motion without any support from the House of Commons and does not represent the official position of the UK Government, is malicious, ill-conceived, premature and an interference in our internal and domestic matters as a sovereign, independent nation.
“The 7 idle MPs called for the full implementation of the TRRC’s recommendations when the TRRC has neither finished nor submitted its work to The President.
“Jeremey Corbyn and his colleagues acted unwisely and allowed themselves to be used in what constitutes political interference in our internal and domestic affairs and against all international, diplomatic norms and protocols.
“The Gambia is a sovereign democratic state with constitutional provisions clearly indicating legal processes and procedures regarding recommendations and reports of Commissions of inquiry and how the President reviews and considers such Commissions.
“Curiously, since the TRRC have not completed their work and no report submitted yet, these 7 MPs calling for its implementation suggest they have some very dubious motivations.
“The allegation that since coming to power in 2017, the Barrow Government has not made any progress in the restoration of fundamental rights did not only show how misinformed Jeremy Corbyn and his colleagues are but that the Motion exposes how misguided, ignorant and disconnected they are from the prevailing realities in The Gambia.
“The Government of The Gambia does not only assure but equally ensures the protection of people’s rights and liberties to the fullest. Since taking office in 2017, no journalist have ever been harassed, intimidated, arrested, tortured, detained and or prosecuted.
“The Gambia Police Force and State Intelligence Services formerly NIA have seized all excessiveness and act within the limit of the law while the Armed Forces maintain their constitutional mandate of protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
“Furthermore, since President Barrow came to power, there has not been any incidence where media operatives or houses are being targets of state-sponsored intimidation or harassment.
“President Barrow’s government entrenched and enhance democratic space and political pluralism and not a single political opponent has ever been arrested, detained, charged, prosecuted and or imprisoned for dissent or political reasons.
“Today, thanks to President Barrow, Gambian citizens continue to enjoy unhindered freedoms of association, assembly, expression and of press as necessary and guaranteed in a democratic state.
“The enactment of the Access to Information Law is a testimony to the unyielding rights journalist enjoys in today’s Gambia.
“As a sign of fulfillment of its commitment to human rights, The Gambia Government suspended and or imposed a moratorium on the “Death Penalty”, established and appointed Members of The Gambia National Human Rights Commission, ratified the convention against torture and all government reporting to all Human Rights mechanisms and organs are up to date. This, undoubtedly is evident that this government’s Human rights record surpassed all previous governments and People’s fundamental rights have indeed been restored.
“If the Barrow led-government’s efforts in human rights is not commended, it should not be condemned for fully complying with all domestic and international legal obligations on fundamental rights. We are aware, some MPs in the West are on paycheque by some groups to pursue their interest in a symbolic way. However, President Adama Barrow will not be distracted by this bogus Motion which belongs to the trash bin.
“The Gambia Government is committed to fighting and ending corruption. Steps have been taken, to that effect, the Anti-Corruption Bill is before the National Assembly for enactment, in a bid to boost transparency, Government recently introduced an E-payment system, efficient and sound micro-,economic and financial policies and fiscal discipline, the independence of the office of the Auditor General, the National Audit office and Gambia Public Procurement Authority as well as putting in a legal framework that closes all possible leakages and digitalizing all government payments.
“Also, Government swiftly acts whenever officials are alleged to have committed fraud , thorough investigations are conducted and those involved interdicted .
“The Government of President Adama Barrow is committed to the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections. The Gambia has adequate laws and framework for that to happen. Further to entrench our democracy, government in 2017 amended the electoral law and the constitution by removing excessive deposits, the upper age limit, expulsion of MPs by political parties which results in losing parliamentary seats. This constitutes a major electoral reform by removing unreasonable restrictions and gives elected MPs leverage and independence for efficient and effective discharge of their duties and assures enhanced freedom of speech and debate.
“The Gambia also criminalised FGM and child marriage even though they are entrenched cultural practices.
“In sum, the Corbyn and Co.MPs Early Morning Motion is all lies and ill-conceived.”
